PLCSJROTCINST 5761

               19 DEC 23

PLCSJROTCINST 5761

  19 DEC 23

CHAPTER 1

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

1.1 Introduction.  The purpose of this instruction is to provide general guidance and direction to be followed by the Cadets of the Papillion La - Vista Community Schools (PLCS) Navy Junior Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program.  The focus will be on those functions and items that are unique to our NJROTC program.  Generally applicable guidance and direction is found in the Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET) Instruction NSTCINST 5761 series and the detailed regulations promulgated in the NJROTC Cadet Field and Reference Manuals (CFM/CRM).  Applicable portions of these publications will be referenced throughout this instruction.

1.2 Purpose and Objectives.  The purpose of this NJROTC program is to instill in high school students the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.  

1.3 Navy and Papillion-La Vista School District Support and Supervision.  The U.S. Navy and Papillion - La Vista Community Schools have an agreement that establishes the NJROTC program at and specifies the direct support that will be given to support this program.  The Navy provides certified and qualified instructors, training aids, books and course materials, as well as drill equipment, uniforms and organizational items.  Papillion - La Vista Community Schools, through the administration at Papillion - La Vista South High School (PLSHS), provides a number of supporting services, including classroom space, storage space, drill space and academic accreditation for the NJROTC program. The Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) is charged to act as the primary point-of-contact (POC) between the District and the Navy for all matters relating to the NJROTC program.  The Naval Science Instructor (NSI) will assist the SNSI with these and all other NJROTC program duties.  

1.4 Extent of the NJROTC Program.  While the NJROTC program is physically and administratively hosted at PLSHS, it also covers Papillion - La Vista High School (PLHS).  The NJROTC program will make consistent efforts to attract and retain cadets from PLHS, and will not favor cadets from one high school over the other.  The NJROTC program will host occasional events at PLHS to highlight the program’s presence at both high schools.  The NJROTC program will also be open to home-schooled students in the local area who qualify for enrollment in PLCS activities.

CHAPTER 2

ACADEMIC SYLLABUS OVERVIEW

2.1 Introduction.  The academic course of instruction taught in the NJROTC program is prescribed by NETC and is taught by the SNSI and the NSI.  NETC provides the program with textbooks, workbooks, note-taking sheets (as requested by the cadets), classroom training aids and detailed lesson plans covering each course of instruction.  There are dedicated textbooks, lesson plans and training aids for Naval Science One, Two, Three and Four.  The depth of coverage of the topics and chapters for each syllabus is left to the discretion of the instructors.  Academic classes will generally take place over two school days per week.  Regardless of which specific course a cadet is taking, one day of drill and one day of physical education will be scheduled for all cadets per week.

2.2 Naval Science One (NS-1) Overview.  NS-1 academics will generally be taught to freshman cadets, but can also be taught to cadets in other grades who are in their first year in the program.  NS-1 introduces cadets to military culture, focusing on topics such as the customs and courtesies, the chain-of-command, rank structure, and the organization of the Armed Forces.

2.3 Naval Science Two (NS-2) Overview.  NS-2 introduces cadets to concepts of sea power, discusses American maritime and naval history, and gives an overview of the maritime operating environment.

2.4 Naval Science Three (NS-3) Overview.  NS-3 introduces cadets to the basics of seamanship and navigation, naval operations, grand strategy, and military and international law.

2.5 Naval Science Four (NS-4) Overview.  NS-4 focuses on international affairs, expanding cadets’ knowledge of the political, economic, and cultural aspects of countries around the world, and their relevance to the national security of the United States.  NS-4’s flexibility allows individual cadets to take the course seminar-style with the SNSI to accommodate scheduling conflicts particular to senior year such as community college courses or internships.

CHAPTER 3

DRILL TRAINING OVERVIEW

3.1 Introduction.  Drill training is an important and integral part of the overall NJROTC course of instruction.  Close-Order Drill (COD) teaches self-discipline and teamwork.  It serves to provide a practical application and reinforcement to followership training as well as leadership training received in the classroom.  COD training will be scheduled for one day per week for all classes.  COD team practices will be scheduled in addition to in-class training sessions.

