ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

The Naval Service Training Command prescribes the courses for naval science for NJROTC units that comprise the 3 or 4-year curriculum.

The naval science program is constructed to include three academic classroom sessions and two activity periods per week. The curriculum is based on 40-minute sessions of instruction for 36 weeks, with 180 teaching days. This equates to 7200 minutes of contact instruction (72 hours of classroom instruction and 48 hours of activities including military drill and athletics). Adjustments for class length other than 40-minute periods, as well as staggered, rotating or modular schedules, are made at the local school level.

This program of 7200 minutes of instruction equates to one Carnegie unit or one credit per year toward graduation as an elective or other subject credit approved by school authorities.

• It is desired that all topics provided in the curriculum be covered, but the depth of coverage must be determined by each instructor according to the needs of his/her students. Major curriculum content changes are not to be made without the prior approval of the Naval Service Training Command.

What subjects are included in the curriculum?

The Naval Service Training Command routinely updates the curriculum to include new texts, instructional materials and lesson plans. The curriculum is developed and revised by civilian educators and NJROTC instructors. The wide variety of subjects includes the following:

CITIZENSHIP -- Instillation of values of good, responsible citizenship.

• NAVAL ORIENTATION -- Basic introduction to the Navy’s customs and traditions.

• NAVAL OPERATIONS/ORGANIZATION -- Familiarization with national naval strategy and daily military operations.

• NAVAL HISTORY -- History of the United States Navy from the colonial period to the present.

• NAVIGATION -- Introduction to piloting and navigation.

• SEAMANSHIP -- Introduction to basic seamanship and ship handling.

• LEADERSHIP -- Ongoing study of leadership, with opportunities to develop leadership abilities.

• NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY -- Study of astronomy and its use in navigation.

• ELECTRONICS -- Introduction to electronics as the basis for communications and weapons systems.

• OCEANOGRAPHY -- Information on the collection of data on the world's ocean systems.

• DRILLS, COMMANDS, AND CEREMONIES -- Close order drill and parade ceremonies.

• PHYSICAL FITNESS -- Activities to promote healthy, active lifestyles.

Sounds Pretty Serious--Is there any fun stuff?

NJROTC cadets participate in a number of outside, or extra-curricular, activities throughout the school year. These opportunities are designed to stimulate learning by hands-on experience and to reinforce classroom instruction. Some of these activities include:

• School and local activities such as parades, community service projects and events, academic, athletic, drill, marksmanship and orienteering events and competitions.

• Leadership training of about 1 week during the spring and summer months to include Basic Leadership Training, Leadership Academy, and Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) programs at major universities.

• Orientation visits (3 to 5 days) to various naval and military bases.

• Cruises aboard U.S. naval vessels (1 day to 2 weeks) normally conducted during the summer months.

NAVAL SCIENCE I

PURPOSE: To introduce students to the meaning of citizenship, the elements of leadership, and the value of scholarship in attaining life goals; promote an awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including physical fitness, a proper diet, and controlling stress; drug awareness; provide the principles of health and first aid, military courtesies/courtesies and an overview of close order drill. These elements are pursued at the fundamental level.

COURSE CONTENT: Includes introduction to the NJROTC program; introduction to Leadership, Citizenship and the American Government; introduction to Wellness, Fitness, and First Aid to include diet, exercise and drug awareness, introduction to Geography, military customs and courtesies, close order drill; Financial Skills and introduction to the U. S. Navy.

NAVAL SCIENCE II

PURPOSE: To build on the general introduction provided in Naval Science 1, to further develop the traits of citizenship and leadership, and to introduce cadets to the technical areas of naval science and the role of the U. S. Navy in maritime history and the vital importance of the world’s oceans to the continued well-being of the United States.

COURSE CONTENT: Includes ongoing instruction into Leadership; introduction to Maritime History, including the American Revolution, Civil War, the rise of the U. S. to world power status, World Wars 1 and 2, the Cold War Era and the 1990s and Beyond; introduction to Nautical Sciences to include Maritime Geography, Oceanography, Meteorology, Astronomy, and Physical Sciences.

NAVAL SCIENCE III

PURPOSE: Broaden the understanding of students in the operative principles of military leadership, the concept and significance of teamwork, the intrinsic value of good order and discipline in the accomplishment of objectives, and the importance of sea power and national security. Students gain a more in-depth knowledge of Naval ships and aircraft and an introduction to marine navigation and seamanship.

COURSE CONTENT: Includes instruction in Sea Power and National Security, Naval Operations and Support Functions, Military Law, and International Law and the Sea. Provides introduction to Ship Construction and Damage Control, Shipboard Organization and Watch Standing, Basic Seamanship, Marine Navigation, and Naval Weapons and Aircraft. Ongoing instruction in leadership, citizenship and discipline.

NAVAL SCIENCE IV

PURPOSE: Focused primarily on practical leadership techniques and implementation. The intent is to assist seniors in understanding leadership and improving their leadership skills by putting them in positions of leadership, under supervision, then helping them analyze the reasons for their varying degrees of success throughout the year. Classroom activities include seminars, reading assignments, classroom presentations, and practical work with younger cadets. Seniors are mentored/guided in their preparation for life after high school to include college preparation, scholarship applications, and the variety of choices that are available to them.

COURSE CONTENT: Includes instruction in theoretical and applied aspects of leadership, training, and evaluation of performance. Students will become aware of the techniques used to create motivation, develop goals and activities for a work group, and the proper ways to set a leadership example. Students are provided access to ACT/SAT prep courses, guidance in selecting a college and pursuing available scholarships, and mentoring in establishing long range life goals.