Frequently Asked Questions:
What is NJROTC?
What is taught in class?
Will students be required to go into the armed forces upon graduation?
Are students required to be U.S. citizens?
What kind of credit will students get for taking the NJROTC course?
What are the benefits that can be gained from the course?
What does the course cost?
Are students required to wear a uniform?
How much time does the NJROTC program require?
Can students participate in band, or sports?
Is this a good college preparatory course?
How else could NJROTC benefit my student’s future?
Are the Military Instructors in the Armed Forces?
What if students enroll in NJROTC, and then change their mind?
What if I want more information, or have questions?
What is NJROTC ?
The Navy Jr. Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program is a full credit elective that offers interesting classroom instruction combined with the opportunity to serve the school and community. Cadets are able to participate in extra-curricular activities; enjoy active social programs, and have the opportunity for leadership responsibility.
Return to topWhat is taught in class ?
The curriculum is developed and routinely updated by civilian educators and NJROTC instructors. The wide variety of subjects includes:
NAVAL ORIENTATION
NAVAL OPERATIONS/ORGANIZATION
NAVAL HISTORY
SEAMANSHIP
LEADERSHIP
NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY
ELECTRONICS
OCEANOGRAPHY
DRILLS, COMMANDS, CEREMONIES
Will students be required to go into the armed forces upon graduation ?
No. There is no obligation of any kind to go into the military after graduation.
What kind of credit will students get for taking the NJROTC course ?
The course carries a full elective credit toward graduation, just like all other academic courses. In addition, NJROTC may be substituted for Physical Education or may be taken as an additional elective in conjunction with Physical Education to meet graduation requirements.
What are the benefits that can be gained from the course ?
Your student will learn and practice leadership, responsibility and teamwork
Your student can choose to participate in drill team, color guard,
Marksmanship, academic team, and/or physical training
Your student will meet great people and make new friends
Your student will get to participate in the following events: drill competitions, family picnics, Veteran’s Day parade, Navy birthday, annual Military Ball, plus many more activities.
Your student will be part of an active organization that is well-respected at CHS and in the community.
What does the course cost ?
The course materials, uniforms, supplies and equipment are provided at no charge. Personal items and such things as meals on field trips are not normally covered. Like any other organization, fund-raising projects are ongoing, and necessary to raise funds for special equipment and projects. Most of thefund-raising is done by the cadets and parents. Membership in the parent booster club is just $30.00 per year, and you are highly encouraged to join and participate. It’s a great way for parents to support their student, and make new friends, as well.
Are students required to wear a uniform ?
Yes. A uniform is issued to each student and is typically worn once a week (Alternatively, instructors may relax this rule and have the cadets wear their NJROTC T-shirts). Wearing the uniform is an honor. The uniform must be clean and pressed on the day it is worn.
How much time does the NJROTC program require ?
In addition to the required course time, your student can also elect to participate in other optional activities (drill team, color guard, marksmanship, academic and physical training), which will require some practice time after school. It will be up to you and your student to choose which optional activities they want to participate in. As with any other extracurricular activity, students must not be on academic probation in order to participate.
Can students participate in band, or sports ?
Yes, NJROTC students are active in every phase of the school from varsity football to band. Whenever possible, NJROTC activities are scheduled so as not to conflict with other activities.
Is this a good college preparatory course ?
Yes. NJROTC course material is academically sound and enhances the college preparatory curriculum. NJROTC is well represented in the ranks of the National Honor Society, National Merit Scholarship, and other scholarships. A number of cadets have been accepted into the very prestigious U.S. military academies. Also, for students who enroll in a college ROTC program, many colleges give credit for completion of the NJROTC program.
How else could NJROTC benefit my student’s future ?
NJROTC instructors have been successful each year in helping students obtain ROTC scholarships and nominations to the U.S. Military Academies. And, all the military services give up to one or two pay grades (rates) to those who enlist after having successfully completed the NJROTC course in high school.
Are the Military Instructors in the Armed Forces ?
No. The Sr. Naval Science Instructor (NSI) is a retired Naval Officer and the Naval Science Instructor is a retired Marine Corps staff non-commissioned officer. Both instructors are school faculty members and employees of FBISD like all other teachers, and are certified by the US Navy and Marine Corps to teach at the high school level.
What if students enroll in NJROTC, and then change their mind ?
This is not likely to occur, but if so, their counselor will work with them to find an alternate course.
What if I want more information, or have questions ?
Please contact Cmdr. Kenneth Minnard @ 281.634.2208 or Kenneth.Minnard@fortbend.k12.tx.us