NJROTC Rates, Ranks, & Assignments

Cadet rates, ranks, promotions, and position assignments are earned based on individual performance and demonstrated potential. Many factors are evaluated by the naval science instructors before awarding rates, ranks, promotions, and advancement and before cadet billet assignments are made. Cadets must continually demonstrate:

(a) High moral standards and good conduct

(b) Proper appearance in school and in unit uniform

(d) Acceptable performance in carrying out assigned NJROTC responsibilities

(e) Acceptable level of participation in NJROTC activities and programs

Students entering NJROTC for the first time are usually assigned the grade of Cadet Seaman Recruit or, in some schools, the grade of Seaman Apprentice. Advancements beyond the initial grade in the enlisted rates are often based on performance, time in the unit, position assignment, and completion of certain military knowledge advancement tests. Achievement of officer status requires an individual who has demonstrated superior quality leadership, integrity, personal appearance, conduct, and patriotism. Following are NJROTC cadet rates and ranks, from the lowest to the highest.

All rate advancements and rank promotions are determined by the naval science instructor. Unacceptable performance could result in a demotion.

CADET ENLISTED RATES

NJROTC units will differ in rate assignments and advancement systems; they may require practical tests to qualify for advancement in rate.

CADET SEAMAN RECRUIT (C/SR)

There is no collar device for this rate.
Assigned to new cadets in the process of learning the NJROTC program.

CADET SEAMAN APPRENTICE (C/SA)

The collar device is two silver diagonal stripes.
When qualified, recruits can advance to SA in the first year.

Collar Insignia

CADET SEAMAN (C/SN)

The collar device is three silver diagonal stripes.
When qualified, cadets can advance to SN in the first year.

NOTE: There are no specific assignments for seaman recruits, seaman apprentices, or seaman; these cadets are in training for future leadership roles.

Collar Insignia

CADET PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS (C/PO3)

The collar device is a perched eagle over one chevron.
Outstanding cadets may achieve this rate the first year.
Assignments include squad leaders and assistant squad leaders in platoons, drill teams, and drum and bugle corps.

Collar Insignia

CADET PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS (C/PO2)

The collar device is a perched eagle over two chevrons.
Advancement to this rate is usually in the second year.
Assignments include squad leaders in platoons, drill teams, and drum and bugle corps, and color escorts in color guards.

Collar Insignia

CADET PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS (C/PO1)

The collar device is a perched eagle over three chevrons.
Cadets can usually achieve this rate in their second or third year.
Assignments include platoon guides, color bearers, drill team guides, and supply assistants.

Collar Insignia

CADET CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (C/CPO)

The collar device is an eagle perched on a fouled anchor.
Cadets can generally achieve CPO in their second or third year.
Assignments include company chief, platoon chief, color bearer, drill team chief, or rifle team chief.

Collar Insignia

CADET SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (C/SCPO)

The collar device is an eagle and one star perched on a fouled anchor.
Generally, this is held by a third year cadet.
The SNSI may assign a Senior Chief Petty Officer billet to the company chief petty officer.

Collar Insignia

CADET MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (C/MCPO)

The collar device is an eagle and two stars perched on a fouled anchor.
Generally, this is held by a third or fourth year cadet.
The SNSI may assign a Master Chief Petty Officer billet to the battalion chief petty officer.

Collar Insignia

CADET OFFICER RANKS

Cadet officers are generally third or fourth year cadets that have shown aptitude for high leadership positions. Officers are selected from the enlisted rates to fill specific positions as noted here.

CADET ENSIGN

The collar device is a single gold bar.
Generally, this is a third or fourth year cadet.
The first junior officer assignment may include junior officer on company staffs or in public affairs, or as assistant supply, platoon commander, or assistant drill team commander.

Collar Insignia

CADET LIEUTENANT (Junior Grade)

The collar device is two attached gold bars.
It is assigned to officers ready for additional responsibilities.
Assignments can include operations, rifle team commander, battalion supply, and administrative officer.

Collar Insignia

CADET LIEUTENANT

The collar device is three attached gold bars.
It is assigned to some of the most senior officers, such as executive officer of companies or operations officer in battalions and regiments.

Collar Insignia

CADET LIEUTENANT commander

The collar device is four attached gold bars.
It is assigned to cadet officers in the top leadership roles of the NJROTC.
It is the highest rank of company strength.
Assignments include company commander in smaller units and executive officer in battalions and regiments.

Collar Insignia

CADET commander

The collar device is five attached gold bars.
It is the highest rank of battalion strength.
Assignments include battalion commander or deputy regimental commander.

Collar Insignia

CADET captain

The collar device is six attached gold bars.
It is the highest rank that can be attained by a cadet in NJROTC.
Assignment is to regimental commander.

Collar Insignia

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