About Our Program

The NJROTC program was established by Public Law in 1964 and may be found in Title 10, U.S. Code, Chapter 102. The program is conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the nation, by instructors who are retired Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel. The NJROTC curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership development, as well as our maritime heritage, the significance of sea power, and naval topics such as the fundamentals of naval operations, seamanship, navigation and meteorology. Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by community service activities, drill competition, field meets, flights, visits to naval activities, marksmanship training, and other military training. Uniforms, textbooks, training aids, travel allowance, and a substantial portion of instructors' salaries are provided by the Navy. 

Doherty opened its doors in the fall of 1975. It was named after Thomas Bernard Doherty, who acted as the School District D11 Superintendent from 1964-1977. The Newest High School in Colorado Springs, Doherty has received award after award. In a 2012 study, Doherty High School was deemed #37 Academically out of the 446 high schools in the state of Colorado. Its deemed one of the top Academic performing schools in Colorado Springs, with its students receiving an average annual $3.5 Million in scholarship funds. Majority of its teachers have over the 4-Year Degree required, and many have received National Awards such as the Crystal Apple Award. Doherty High School is just one of the only four schools in the state of Colorado that offers a NJROTC Unit. The Doherty NJROTC Unit first moved to Doherty from Wasson High School in the 2012 - 2013 School Year.