NJROTC

CVA Approved as an Official NJROTC Unit 

by Jonathon Spellman

On May 6th, 2024, Chief Snyder and the rest of NJROTC got the news that they will be approved as an official NJROTC Unit. CVA had been waiting for this news for quite some time, and in fact, before it was approved, CVA had been waiting for eight years. Chief Snyder, who has been working hard for this school's program since 2018, expressed how he felt a sense of pride for the cadets. It was like a sigh of relief when he found out CVA had been approved. To quote Chief Snyder, “I felt a sense of relief, and was proud of the cadets who have contributed to our success here. They don’t give that program to a school that doesn’t deserve it.” Chief Snyder also said he was not surprised when he got the news because he actually was told on his birthday that CVA had been approved and Chief found that to be a very special gift for his birthday. 

The school had to meet certain requirements to make the cut to be an official NJROTC Unit. Chief stated they had to meet enrollment requirements. They had to achieve 10% of the CVA student body enrolled in NJROTC. He also said they had to meet a certain performance level. However, even though CVA has been approved, it can easily be taken back. Chief Snyder said if CVA falls behind on the 10% mark they could get put on probation, so CVA needs to be very careful to make sure they do not fall behind.

Since CVA has been approved as an official NJROTC Unit, the Navy will be the financial backing of the program. Chief reported that the money the Navy will be sending will go towards all uniforms, transportation, field trips, and a new hired officer. Chief stated that a new officer will give more opportunities to the kids. To quote Chief Snyder, “With one instructor you're spread out thin, but with two instructors we can divide up the different responsibilities and that gives more opportunity to kids as well.” Chief also mentioned that the money initially sent will be around $20,000 to $25,000 and that money will improve the program right away. 

Chief Snyder has been working hard day and night since September 2018 getting the NJROTC program to the point they are now. Chief says that the foundation that he has built was based on self-responsibility, self-reliance, and a responsibility to your community. Those traits are the foundation he has established, which has led to this great success. To quote Chief Snyder, “If you get enough of them to buy into it, and see the benefit of it, then they will pass it along to the next group that comes by.” The impact of this program and Chief Snyder’s work has been and will have a huge positive impact on CVA. I can't think of a better leader and role model for the members of the NJROTC program than Chief Snyder. All of us at CVA thank you for your work and commitment, Chief Snyder.