The Bentonville Navy JROTC Program's history is characterized by its recent establishment and rapid growth, marking it as a significant new addition to the Northwest Arkansas education landscape. Launched in 2021, by Commander Mike Davis, USN (ret.), the Navy JROTC program is a relatively new initiative within the Bentonville School District. 

Uniquely, this program serves both Bentonville High School and Bentonville West High School, making it the only JROTC program in Northwest Arkansas.

• Founding: The program began operating in 2021.

• Initial Status (NNDCC): Due to the process of acquiring Navy funding, the program initially operated as a Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) unit. This non-funded status still allowed it to deliver the full Navy curriculum and leadership training.

• Rapid Growth: The program quickly gained traction, fielding over 100 cadets in its initial years and demonstrating significant student interest and commitment.

• Recognition: Its dedication and development were quickly recognized, with the unit being nominated as the most improved unit in Navy Area 19 (which includes Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and parts of Texas and New Mexico) by the Navy Area Manager shortly after its founding.

• Transition to NJROTC: The program has actively pursued the official, funded Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) status, which is granted upon confirmation by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, solidifying its future.

The program's history is one of rapid development and a commitment to providing high-quality citizenship and leadership training to students across the Bentonville School District.

The Bentonville High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program is a premier student organization dedicated to developing citizenship, leadership, and academic excellence. We are not a military recruitment program; we are a leadership laboratory focused on building character and life skills.

We are a diverse corps of cadets who embrace the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Through a dynamic curriculum, challenging physical training, competitive drill, and extensive community service, we teach our cadets how to:

• Lead with Integrity: By upholding the highest ethical standards.

• Serve Our Community: By committing time and effort to meaningful local projects.

• Achieve Excellence: By striving for personal best in the classroom and on the drill deck.

• Master Self-Discipline: By developing responsibility, accountability, and maturity.

We are a family built on mutual respect and shared purpose. We stand ready to take on the future, prepared not just for military service, but for success in college, career, and life. We are the future leaders of Bentonville and our nation.

Bentonville High School Obstacle Course