We had an incredible first week welcoming our new NS1 cadets during Basic Cadet Training (BCT). From training and team-building to celebrating their accomplishments at BCT Graduation and socializing with cadets and families at Friday’s Cadet Kickoff, it was a fantastic start to the year.
A huge thank you to all of our cadets, instructors, cadre, and families who helped make last week such a success. We are excited for everything this new school year has in store!
As we begin the school year, we wanted to provide some insight into the day-to-day operations of our unit and answer some common questions that may arise throughout the year.
Understanding Our Cadet-Led Program
One of the things that makes Nease NJROTC so special is that our program is proudly cadet-run.
Our three dedicated instructors serve as mentors, educators, and leadership coaches, while our cadets take on the responsibility of leading the unit and managing its day-to-day operations.
At the top of our cadet leadership structure is the Battalion Staff, a group of senior cadets responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing unit operations.
Each company, organized by class period, is led by cadet staff who are there to assist their peers, answer questions, and help ensure a successful year for everyone.
Your Cadet's Company
Your cadet has been assigned to one of four companies:
Alpha Company: Period 1
Bravo Company: Period 2
Charlie Company: Period 5
Delta Company: Period 6
Understanding the Chain of Command
Your cadet will quickly learn one of the most important concepts in NJROTC: the Chain of Command.
Rather than immediately going to an instructor or parent with a question or concern, cadets are encouraged to first use the leadership structure that has been established within the unit.
Whether your cadet has a question about schoolwork, volunteer hours, volunteer opportunities, team tryouts, unit activities, events, leadership responsibilities, or another concern, their first stop should be their Company Commanding Officer (CO).
The Company CO is part of the Cadet Staff and is there to help address questions and concerns. If the Company Staff cannot resolve an issue, it will be elevated to the Battalion Staff. If additional assistance is needed, the instructors will then step in.
This system does more than provide an organized way to solve problems. It gives cadets the opportunity to practice leadership, take ownership, develop confidence, and learn how to work together as a team.
It is also one of the reasons Nease NJROTC has developed such a strong culture of teamwork, responsibility, and camaraderie.
When in doubt, use the Chain of Command!
How We Communicate
There is a lot happening within Nease NJROTC throughout the school year, so staying connected is important. We will share information through several different channels throughout the year:
Monthly Newsletter
Our monthly newsletter will provide families with important updates, upcoming events, accomplishments, volunteer opportunities, and other information you need to know.
Cadet and Parent Websites
Both cadets and parents have online resources designed to help keep everyone informed and connected.
The Cadet Website is the go-to hub for cadets. It includes the unit calendar with volunteer opportunities, team meets, activities, events, and more.
The Plan of the Week (POW) is also posted here and is an essential resource for weekly schedules, assignments, and important information.
The Cadet Parent Organization (CPO) exists to support our cadets and instructors throughout the school year and we have our own Parent Website.
Parents are encouraged to register or update their contact information for the new school year so we can keep you informed about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and ways you can support the unit.
ParentSquare
Important and time-sensitive information will be communicated by the instructors or Battalion Staff through ParentSquare. Please make sure your contact information is current and that you are receiving these notifications.
Classroom Bulletin Board
Cadets should also check the classroom bulletin board regularly. It contains current information, announcements, schedules, and other details they need to know.
Social Media
Follow our social media pages for regular updates, reminders, photos, and unit news. Join our parent Facebook page for regular updates, reminders, photos, announcements, and unit news throughout the year.
You've Got This!
We know there is a lot to absorb, especially for our new families.
The best thing you can do is encourage your cadet to become familiar with the resources available to them and, most importantly, use their Chain of Command when they have a question or concern.
Learning to navigate the unit independently is an important part of the NJROTC experience and one of the many ways our program helps cadets grow into confident leaders.
Welcome to the Nease NJROTC Family!
To our new cadets and families: Welcome to the Nease NJROTC family! We are so excited to have you with us.
To our returning cadets and families: Welcome back! We are glad you're here and ready for another incredible year.
Here's to a year filled with leadership, friendship, competition, service, and plenty of opportunities to make memories.