3.2 General COD Training Course of Instruction.  The course of instruction for COD training comes directly out of the CFM and the Marine Corps Drill & Ceremonies Manual.  Generally, the course of instruction will begin with individual and squad drill movements and move on to platoon and company movements in order to complete a pass-in-review  at the annual Area Manager’s inspection.  While the competent performance of a pass-in-review parade each year is a defining moment of the annual COD training cycle, the main purpose of COD training is to function as a leadership lab, where cadets can learn basic principles of leadership and followership firsthand.  Skills learned during COD are also incorporated into the promotion requirements matrix and will selectively be tested in order to advance in rank. 

CHAPTER 4

PHYSICAL FITNESS EDUCATION OVERVIEW

4.1 Introduction.  Physical fitness is integral to the Navy’s culture and will be emphasized in our NJROTC program.  An effective physical fitness course of instruction combines academics, physical training, and fun activities to encourage a lifelong commitment to good health, nutrition and physical conditioning.

4.2  General Physical Education Course of Instruction.  One day per week will be scheduled for physical training (PT).  Cadets will be taught the proper techniques for basic stretches and exercises.  PT days will begin with stretching and warm up exercises, and proceed to group athletic activities.  

4.3 Physical Readiness Test (PRT).  Near the end of each semester, all cadets will participate in the PRT in accordance with the “Cadet Challenge” guidelines in the CFM.  Physical Fitness Awards will be subsequently given to cadets who qualify.  Cadets with a valid medical condition may be excused from part or all of the PRT; a cadet with such a condition shall discuss this with the SNSI or NSI in advance of the next scheduled PRT.

CHAPTER FIVE

COMPETITIVE TEAMS

5.1 Introduction.  PLCS NJROTC’s competitive teams allow cadets to participate in team activities as an integral part of their overall NJROTC and high school experience.  They are designed to encourage teamwork and build a sense of group accomplishment and pride among cadets.  All cadets are encouraged to join at least one team.  Only the Drill Team and Color Guard are mandated and permanent; the others may be formed if there is enough cadet interest.  

5.2 Drill Teams.  Our program will strive to field four competitive Drill Teams.  The first priority will be the Unarmed and Armed Drill Teams.  The program may also have an Unarmed and Armed Exhibition Drill Team.  Each Drill Team will normally be commanded by upperclassmen cadets.  Drill Teams will begin practices within the first few weeks of the school year and continue with practices through the end of the competitive drill season.  Participation on any of these teams will earn credit towards the Drill Team Ribbon and other unit recognition devices, such as the wearing of specific aiguillettes. 

5.3 Color Guard.  Our program will train and field a competitive Color Guard each school year.  The Color Guard will be commanded by an upperclassman cadet, and all performances of this Color Guard will count towards Color Guard Ribbon requirements.  Color Guard performances will be scheduled at community events throughout the school year, and all cadets are eligible to perform at these events once they have been trained and demonstrated proficiency to the SNSI and/or NSI.  

5.4 Academic Team.  At the start of each school year, the SNSI or NSI will solicit cadets to join the Academic Team.  From this group the SNSI or NSI will choose an Academic Team Commander, and he/she will work with the SNSI or NSI to identify and enter Academic postal matches each school year.  This is in addition to the Academic Team’s participation in the annual SECNAV Academic Postal Match.  The number and composition of individual Academic Teams will vary over the course of the school year, but our goal is to always enter a minimum of two 5-person teams in each Academic Postal Match.  Training and practice for this team will be an ongoing process with the specifics determined by the SNSI or NSI.

5.5 Marksmanship Team.  At the start of each school year, the SNSI or NSI will solicit cadets who are interested in joining the Marksmanship Team.  The goal is to fire in a minimum of two Marksmanship postal matches, as well as in the SECNAV Rifle Competition each year.  The Marksmanship Team will adhere to the instructions and requirements listed in Appendix C.

