Since 1916, the NJROTC program has been a big deal in many American High Schools and Colleges, but still many students don’t know what the NJROTC program is really about. The majority of them may just think: It must be some military program since they wear uniforms sometimes. And that is all that many people usually know about it. However, it is much more than that. The class includes leadership training, drill meets, volunteering, and fun times. Most cadets find it really beneficial and quite enjoyable.
So what is NJROTC? The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a military program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces. It takes place in many high schools in the country. While the program teaches young men and women the basics of military customs and traditions, it also develops in them other important life skills such as: self-discipline, self-confidence, time management, teamwork, and leadership skills. All of these help them successfully meet the challenges of adulthood. The NJROTC program also includes different teams such as: Color Guard, Marksmanship, Physical Training, Academics, Armed Drill, etc. Other events like Leadership Lectures, Drill Meets, Volunteer Opportunities, Physical Fitness, and more are also included in the program. The NJROTC program helps the cadets grow and mature. Why do some students choose to join it? Is it just for PE credit, or maybe because they want to wear a uniform and look “cool”? Maybe these cadets want to just try something out or maybe they want to become a part of something bigger than themselves? What is that special about that program? All of those answers are right in part. The truth is deeper than what lies on the surface.
“I joined because I was interested in underwater robotics,” Cadet junior Abigail Copple said. “It was around the time when I found out about majoring in oceanography or ocean engineering so I thought it was an organization that would perfectly align with my major and it did!” Copple said.
NJROTC provides unique opportunities. Everybody has different plans for their life and that’s perfectly fine. Some will go straight into the military and others may choose to go to college and not go to the military at all. All students join the program for their own personal reasons but the great thing about NJROTC is that no matter what you want to do after high school, NJROTC will help you achieve those goals.
“I became a NJROTC instructor because being an instructor in the Navy, I was able to see how students started out not knowing much about leadership, not knowing much about having goals,” Senior Chief Del Real said. “I was able to see the outcome and how much the students progressed just by the impact that I was able to have on that person as far as professional development.”
What do people need to succeed in JROTC? Physical strength, academic abilities, or something else?
“The key to success in the program is to be committed and determined,” Cadet senior Ritchie said. “If you do these two things, then you will achieve the goal that you set for yourself and you will see yourself make great progress.” Ritchie said.
Success in NJROTC depends on each cadet. It is fairly easy for those cadets who decide to just go to class every other day and that is it. But for those who choose to be really active in the program, show up to every practice and class, go to a lot of volunteering events, and be in leadership, it is demanding. Those cadets must push themselves to their limit. They must work hard, adapt, learn quickly, volunteer, take initiative, be ready to be in charge, and try something new. All that can either make you or break you. JROTC helps develop discipline to do what you need to do when you must do it. It also requires learning to deal with different people and personalities. Sometimes conflicts occur so students learn how to work out problems. But what do the cadets like the most about the program?
“The people, the cadets! They are amazing. I’m glad to have this group of people around me – cadets just like you who will have your back no matter what. And we have fantastic times together,” Ritchie said. “Some cadets who were just random people for you in the beginning will become close friends and a big family.”
This is just one thing that most cadets absolutely love – NJROTC community! People, cadets, instructors, are just amazing, but that’s not the only thing that cadets like in the program.
“I like that NJROTC is the only program where everything is led by the students. Every document is written by the students. Every practice is led by the students. Every class is taught by the students. Students are really working as teachers. We are teaching each other. I like that NJROTC is a great opportunity to learn how to be a professional and make mistakes at the same time,” Copple said. “Even how to do paperwork, how to make lesson plans as a 16 year olds and put them into practice. It helps when we will go out into the real world and become leaders. I know what is expected from me and what I have to do everywhere I go,” Copple said. “The greatest thing for me, I have learned how I can handle hard things and how to play on my strengths while improving my weaknesses.”
