Curriculum

NJROTC Curriculum Overview

Structure

• Duration: 3 or 4-year program with 7200 minutes of instruction per year (72 hours classroom, 48 hours activities like drill and athletics).

• Schedule: 3 academic sessions and 2 activity periods weekly, based on 40-minute classes for 36 weeks (180 teaching days).

• Credits: Equals one Carnegie unit or one elective credit per year.

• Flexibility: Schools adjust for different class lengths or schedules. Instructors tailor depth of content to student needs, but major changes require Naval Service Training Command approval.

Subjects Covered
The curriculum, updated by civilian educators and NJROTC instructors, includes:

• Citizenship: Building responsible citizenship values.

• Naval Orientation: Navy customs and traditions.

• Naval Operations/Organization: National strategy and daily operations.

• Naval History: U.S. Navy from colonial times to present.

• Navigation: Basics of piloting and navigation.

• Seamanship: Ship handling fundamentals.

• Leadership: Developing leadership skills.

• Nautical Astronomy: Astronomy for navigation.

• Electronics: Basics of communication and weapon systems.

• Oceanography: Studying ocean systems.

• Drills/Commands/Ceremonies: Close-order drill and parades.

• Physical Fitness: Promoting healthy lifestyles.

Naval Science Courses

Naval Science 1

• Purpose: Introduce citizenship, leadership, and scholarship; promote healthy lifestyles, drug awareness, and Navy basics.

• Content: NJROTC program intro, leadership, citizenship, American government, wellness, fitness, first aid, geography, orienteering, survival, map reading, financial skills, and U.S. Navy overview.

Naval Science 2

• Purpose: Build on Naval Science 1, deepen citizenship and leadership, explore naval science, maritime history, and the Navy’s role in U.S. security.

• Content: Leadership, maritime history (American Revolution to present), nautical sciences (geography, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, physical sciences).

Naval Science 3

• Purpose: Deepen understanding of military leadership, teamwork, discipline, sea power, and national security; introduce marine navigation and seamanship.

• Content: Sea power, national security, naval operations, military/international law, ship construction, damage control, shipboard organization, seamanship, marine navigation, naval weapons, aircraft, leadership, citizenship, discipline.

Naval Science 4

• Purpose: Focus on practical leadership; help seniors refine leadership skills, prepare for post-high school life (college, scholarships, career paths).

• Content: Leadership theory and practice, motivation, goal-setting, performance evaluation, ACT/SAT prep, college selection, scholarship guidance, long-term goal mentoring.

Fun and Extra-Curricular Activities

NJROTC offers hands-on learning through:

• School/Local Events: Parades, community service, academic, athletic, drill, marksmanship, and orienteering competitions.

• Leadership Training: 1-week programs like Basic Leadership Training and Leadership Academy (spring/summer).

• Orientation Visits: 3-5 day trips to naval/military bases.

• Naval Cruises: 1-day to 2-week shipboard experiences (summer).