Our promotion system is continually under scrutiny to insure that it is fair and equitable for all cadets. Over the past several years, it has been improved and streamlined to promote efficiency and accuracy. All cadets are encouraged to offer suggestions for improvement at any time. Achieving promotion requires cadets to maintain academic standards, participate in unit activities, and demonstrate proficiency in military areas. All of the requirements are within the capabilities of every cadet to achieve and therefore, every cadet can earn higher ranks. Additionally, promotion opportunities have been made a part of the curriculum and are offered during Naval Science class periods. This allows every cadet to participate regardless of extracurricular activities scheduled.

Promotion Timeline

Cadets will be permitted to advance 3 times during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Marking Periods for their Freshman year only. Sophomores through Juniors will only be permitted to advance at the end of the 2nd and 4th Marking Period. This will mean advancements and promotions will only take place twice a school year for Sophomores through Seniors.

Promotion Specifics

Seaman Recruit; Seaman Apprentice & Seaman Ranks (E1-E3): All cadets will start their time in the NJROTC Program as Seaman Recruits (E1). Promotion to Seaman Apprentice and Seaman require demonstrated proficiency in close order drill; memorization of basic military and program knowledge; and recommendations from all teachers. Board appearances are not required for promotion within these ranks.

Petty Officer 3rd Class, 2nd Class, and 1st Class (E4-E6): Cadets seeking promotion to any of these ranks must pass a written test; demonstrate the ability to command a small unit in the execution of close order drill; acquire recommendations from their teachers; and appear before a board of their peers. Cadets may seek advancement during every marking period when promotion opportunities are announced the Cadet Staff. This means that cadets may seek promotion four times a school year. Upon reaching the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class, they must wait a period of 2 marking periods before trying for promotion to the next higher rank. Meritorious Promotion to the next higher grade may be awarded anytime regardless of time in grade.

Chief Petty Officer (E7 & Above): Promotion within the Chief Petty Officer ranks and Officer ranks require the cadet to demonstrate that they are fully proficient in all areas of concern to the NJROTC program. These areas include, but are not limited to passing grades in all subject areas; leadership by example in the NJROTC program; demonstrated military bearing and proper decorum at all times; no adverse interactions with school administrators; demonstrated proficiency in leading junior cadets in the execution of close order drill and proper military instruction; and continued participation in NJROTC sponsored activities. They must also demonstrate a desire to accept the increased responsibility that is commensurate with increased rank.

Basically, cadets seeking promotion to the Chief Petty Officer and Officer ranks should be able to – and desire to – impact the outstanding performance of the unit by instructing cadets of lower ranks, leading by example, and standout through their participation in NJROTC program events. Cadets seeking advancement within these ranks will be required to participate in Summer leadership camps (pass a written test), perform well before a promotion board, and be recommended for promotion by their teachers, peers, and NJROTC Instructors.