5.6 Orienteering Team.  At the start of each school year, the SNSI or NSI will solicit cadets who are interested in joining the Orienteering Team.  If enough interest is shown to create a competitive team, the SNSI or NSI will conduct review classes with the Team during the first academic quarter.  The team commander will work with the SNSI or NSI to schedule competitive events during the school year.  These can be postal matches or local area orienteering competitions.  Credit will be given towards the Orienteering Ribbon for all cadets who compete on this team.

5.7 Athletic Team.  At the start of each school year, the SNSI or NSI will solicit cadets interested in joining the Athletic Team.  If enough interest is shown to create a competitive team, the SNSI or NSI will set up a practice and workout schedule for the team.  A team commander will be chosen and he/she will work with the SNSI or NSI to schedule a minimum of three competitive events during the school year.  These can be postal matches or local area physical fitness competitions.  

5.8 Drones Team.  At the start of each school year, the SNSI or NSI will solicit cadets interested in joining the Drones Team.  If enough interest is shown to create a competitive team, the SNSI or NSI will set up a practice schedule for the team.  A team commander will be chosen.  The team will attempt to participate in at least one competition per year.

CHAPTER 6

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION PROGRAM

6.1 Introduction.  A fair, timely and robust awards and recognition program is essential for creating and maintaining high morale and esprit de corps in an NJROTC program.  The requirements for individual NJROTC awards are listed in the CFM and will not be duplicated here.  To ensure that positive actions are rewarded in a timely manner, each link in the chain-of -command must do their part to expedite this process.  For each community service activity, a Cadet Petty Officer in Charge (POIC) will be designated.  It is this individual’s responsibility to log the names of those cadets participating in the detail and the times they attended.  This information will be turned in to the Cadet Administrative Officer and he/she will ensure that this information is entered into the program’s CDMIS database.  The POIC should strive to forward the event information to the Cadet Administrative Officer within five school days following the completion of the event.  The Cadet Administrative Officer will process these inputs as soon as feasible but no later than five working days of receipt.  The SNSI or NSI will regularly refer to the CDMIS database for the latest listing of cadets who have awards outstanding.  The expectation is that awards are handed out at a platoon ceremony on a monthly basis, typically at the first uniform inspection of each month.

6.2 NJROTC program awards and recognition. The SNSI, assisted by the NSI, has overall responsibility for the timely and fair recognition of cadets through the awarding of NJROTC ribbons and certificates.  For cadets, the Cadet Administrative Officer is the primary POC for all matters relating to the logging of credit towards awards.  In addition to awards documented via the CDMIS program, the SNSI or NSI will continually review the requirements listed in the CFM to ensure every opportunity is made to award superior performance in cadets.  

6.3 Cadets of the Quarter (COQ).  A junior (NS-1 or NS-2) and senior (NS-3 or NS-4) cadet will be chosen to be the Junior and Senior COQ.  Each Platoon Commander forward nominations for these honors to the Company Staff.  The Company CO, XO, OPSO, CSC, and Monarch Detachment Officer will review Platoon Commander nominations and forward these, along with their recommendations, to the SNSI and NSI.  The SNSI and NSI will meet and decide the quarterly winners.  

6.4 Other Awards and Recognition.  There are a number of local area and national civic organizations that reward JROTC cadets each year with various medals, ribbons, plaques and certificates.  The SNSI, assisted by the NSI, is responsible for coordinating with these organizations to ensure that our best cadets are nominated for these honors.  We will award these awards at the Cadet Change-of-Command/End-of-Year Awards ceremony. As with all awards, the Cadet Administrative Officer is responsible for ensuring that individual cadet records are updated in the CDMIS system to reflect awards presented.

