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Unit Events

Back to School Night

Upperclassman cadets act as ushers for Parents attending the annual back-to-school night. They assist parents in finding specific classrooms pertaining to their child's school schedule.

Parades:

RHS cadets are required to march in the homecoming and Memorial Day parades as part of their quarter grades. Those who participate in any other team/band part of the parades will be able to choose which group they would like to march with. During the homecoming parade those who are on the football team, will be with their team and receive an excused absence.

BLT:

BLT is an optional training event that takes place early in October. While the camp is set to create an environment of controlled stress for the cadet, it is also one that facilitates a huge amount of learning. Cadets will be introduced to military drills, knowledge, inspections, PT systems, and the chain of command, as well as learning self-discipline, followership, and teamwork. Part of the weekend is devoted to a ropes course run by an accredited outside company which fosters confidence and the ability to deal with situations outside the cadet's normal comfort zone.

AMI:

The Area Manager’s inspection (AMI) is a key event that evaluates the overall performance and readiness of a unit. Conducted by a senior NJROTC official, often the Area Manager, this inspection assesses various aspects of the program, including cadet discipline, uniform appearance, drill proficiency, and the execution of established procedures. It serves as an opportunity for cadets and instructors to showcase their skills, teamwork, and dedication to the program. Additionally, the inspection helps identify areas for improvement, providing constructive feedback that enhances the training experience and ensures that the unit meets the high standards set by NJROTC. This event is MANDATORY for all cadets in the unit. 

Rotary Service Events:

Riverhead cadets take part in several community service events sponsored by the Riverhead Rotary Club throughout the year. These events include a pancake breakfast, spaghetti dinner, and fair cleanup. All of this voluntary service goes toward cadet community service and the cadets who do an exceptional job are rewarded by the Rotary at the end-of-year awards ceremony.

Drill Meets:

Drill team cadets are required to come to these events, but all of our cadets are welcome to come and support our competitors while watching other schools and meeting various non-Riverhead cadets. The unit competes in an average of four competitions which last usually all day on a Saturday. Depending on unit success at preliminary events, the unit may be able to compete at regional and national competitions which are often overnight trips.

Navy Ball:

The Navy Ball provides cadets with a chance to relax with their friends and enjoy an official party. The beginning section is based on military tradition with an arch of swords and a table of honor explanation. After the ceremonies, the cadets are invited to enjoy a catered dinner and hours on the dance floor. This is also a social build for cadets, where cadets learn how to communicate and socialize.

End of Year Awards:

The unit hosts an awards ceremony in early June. Parents and families are invited to see the cadets receive unit and other organizational awards as well as enjoy dinner and socializations as the year comes to a close. At this dinner, there is also the change of the staff.

Leadership Academy/Sail Training:

Area 4 Leadership Academy occurs every year at NTC Newport. It is a two-week program created by Area 4 leaders and run by instructors from all over the Northeast. Selection is competitive and based on all aspects of a cadet including, but not limited to, Academics, Drill, PT, Leadership, and Attitude. The Riverhead unit is guaranteed two slots but may receive more based on spot openings. LA/ST graduates are the only cadets authorized to wear the coveted Silver Cord!

CADET BILLETS

Freshman Cadets

Freshman Cadets do not generally take on billets as their job is to learn as much as possible about how the unit is organized and operates, as well as its customs and courtesies. They should act as the workforce in the different departments to decide what they like best and wish to do for the rest of their time in the program. Upon selection for a billet, generally, towards the end of freshman year, they will be cleared to ascend to the rank of cadet Petty Officer 3rd Class.

Squad Leaders:

Squad Leaders are cadets who have shown enough responsibility, initiative, and ability to assume their first leadership role. These cadets should be model cadets, up to date on knowledge and drill, showing up at all events, and wearing the uniform correctly and at all times required. There are three in each platoon.

Assistant Platoon Commander:

The assistant platoon commander is culled from a platoon's squad leader and is the chosen cadet who demonstrates great leadership skills and can act as a role model for those in the platoon. He or she is responsible for aiding the Platoon Commander in managing all facets of the platoon's operations. The Assistant is also required to act as an advisor to the platoon's junior cadets, dealing with their welfare, morale, and problems to make sure the unit is running at optimal efficiency.

Platoon Commander:

As an officer, the platoon commander is responsible for taking care of everything in a platoon. They relay orders from the Unit Staff and take part in organizing and running the unit. It is their responsibility to develop the platoon to the best of their abilities.

Departmental Positions:

There are seven different departments in the RHS NJROTC program; each follows the basic command structure outlined here. The departments are as follows: Admin, Armory, Public Affairs, Training, Supply, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR), and Operations.

Departmental Petty Officers:

Departmental Petty Officers are third classes and higher who are assistants to Departmental Officers. They carry out the orders of the Departmental Chiefs and officers and must learn the different aspects of the department to be effective at their daily tasks.

Departmental Chiefs:

Chiefs are the second in command of their departments and are required to assist the officers in planning and execution. They should know everything about the departments and be ready to stand in for the officer in case of his or her absence.

Departmental Officers:

 Officers are in command of their departments and are responsible for planning and execution of their department tasks and for training their personnel as well as co-coordinating with the Unit Staff and other departments to support unit actions.

Staff Positions:

Commanding Officer:

The Commanding Officer is responsible for EVERY aspect of the unit

Executive Officer:

The XO is in a very high position in the unit and is therefore responsible for all its operations and activities. Specifically, though, the XO's job is to oversee the unit staff to make sure the departments and teams are coordinated and effectively working together towards the unit goals. They must also be ready to stand in for the Commanding Officer in his or her absence.

Operations Officer:

The OPSO is another voice in the planning of unit operations and should be familiar with all the running of the unit. They are primarily responsible for making sure activities are executed properly. They should strive to improve the unit to the best of their ability and act as a resource for all other cadets.

Senior Chief:

The unit Senior Chief is the highest enlisted cadet and is to hold meetings with the unit to maintain order. Senior Chief is in charge of all the enlisted cadets. Senior Chief is to keep the underclassmen up to date with events and keep them involved with unit activities.