General Information

Each cadet is responsible for knowing and following the standards of grooming, conduct and uniform wear established here and by the Commander, Naval Service Training Command in the current edition of the Cadet Field Manual page 1-1 through 1-38.

Rules of conduct in uniform

NJROTC cadets in uniform are looked upon by the public as representatives of the U.S. Navy. It is important that the reputation of the Navy not suffer because of poor cadet conduct or appearance in uniform. The following excerpt from the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations applies to NJROTC cadets in uniform when they are in public view. "Public showing of affection (holding hands, embracing, etc.) placing hands in pockets, smoking, eating and or drinking beverages while in uniform are not tolerated." The restriction on eating and drinking refers only to walking along or near public streets or in public places and does not refer to the school campus. In addition, when in uniform, backpacks must be hand carried and Cadets are prohibited from sitting on the deck (ground) or concrete walls.

When to wear the uniform

a. A standard "uniform day" for inspection grade will be designated by the SNSI/NSi, normally Wednesday. A special event may change the "uniform day" for the week in which it occurs, but any changes will be announced well ahead of time. On the official "uniform day", a cadet must wear a full and complete uniform from the time he or she leaves home in the morning, until he or she returns home after school, unless the cadet receives permission to change clothes from the SNSI or NSI in advance. Permission may be granted to change after school for such things as varsity sports practices or some jobs. Any deviation from the above must be granted in advance by the SNSI or NSI.

b. If a cadet wishes to wear the uniform at another time, such as for a special event, the cadet should get permission from the SNSI or NSI in advance by submitting a special request chit.

c. The NJROTC uniforms are listed in the Cadet Field Manual. Uniforms of the day will be designated by the SNSI.

Penalty for not wearing the uniform on inspection day

a. If a student does not attend NJROTC class that day in uniform, he must still wear the uniform the next day present in school. The uniform grade is equal to a test grade, therefore inportant to the overall NJROTC final grade.

b. If a student is caught changing out of uniform during the day he/she will receive a failing grade for the uniform day.

Borrowing or lending uniform items

Uniforms are issued to a cadet for his or her sole use. Items may not be loaned to another cadet or used by any other person. *THIS INCLUDES PT GEAR*

Exchanges or replacement of uniform items

a. If any uniform item does not fit properly or is too worn to look correct, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the cadet. Cadets should see the Supply Officer to obtain authorization for exchange of uniform item.

b. NO exchanges or issues of replacement uniform items will be made on a day scheduled for a graded uniform inspection - plan ahead!

c. Lost items of uniforms or equipment will be replaced upon payment for the item at the current Navy Catalog price. Payment must be by cash or check payable to the Freedom High School NJROTC Unit so that the school may reinmburse the U.S. Navy. The SNSI or NSI may authorize payment to be delayed or suspeneded for good reason, but it must be shown that the loss or damage was beyond the cadet's control. The overall cost of all uniforms is approximately $200.00.

d. Uniforms must be returned when a cadet is no longer enrolled in NJROTC at Freedom H.S. Uniforms accepted for return must be in good condition and reflect only normal wear and tear. Otherwise, the cadet could be required to pay for the uniform item(s).

Repeated failure to wear the uniform

Regular and proper uniform wear is a required part of the NJROTC course. Unexcused failure to wear the uniform more than twice in one nine week period will normally result in the student being placed on probation or dropped from NJROTC without credit.

NJROTC cover (hat) wear

a. Except while actually inside a car or bus, covers must be worn on the way to school, going home, and at most other times while outdoors in uniform. Covers are required to be brought to NJROTC class on each uniform day and will be worn during marching drills and/or personnel inspection.

b. During lunch periods and while in the designated lunch areas covers are not required to be worn.

c. Cadets may not wear covers inside any classroom, except for designated personnel inspections.

d. Covers and jackets are to be marked inside with a piece of masking tape with the owner's name, student number and period in waterproof ink.

When to salute

While in uniform, proper military salutes and greetings are required to be rendered to all military officers, cadet officers senior to you, and to the Principal of Freedom H.S. When covered (hat on), always salute. When in doubt - salute!