No, cadets in the NJROTC Program are not obligated to join the military after high school. Although the program has benefits which can help students in a military career, the program IS NOT a recruiting tool to influence students to enlist in the military.

Taking a class in NJROTC covers for two years of P.E. credit, or one set of credits per year of completion in the course. After two years of completion, NJROTC is considered an Elective course, which can fill up class space in student schedules. NJROTC provides a variety of opportunities in different areas ranging from academic to athletic activities.

If you are currently not an NJROTC cadet but wish to join the program, please contact your counselor in switching your classes or come to Room 406 and refer to our Naval Science Instructors for more information. If you are considering in joining one of our teams, then look out for the next practice being held and show up!

Cadets start off by doing physical training, otherwise known as PT, on Monday. Tuesdays are NSU Inspection days, where cadets are required to show up to class in uniform in order to be graded. Wednesdays are Drill days, where cadets learn the basics and meaning of military drill. Thursdays are Academic days, where cadets learn from a variety of Naval Core subjects. Cadets end the week on Friday with another PT day, usually involving a fun and engaging team sport with other cadets in class.

Cadets who wish to pursue a career in the military are entitled to a pay-grade of E-3 in the Navy after enlisting and providing evidence of at least 3 years of completion of the NJROTC Program. Cadets are also eligible to receive a JROTC nomination from Instructors for an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Extracurricular activities and leadership experience that come with being in the program also stand out on college applications.

Throughout the school year, our unit takes part in multiple field trips like the Miramar Air Show and SeaWorld. We also host many community and school service-based activities as well. We have teams that compete within multiple areas of involvement, such as our Drone Team, Cyber Team, Color Guard Team, Athletic Team, and Drill Teams.

The Naval Science Instructors hold the overall responsibility in how the unit operates and the types of activities cadets can be involved in. However, NJROTC is also a student-led program, where majority of senior cadets and other upperclassmen in the unit work closely with the instructors to plan events and reach unit goals. NJROTC goes off a hierarchy system, namely the Chain-of-Command, where the student Triad and Staff Leadership hold the most responsibility and authority in the program.

Students are not required to hold a position of leadership in the unit but are heavily encouraged. First years start off in the program by learning the foundations of leadership, such as being a good follower. As cadets progress through the program, more leadership opportunities will be available, where cadets can hold positions in the classroom environment to being leaders of teams.

Ranks are based on achievement and efforts throughout the program, where the higher rank a cadet attains, the more experience the cadet have. Cadets will have multiple opportunities to rank up throughout the year, in which outstanding performance in drill and knowledge is required. Similarly, cadets have the chance to earn ribbons and medals, which are achieved through involvement in teams, service in the community, and being a model student in class.