HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS U.S. NAVY JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS (NJROTC) NAVAL SCIENCE PROGRAM The U. S. Navy Junior Reserve Officers Program (NJROTC) is designed to help today s youth meet tomorrow s life challenges. The mission of the NJROTC Program is to instill in students in the United States secondary school systems the values of citizenship, service to the community and a sense of responsibility in duty to their country. In short, NJROTC is designed to motivate young people to be better Citizens. The NJROTC program prepares young men and women for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as American citizens. This course is like none other on campus as students are awakened to a keen sense of responsibility, respect for authority, and accountability for actions. Additionally, NJROTC develops leadership, teamwork, and character. It stimulates and encourages students to graduate from high school, and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities that will benefit the student, community, and nation. NJROTC instructors, all retired U. S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Commissioned Officers and Enlisted personnel who are nationally certified and state licensed teachers, evaluate potential and motivate each student to rise to his/her maximum potential. The Naval Science department is composed of a Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) and a Naval Science Instructor (NSI) who teach the Naval Science Curriculum outlined below, and are qualified to coach NJROTC competitive Drill Teams, Color Guard teams, Academic and Physical Fitness (PT) teams. They are also nationally certified to coach competitive Air Rifle teams. Following the Mission of the Hamilton County Department of Education Committed to the personal and intellectual success of all students The Howard School NJROTC Vision, Mission and Motto is the following: Unit Vision. Howard NJROTC will be highly regarded and recognized as a superior Junior ROTC Program in Hamilton County and a Distinguished Unit in NJROTC Area NINE. Unit Mission. To motivate young people to become better United States citizens. Cadets formulate annual goals for the year that contribute to the accomplishment of the Unit Mission. Unit Motto. Developing Student Leaders Today to be Citizen Leaders for Tomorrow. The NJROTC Program as The Howard School of Academics and Technology (HSAT) is part of the total JROTC Program s cooperative effort of the Hamilton County schools.
As with the Army JROTC Program, the Navy JROTC Program consists of four years of instruction, over 8 semesters (Block Schedule). At least one elective credit toward graduation is awarded for each semester successfully completed. The NJROTC curriculum also substitutes for the following required core credits for graduation: 1 required Lifetime Wellness credit and ½ required PE credit substituted for the first two earned NJROTC credits; ½ required credits in Personal Finance; and, one US Government credit substituted for the following three earned JROTC credits. JROTC cadets can also earn up to 17 college credit hours through JROTC and its sponsored activities. Students who participate in JROTC incur absolutely no obligation for military service, either active, reserve, or national guard. Our successful JROTC cadets can, however, accrue advantages in rank and college scholarship in associated military service and education. The Naval Science Curriculum at The Howard School provides eight, one-semester courses of instruction that are titled Naval Science 1 (NS 1), Naval Science 2 (NS 2), Naval Science 3 (NS 3) and Naval Science 4 (NS 4). Students must satisfactorily complete each lower level class and be recommended by the SNSI/NSI to progress to the next level class. Course outcomes include, but are not limited to, the following: Demonstrate an understanding of, and an appreciation for, what it means to be a productive and respected citizen of the United States. Appreciation of the moral and ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship and character which include integrity, responsibility, and respect for constituted authority. Development of leadership potential with the abilities to live and work cooperatively with others. Ability to think logically and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Appreciation of the importance of physical fitness, proper diet and stress management in maintaining good health and wellness. Knowledge of the effects and dangers of substance abuse, ways to resist pressures to try drugs, and how to help others to avoid them. Development of mental management abilities in the development of a personal life plan that includes vision and goal setting, life-long learning, and positive self-image. Familiarity with the U. S. Navy Maritime history, geography, nautical sciences, organization and structure of the Navy, and the importance of sea power in the growth of the United States as a world leader. Knowledge of educational and vocational opportunities and the development of basic skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a military or civilian team.