CHAPTER 7

SUPPLY PROGRAM

7.1 Introduction.  All Cadet uniform items fall under the Supply Program, as well as all minor property and instructional materials.  The SNSI, with the assistance of the NSI and Cadet Supply Officer, has overall responsibility for the functioning of the Supply Program. 

7.2 Normal Supply Procedures.  The primary POC for cadets on all matters related to supply is the Cadet Supply Officer.  The SNSI and NSI will personally manage the ordering of all supply items.  The storage, inventory and issuing of supply items is a shared responsibility between the SNSI, NSI, and Cadet Supply Officer.  With guidance from the SNSI and NSI, the Cadet Supply Officer will ensure that the program’s uniform inventory is accurate in the CDMIS database.  Additionally, the Cadet Supply Officer will ensure the cleanliness of the program’s supply space.

7.3 Item Issue Procedures.  Normally, uniforms and other items will be issued during the New Cadet Training Course (NCTC) prior to the start of the school year.  All cadets, as well as their parents or guardians, will sign an official custody card at the date and time of issuance.  This card will be placed in the cadet’s administrative file, along with health risk screening forms, school physical, and standard release form, so an official record can be referenced in case of emergency.

CHAPTER 8

UNIFORM WEAR AND PERSONAL GROOMING

8.1 Introduction.  The CFM spells out in detail the uniform and grooming standards expected of cadets.  Pride in the uniform and in personal appearance are indicative of self-discipline.  Standards will be enforced strictly and fairly.  NSTC 5761 (series) mandates that each Cadet wear the uniform for one full school day each week.  Modifications to the uniform and personal grooming standards will rarely be granted and must be approved by the SNSI or NSI.  We must always remember that we represent the United States Navy and our program whenever we wear the uniform.

8.2 Uniform Wear and Appearance.  The highest standards of uniform appearance and care are expected of each cadet.  The appearance of the uniform is a graded event each week and is a major component of each cadet’s overall grade.  Cadets are responsible for keeping their Platoon Commanders informed whenever they have lost a minor item, or need a new minor item issued.  The Platoon Commander will record this information, and the SNSI, NSI, and Cadet Supply Officer will review this list on a weekly basis, issuing out replacement items as appropriate.  For major item replacement, such as for trousers, shirts, covers, coats or jackets, the requesting cadet must return the old item after it has been dry-cleaned (in the dry-cleaning bag with receipt attached) before a new item will be issued.  Failure to safeguard a major uniform item, or the destruction of the item through improper care, will result in the cost of the item being repaid to the government by the cadet.  Unpaid reimbursements go into a cadet’s school record, as would a book fine.  Each cadet is responsible for properly caring for all issued uniform items.  Improper care (such as washing a dry-clean-only item) may result in damage to that uniform item and the cost of this item will be charged to the cadet (or the cadet’s parent or guardian).

8.3 Personal Grooming and Appearance.  Grooming standards are published in the CFM and briefed to every cadet at the start of the school year. These standards are the minimums and will be closely followed.  Personal grooming and appearance is the responsibility of the individual cadet, and figures significantly into the overall course grade.  Individual waivers for specific grooming problems may be granted but only after discussion with the SNSI and NSI, and after their approval.  Barring a compelling reason, such requests will typically not be granted.  Hair will be in accordance with the CFM. If a cadet gets a haircut infraction on an inspection the cadet has until the next inspection to get it corrected. If there are haircut infractions on consecutive inspections more severe point deductions will be made.

CHAPTER 9

ADVANCEMENT, PROMOTION AND DISCIPLINE

9.1 Introduction.  To be effective, NJROTC advancement, promotion, and discipline must be fair, timely and merited.  Over the course of a four-year career as an NJROTC cadet, the top of the command structure must be attainable for a cadet who works hard and makes significant contributions to the Unit.  However, setting the bar too low only serves to cheapen the sense of pride of being promoted and weakens the Chain of Command.  Likewise, discipline should be swiftly administered and be seen as fair and proportional to the offense.  Our system of advancement, promotion, and discipline should be predictable, fair, and easy to understand.  Appendix B lists the academic, time in grade, community service and practical drill requirements for advancement, and should be the first item referenced when discussing advancement.

