Uniform Information
Uniform items are issued out to cadets at the beginning of each school year, then on an as-needed basis as cadets outgrow specific items and need new ones issued & tailored. There is no cost to the cadet or their parents when uniform items are issued out, and if an item requires tailoring the cadet can bring the item into our unit Supply section. Our tailor will make the required adjustments and charge our unit, not the individual cadet or their parents.
The only cost to the cadet and their parents is the cost of keeping the uniform items clean. While most of the issued uniform items can be machine washed and ironed at home, some specific items require occasional dry-cleaning, and these costs are the responsibility of the cadet and their parents. Each issued item will have a tag that describes how to clean the item.
Only clean uniforms are issued out to cadets. When a cadet returns a uniform item, whether because they have outgrown it or because they are leaving the program, it is expected that they will be turned in cleaned as well. In order for a uniform item to be accepted back by our Unit, it must be dry-cleaned, and be brought to the Unit in the dry-cleaning bag with the dated receipt attached. If uniforms are turned in that haven't been dry-cleaned, the Cadet will receive a $10.00 fine on their student account. If a cadet leaves the program and has not turned in all of their uniform items, a fine for the un-returned uniform items will be sent to the school administration. Students cannot have their grade reports be sent out until they have cleared all of their fines.
Cadets are required to wear their NJROTC Uniform once a week on the designated uniform day. Normally this will be Tuesdays. The designated day might change from time to time, so cadets should always check the Plan of the Week to know for certain the day they are required to wear their uniform for the week. Cadets need to wear their uniform for the entire day (the entire time they are at school). To clarify, cadets do not have to wear their uniform during a physical training class, for example, HOPE or weightlifting.
Uniform wear is a graded item and is considered to be homework. Cadets are graded on how they have placed insignia, the cleanliness of the uniform, that they have all proper uniform items, as well as on their grooming standards. The standards that are graded are given to each cadet in their Cadet Reference Manual and have been explained in class.
Grading Policy:
1. Failure to wear the uniform on uniform day (unexcused): If a cadet fails to wear their uniform on the designated uniform day (unexcused) they will receive a grade of 0 (zero) for that week's uniform grade.
2. Absent on uniform day (excused absence): If a cadet is absent on their designated uniform day and the absence is excused, they can wear their uniform on the next academic day and receive full credit for their uniform grade (same standards as if they had been present). If they fail to wear their uniform on the next academic day, they will receive a grade of 0 (zero) for that week's uniform grade.
Please take the time to read and think through these grading policies. They are briefed in class and discussed almost every uniform day. Know what your responsibilities are if you fail to wear your uniform on the designated uniform day. If you have any questions about this policy, contact First Sergeant Baker or Commander Vegeler here.