Understanding the importance of high school graduation to a successful future. Development of positive lifestyle management that seeks to integrate the emotional, social, intellectual, and physical dimensions of self for a longer, more productive, and higher quality of life. NJROTC cadets have the satisfaction of assuming increasing responsibilities as they progress throughout their NJROTC high school careers. Basic skills and responsibilities of "followship" are learned the first year, and then cadets take on more and more of the responsibilities of leadership and training of underclassmen during succeeding years. To provide a structure for application of lessons learned in the classroom, NJROTC cadets are organized as a Cadet Company of three platoons and a Staff Officer leadership unit. All leadership positions are held by cadets. Cadet Staff Officers are charged with leadership functions of planning, organizing and executing operation of the unit events and activities. Cadet officers also manage the Units Uniform and equipment inventory, including issue, return and disposal of uniforms. They keep organizational and cadet personnel records, plan and assist in coaching competitive teams, function as the Cadet Promotion Board to recommend cadets for advancement and promotions, and provide input to the SNSI/NSI on performance evaluations of younger cadets. Annually, the NJROTC Unit is inspected to the NJROTC Area Manager, who insures the unit is complying with all U. S. Navy NJROTC instructions and directives. The Cadet Staff Officers give a presentation of their management and leadership of the Unit. The Area Manager inspects the School facilities to insure they meet the minimum requirements of the Navy, and the proper management of the NJROTC uniform inventory and instructional materials provided by the Navy. The outcome of the Area Manager s Annual Inspection may result in the NJROTC Unit being recognized as a Distinguished NJROTC Unit or as a Unit Achievement Award winner in Area NINE. Based on the outcome of the annual inspection, NJROTC units are eligible for recognition as the Most Outstanding Unit in Area NINE and/or in the Nation, and Most Improved Unit in Area NINE and/or the Nation. The NJROTC Program includes many curriculum-driven, integrated-curricular activities and events both during regular instructional periods and outside the normal school day. These activities are designed to amplify the formal curriculum with performance-based tasks while at the same time providing wholesome recreational activities for cadets. Some of the more important ones are: ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY. In the spring of each year, the NJROTC Program recognizes deserving cadets for outstanding performance and achievements in academics, athletics, military, and citizenship. Recognitions include NJROTC Distinguished Cadet, Honor Cadet, Cadet Achievement, Military Aptitude, Outstanding Cadet, Exemplary Conduct and Appearance, and school Principal and SNSI/NSI outstanding cadet awards.
ANNUAL NJROTC BALL. This is a formal dinner dance that is held each year. Highlight of the evening is the crowning of the Military Ball Queen/King. The Military Ball Queen/King and Court are selected by the Cadet Corps from among seniors who are enrolled in NJROTC. ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE. On the first Friday in May each year, all JROTC Units march in the Annual Armed Forces Day Parade, a street parade in downtown Chattanooga. The parade is sponsored by the Chattanooga Area Veterans' Council and units compete for Best Marching Unit. LEADERSHIP ACADEMY. Each year the U.S. Navy conducts a one-week summer leadership academy in June for NJROTC cadets who will be selected for NJROTC Unit cadet staff officer positions the next school year. The Academy is held as selected sites where adequate berthing, nutrition and classroom facilities exist, and who will sponsor the event. Transportation to and from summer camp, housing, meals, uniforms, and equipment are furnished by the Navy for cadets enrolled in a school program. Cadets pay only for optional incidentals. Cadets receive a full week of intensive training under the direct supervision of active and retired cadre. Howard School NJROTC instructors and chaperones live with cadets during camp, attend training with them, and provide general care and supervision. ADVENTURE TRAINING. Throughout the year JROTC Departments conduct voluntary training and practice in outdoor activities such as rappelling, obstacle/confidence/leadership courses, basic mountaineering, spelunking, and white water rafting for all cadets who want to participate. These activities, normally conducted on weekends or after school, are also integrated-curriculum, performance-driven events with hands-on application of lesson objectives. Cadets who successfully complete the training are awarded an adventure training ribbon to wear on their uniform. SPECIAL UNITS. Some NJROTC Units has a Special Unit, variously called Raiders, Orienteers, Marauders, etc., that engages in advanced training and practice in mountaineering, orienteering, basic survival techniques, and physical training. Special Units compete with similar units from other high schools in the region each year. NJROTC COMPETITIVE TEAMS. Every NJROTC Unit throughout the Nation attempts to form competitive teams that participate in local, state and regional competitions, which are all qualifiers for the annual NJROTC National competition. Some competitions are called Postal Competition that are done at the school and results mailed in to the sponsoring activity. Academic, Air Rifle and Physical Fitness are teams can compete in live and postal competitions. Team members must meet school athletic participation academic standards and must attend practices when scheduled. Qualifying members are eligible to receive a NJROTC varsity school Letter for their year-long participation. ACADEMIC TEAM. NJROTC Academic teams compete by taking tests on a wide variety of subjects including NJROTC curriculum and ACT/SAT subjects. In addition, these teams compete in debate type competitions against other school and JROTC teams.
