Memorandum for the Record

Subj: Middle school visits by NJROTC Cadets

1. NJROTC is a District 214 course in leadership, teamwork and citizenship, using studies about the Navy as a common core. Students take the course as an elective and receive a grade that counts towards graduation and  their GPA. Only the academic class and unit activities are mandatory, but cadets are highly encouraged to participate in the 'extra-curricular' fieldtrips, teams, and events. Students are NOT members of the military, though they wear a 'regulation' military uniform once each week. There is no military obligation, and students have no 'status' within the military. There are definite benefits to those students who are considering a military career, but the accession rate of high school graduates going into the military from NJROTC is no different than the non-NJROTC population. The program is designed to help students be successful in what-ever career or endeavors a student pursues. The unit mission is to help develop more informed and responsible citizens. The goal is to develop young leaders.

2. Our feedback from incoming freshman is that they often didn’t understand the NJROTC program or didn’t know it was available to students from all six District 214 schools. We’ve worked with high school counselors and during 8^th grade pre-registrations to get information out to your students, but find that we still need to do more. One approach we’ve decided to take is to ask cadets to return to their middle schools and discuss their high school experience with 8^th graders. We’re hoping that the information will be helpful to 8^th graders in general, but also clear-up any misconceptions about NJROTC. In return, cadets gain practical experience in organization, public-speaking, and initiative. We’ve asked cadets to contact their 8^th grade teachers or school administrations to see if they may address their students.

3. Please feel free to contact any of the NJROTC instructors at Wheeling High School at 847-718-7116 for more information.

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                                                    LCDR Jeffrey A. Morse, USN(ret)

                                                    Senior Naval Science Instructor