NJROTC

The Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) is a co-curricular leadership and citizenship program for North Plainfield students. The program provides cadets with a dynamic, hands-on environment in which they develop leadership, teamwork, personal responsibility, self-discipline, physical fitness, and a commitment to serving their school and community.

Cadets study leadership, citizenship, naval history, maritime traditions, government, health and wellness, and other topics related to the role of citizen-leaders in society. They also participate in military drill, wear Navy-style uniforms, complete service projects, compete in team events, visit military and historical sites, and explore college and career opportunities.

The program’s goal is to help every cadet become a more confident, responsible, and engaged student and citizen. NJROTC is not military recruiting, and cadets do not incur any military service obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the uniforms cost?
NJROTC uniforms, including shoes, are provided at no cost for cadets to use and maintain while enrolled in the program. Families are generally responsible for providing a plain white undershirt and black socks. Cadets are responsible for properly caring for and returning all issued uniform items.

Do I have to join the military?
No. NJROTC does not create any military obligation. Students who are interested in military service may learn about potential advanced-enlistment opportunities, college ROTC scholarships, and the United States Service Academies. However, the leadership, citizenship, teamwork, and professional skills taught in NJROTC benefit students pursuing any college or career path.

Is NJROTC a regular class?
Yes. NJROTC meets during the regular school day like any other class. A typical week may include classroom instruction, military drill, leadership activities, structured physical fitness, team events, academic support, or preparation for upcoming competitions and ceremonies.

Topics include leadership, citizenship, naval history, military customs and traditions, government, shipboard life, health and wellness, career readiness, and community service. Lessons are designed to be interactive and to reinforce skills students use in their other academic subjects.

How often do cadets wear uniforms?
Cadets normally wear the NJROTC uniform one day each week. Uniform inspections help cadets develop attention to detail, personal responsibility, confidence, preparation, and professional appearance.

Who teaches the courses?
NJROTC courses are taught by retired members of the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard who are certified and trained to serve as NJROTC instructors. The instructors are employees of the North Plainfield School District.

What opportunities are available outside the classroom?
Cadets may participate in activities such as drill, color guard, physical fitness, academic events, leadership development, community service, ceremonies, competitions, and field trips.

Our cadets compete and participate in events throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region. We also visit military, historical, civic, and college locations so cadets can connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

These activities help cadets develop friendships, confidence, teamwork, leadership experience, and a stronger connection to their school and community.

How can I learn more or contact the instructors?
Please contact the North Plainfield NJROTC instructors at njrotc@nplainfield.org.

Participation Requirements
All cadets must have a current physical and completed NJROTC participation documents before taking part in physical training, field trips, competitions, or other program activities. Required documents include the Health Risk Screening Questionnaire, Student Code of Conduct and Parent Consent, and Standard Release Form.

NJROTC Manuals and Required Forms

Cadet Manuals (Link: https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NJROTC/Instructions/Manuals/)

2024 Cadet Reference Manual, Fourth Edition
NJROTC Drill Manual, First Edition, 2024
Cadet Field Manual, Twelfth Edition, 2024

Required Forms

NJROTC Health Risk Screening Questionnaire
Student Code of Conduct and Parent Consent, DD Form 3203
Student Code of Conduct and Parent Consent, DD Form 3203—Spanish
Standard Release Form, GEN 5800

Ideally, families would be able to open and download each document directly from the NJROTC webpage.

We would also like to provide newer photographs that better represent our current cadets, instructors, ceremonies, teams, community service, classroom activities, and field trips.

Finally, because the program regularly has new events, field trips, announcements, forms, and photographs, would it be possible for the NJROTC instructors to receive limited access to update our page? If direct access is not permitted, could we establish a simple process and designated contact for submitting routine webpage updates?

Please let me know the best way to send the PDFs and photographs and whether there are any website formatting, file-size, accessibility, or student-photo requirements we should follow.

Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you for helping us bring the NJROTC page up to date.

Orders of the Sentry

Take charge of this post and all government property in view.
Walk my post in military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing every thing that takes place within sight or hearing.
Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
Repeat all call from any post more distant from the quarter deck than my own.
Quit my post only when properly relieved.
Receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relives me, all orders from the commanding officer, command duty officer, officer of the day, officer of the deck, and all officers and petty officers of the watch only.
Talk to no one except in the line of duty.
Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
Call the petty officer of the watch or officer of the deck in any case not covered by instructions.
Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
Be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.