The administrators attending who had strong views against boot camps prior to this session came away with an appreciation for the potential contained in the military academy model, concern for how to control trends in the application of the model, and a view that further exploration of its use is desirable. All agreed that careful evaluation was necessary, as was a strong and well-connected aftercare component. Recommended characteristics of the model include using the military academy model in which formal training occupies every waking moment of a youth's life in the residential environment, an emphasis on teaching skill development, high expectations for learning, family involvement as an essential component of successful reintegration of youths into their homes and neighborhoods, a residential period of 4-6 months, aftercare starting from the first day, and recognition of the potential for development of every youth. List of additional characteristics