9.2 Promotion Requirements.  Advancement in grade or rank will follow the promotion requirements matrix listed in Appendix B.  The promotion system enables cadets to seek promotion as they complete their individual requirements for the next rank/rate, as long as time-in-grade requirements are met.  It is the individual cadet’s responsibility to know the requirements for advancement.  The Platoon Commander will keep track of each cadet’s date-of-rank and which promotion requirements have been completed.  As cadets complete each time-in-grade requirement, they should seek out their Platoon Commander to schedule the Academic and Practical Examinations.  Cadets should also keep in mind the community service hour requirements and record them on the Event Record sheet.  Upon satisfactory completion of the Academic and Practical Exam requirements, the Event Record will be prepared by the cadet and forwarded for recommendations for promotion.  The SNSI and NSI will review each advancement nomination for completeness, then either approve or disapprove the promotion recommendation based on its merits.  Failure to successfully complete either the academic or drill requirements will result in the cadet’s failure to advance.  The cadet will then have to wait for one week before attempting the failed exam a second time.  However, once a portion of a particular advancement is passed it need not be repeated in the future (i,e., a cadet passes the academics and fails the drill.  One week later the cadet only has to pass the drill portion).  On very rare occasions, when the SNSI and NSI have observed exceptionally superior conduct, performance or achievement by a particular cadet, they may meritoriously promote that cadet one rate or rank.  This will only be done in exceptional cases.  Additionally, cadet staff positions have permanent ranks/rates associated with them.  Cadets selected to these positions will automatically be promoted to these ranks/rates when they assume these cadet staff positions after completing the required academic and practical exams. In cases such as these, the SNSI/NSI may waive established time-in-grade requirements. 

9.3 Disciplinary Actions.  From time to time, cadets may violate the rules and regulations of the PLCS NJROTC program.  There are two categories of infractions:  minor violations of NJROTC rules & regulations, and major violations of NJROTC rules and regulations.  Minor violations include such things as disrespect to a more senior cadet or changing out of uniform early on uniform day.  Examples of major violations would be lying to instructors, cheating on assignments, or conduct outside of the school environment that is immoral, illegal and could bring discredit upon the NJROTC program. The NSI shall determine whether a violation of unit regulations is major or minor.  

9.3.1 Minor Violations.  Minor violations will be investigated and judged by the cadet staff.  If it is determined that the cadet in question did commit the minor violation, this information and a recommendation of appropriate punishment will be forwarded to the SNSI and NSI.  They will review this information and make a final determination of guilt or innocence and what punishment, if any, is appropriate.  Punishment can range from verbal counseling up to the loss of NJROTC rank and/or position.  Repeated violations will be subject to increasingly severe disciplinary action.

9.3.2 Major Violations.  Major violations will be investigated and judged by the SNSI and NSI.  Punishment can range from verbal counseling to removal from the NJROTC program.  Punishment resulting from major violations will be documented in writing and recorded in CDMIS. 

9.4 Cadet Transfers.  Cadets from other programs who transfer into our program will be handled differently, depending on whether they were previously in an NJROTC program, or a program affiliated with another service.

9.4.1 Transfers from NJROTC Programs. These cadets will retain their previous rank with the exception of an officer rank. If they held an officer rank they will be awarded the rank of Chief Petty Officer. 

9.4.2 Transfers from other services’ JROTC Programs.  These cadets will lose one rank from their previous rank with the exception of an officer. If they held an officer rank they will be awarded the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Regardless of their rank, the cadet will be required to complete the practical and academic exams for all ranks up to and including the rank given. A date of completion will be worked out between the SNSI or NSI and the cadet. If the requirements are not met by that date, the cadet will meet with the SNSI and NSI to determine why the requirements were not met. A new completion date will be assigned or the cadet will lose that rank based on the contents of the meeting.