Paint Branch High School Naval
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
The United States Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)
Program was established by the United States government in 1964. The
mission of NJROTC was and is today to promote patriotism, develop
responsible citizens, develop respect for authority, promote leadership,
promote an understanding of the basic elements and the need for national
security, provide information for a possible military career, promote
community service, provide a positive alternative to gangs, promote high
school completion, and provide incentive to live a healthy and drug free
life. The program is instructed by two retired Naval Vetrans. The Senior Naval Science Instructor is Commander John J. DeCavage USN(Ret), and the Naval Science Instructor is Chief Petty Officer Scott K. Williams USN(Ret).
NJROTC is sponsored by the United States Navy. All books, equipment and
uniforms are provided by the Navy free of charge. NJROTC also provides
information for those who wish to join the Armed Services but service in
the military is NOT required after completion of the NJROTC curriculum.
All NJROTC participants who enlist in the United States Military are
instantly promoted upon completion of boot camp. NJROTC participation is
also a major help for those who wish to apply to any of the United
States Service Academies or a ROTC scholarship.
The NJROTC curriculum includes leadership, seamanship, communications,
sea power, naval history, naval weapon systems, oceanography, astronomy,
weather, and strategy. NJROTC also offers several extracurricular
activities such as drill team competitions, color guard performances, air
rifle team, and academic competitions.
In 2003, the Paint Branch High School NJROTC Unit was created. Thirty
six cadets began the school year as members of the very first Paint Branch
NJROTC unit. At the end of the year, the unit’s ranks had grown to sixty
eight cadets. At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year the Paint
Branch NJROTC Units’ ranks has grown to one hundred and ten cadets.
The PBHS NJROTC unit takes several trips per year. On average, the
unit takes five one day field trips to various locations in and around
Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington D.C. During these field trips the
unit visits various museums, attends military ceremonies, and participates
in parades and veterans events. Every Fall, the unit takes a five day
trip to the Tidewater, VA area were the cadets have an opportunity to visit
various military instillations as well as participate in various military
training venues. A
trip to Busch Gardens is usually included. These field trips are a
major part of the NJROTC curriculum, and give the cadets a chance to actually
see and do many of the principals that are taught in class.
The NJROTC Color Guard
Color Guard Team Commander:
Cadet ENS Arah
Assistant Color Guard Team Commander:
Cadet CPO Carter
The NJROTC Color Guard is made up of a group four people who present
the National Colors or the American Flag during the National Anthem at
football games, basketball games, wrestling matches, other activities by
request, and at competitions around the state. The Color Guard Commander is
the National flag bearer. There is also the Unit flag bearer, and right
and left rifle bearers. We train every Monday and right before any
performance. We would like to have a minimum of 16 students who are qualified to present the color at school and community events. Color Guard
is a challenging experience which helps build discipline and respect for
the National Colors. Students who are on the competition Color Guard Team earn Varsity Letters at the end of the school year.
The NJROTC Air Rifle Team
Air Rifle Team Commander:
Cadet ENS McGrath
Assistant Air Rifle Commander:
Cadet PO1 Yee
The Air Rifle Team is a varsity sport open to all cadets in the
NJROTC program. There are twelve members from all grade levels that
shoot. The Air Rifle Team practices every day, and competes at various
"shoulder to shoulder" and postal meets throughout the school year. Each cadet on the team goes
through safety and rifle training before they are allowed to start
shooting. The 2008-2009 season has been a record season in all respects. Acomplishments include: Jr Olympic State Champions, Area Five Champions, and finished 5th at the Navy JROTC National Championship, which consisted of the 24 best teams in the nation.
The NJROTC Drill Team
Drill Team Commander:
Cadet ENS Christopher
Assistant Drill Team Commander:
Cadet PO1 Wise
The 2008-2009 season has been the best season for the PBHS NJROTC Drill Team since our inseption. For the first time the Drill, Athletic, and Academic Teams qualified for the All Area Five competition. The Drill Team placed Third in unarmed exhibition drill and had a strong showing in all other events. This year the Drill Team has brought home 15 trophies which far excedes prior years results. Bravo Zulu to all Drill Team members for job well done.
The NJROTC Athletic Team
Athletic Team Commanders:
Cadet ENS Adebayo
Cadet CPO Garza
The athletic Team is different then sport teams in Paint Branch High School. Cadets have to do push ups, crunches, and run a mile and a half. If a cadet does a certain number of push ups and crunches as well as run the mile and a half in a certain time, they will
receive a ribbon for their improvement. The Athletic Team tend athletic meets where they compete against other schools in push ups, crunches, in 8*200 relay with four boys and four girls, and in 16*100 relay with eight boys and eight girls. Anyone can attend. The team participates in other
competitions like softball tournaments, soccer tournaments, and dodge ball tournaments.