DRILL TEAM. NJROTC fields two competitive co-educational drill teams, one with mock military-style rifles and one without rifles, for NJROTC and other service JROTC competitions. There are two types of drill routines military drill movements and exhibition style routines. The Drill Teams performs at football games, basketball games, and civic functions, when asked to do so. COLOR GUARD. NJROTC Color Guards serves its high school and local community at ceremonies that require the National, State, and/or School Colors for a wide variety of activities and events. In addition, the Color Guard Team competes in local and regional competitions and can qualify for NJROTC Nationals competition. RIFLE TEAM. NJROTC Air Rifle Teams participates in a highly competitive inter-high school sport. Teams travel throughout the region to fire shoulder-toshoulder matches against other school teams, and also fire in regional and national postal matches. Our Rifle Teams compete statewide in the Junior Olympics. Air rifles are furnished by the Navy; pellets are purchased by the individual units. PHYSICAL FITNESS TEAM. NJROTC follows the NJROTC National competition guidelines, competing in teams of 4-8 in the same exercises as in the NJROTC Physical Fitness standards curl-ups, push-ups and a one-mile run. In addition to the educational benefits derived from the program, Cadets who complete at least two full years in the NJROTC program may receive advanced rank and pay status on enlisting in the active military services, reserve forces, or National Guard. Also, those who complete three years may qualify for advanced placement in the Senior ROTC Program at colleges and universities where the senior program is offered. NJROTC cadets, with high academic standards, compete well for appointments to the national Military Academies. The JROTC Program dates back to the National Defense Act of 1916, which authorized the Secretary of War to issue equipment to those secondary schools desiring military training programs. The concept of maintaining a national program for high school students, but with a mission shifted towards citizenship education rather than military training, was revalidated during the Congressional hearings preceding passage of the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964, the statue which governs service ROTC programs today. The NJROTC program was established by Public Law in 1964 and may be found in Title 10, U.S. Code, Chapter 102. Under the administration of the Commander, Naval Service Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, the program is conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the nation, by instructors who are retired Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel. Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by community service activities, drill competition, field meets, flights, visits to naval activities, marksmanship training, and other military training. Uniforms, textbooks, training aids, travel allowance, and a substantial portion of instructors' salaries are provided by the Navy.
The NJROTC Program of Instruction is an integral part of The Howard School s curriculum, whose instructors are nationally certified by the Navy, licensed by the state of Tennessee, and hired by Hamilton County Department of Education based on the individual's background and academic credentials. The NJROTC Program maintains a stellar reputation in the high school environment throughout Tennessee and the Nation. The curriculum is designed to meet the changing educational philosophies and concepts of today's high schools. The curriculum is designed to support and emphasize the Mission of Hamilton County Schools and The Howard School of Academics and Technology (HSAT).