NJROTC future in jeopardy

Photograph courtesy of Linganore NJROTC: Cadet Chief Robert Milburn 10th grade, Cadet Ensign Alex Clark 12th grade, Cadet Petty Officer First Class Ashley Petersen 12th grade, and Cadet Seaman Stephan Keller 11th grade presenting the colors at the Linanore NJROTC Area Managers Inspection.

Photograph courtesy of Linganore NJROTC: Cadet Chief Robert Milburn 10th grade, Cadet Ensign Alex Clark 12th grade, Cadet Petty Officer First Class Ashley Petersen 12th grade, and Cadet Seaman Stephan Keller 11th grade presenting the colors at the Linanore NJROTC Area Manager’s Inspection.

by Beth Barnhart and Max Mullen

On its tenth anniversary, the NJROTC program is at risk of being discontinued beginning in the 2014-2015 school year if the unit doesn’t reach a minimum enrollment of 100 students by October 1, less than a month away. There are currently 83 students enrolled. The Navy put LHS on probation for not meeting the minimum in 2012-2013.

“The Navy sent a letter saying we must report enrollment by October 1st,” said Commander Henry Lane, NJROTC instructor for 15 years. “If we don’t have 100 students, the program will be terminated.”

After termination, the school system can declare the unit as an NNDCC, or Navy National Defense Cadet Corps. This is different from an NJROTC because the program will not be funded by the Navy. Instead, it will be funded by the school. The same Navy requirements will no longer apply, and there is a minimum enrollment requirement of 50 physically-fit high school students over 14 years of age. The renamed unit will not be required to have a certified Naval Science Instructor, NSI. Chief Mike Rodrigues is the current NSI, and Commander Lane is the current SNSI, Senior Naval Science Instructor.

After retiring from active duty with the Navy, Commander Lane says, “I started teaching because I used to be a government contractor. It was a meaningless job that was not worth my time. I thought that being a teacher was something that I could do.” He added that he had a passion for teaching and found that his students were committed and dedicated to the program.

LJ Preston, a recent graduate, believes in the benefits of the NJROTC program. He is currently waiting to be shipped off to boot camp and credits his career choice to the NJROTC program. According to Preston, the program has motivated him to achieve his full potential.

Preston would like to see other students achieve their full potential as well. He says that the program gives students the ability to “fit in,” and that “many students would miss this opportunity” if the program was cancelled.

He was unsure of joining, but “a friend persuaded me with a variety of fun activities done through the program,” said Preston. He adds that the NJROTC contributes to the good of the community by participating in the homecoming parade and Adopt a Road program.

The NJROTC is more accommodating than most because it promotes character development. It caters to teens and gives them the opportunity to gain confidence and discipline. The students end up learning more than they thought they could.