NJROTC

NJROTC

By: Alicia Gonzalez
October 11,2012

Here at Serra, NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserved  Officer Training Corp.) plays a major role in the community whether its performing at pep rallies, different schools, in the parades or for competitions; they always make their presents known. On Wednesdays ROTC dresses out in their uniforms making themselves stand out from other students in the crowd.

Some people think that you join ROTC because you want to go straight to the military. Actually it doesn't work that way. Just joining won't enlist you to the military, navy, or air force. You would have to do that outside of school. Serra's NJROTC is strictly navy only. Other high schools will have different branches, such as military and air force.

Dressed in uniform with rows of ribbons and medals, senior Chris Poma, currently a Lieutenant explains "RO teaches me a lot but mostly how to be a leader. It also teaches me discipline, how to be responsible, and respectful to others.

There are a variety of groups you can join in RO. Chris explains, "There is ADT, UDT, ABDT, UBDT, Color Guard and Athletics and Academics.. I am in ADT which is the armed drill team, which has to do with spinning and performing with rifles."

Some people that aren't in RO think it's easy, all you have to do is march around and get to yell at people. When in reality it's possibly the hardest thing ever. " To me, I think PT- the marching and facing movements, bearings- and drill are the hardest part, if you do something wrong you have to do it all over again.

Even though its a lot of work for the Cadets, they get to have some fun every once in a while. "we get to go on field trips to the Mirimar Air Show and to other schools for competitions. It's a lot of fun"

ROTC is a good choice for incoming freshman and seniors. "It gives you a chance to experience new things. " chris says "being in it for all four years, my advice for them is if you actually wanna have a good time, participate and respect your higher ranks. That will make it a lot easier and more fun. If you are interested see your counselor to get more information or come to the ROTC building. Hope to see you there!