The Naval Science Program can best be described as a citizenship program which is co-sponsored by the William Floyd School District and the United States Navy. The program is staffed by Naval Science Instructors who are retired Navy personnel and certified by both the U.S. Navy and the New York State Education Department to perform their duties as NJROTC instructors and administrators. The four-year NJROTC program is designed to build leadership and citizenship in participating cadets. This is done through a broad social science academic approach and a practical, guided leadership experience in naval organization and administration of the unit. The curriculum emphasizes the behavioral aspects of leadership as well as the relationship of the seas to American history, world geography, international relations, and economics. Military conduct, appearance, and drill, as well as the wearing of the Navy uniform, are utilized to emphasize self-discipline and teamwork concepts.
While each year of Naval Science is designed to stand independently, there is a continuity of purpose throughout the program. Each year, the course assists in building a basis for more advanced study of the Navy and sea power as it relates to the nation. This course offering is co-educational and includes extracurricular activities such as drill team, color guard, at-sea cruises in U.S. Navy vessels and visits to naval bases along the Eastern seaboard. Cadets are absolutely under no obligation to enlist in a military service as a result of enrollment in NJROTC. Naval Science courses may be taken for Regents or Local credit and satisfy State Education Department requirements for a 3-year course sequence.
Naval Science Courses:
Naval Science 1
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 9-12 (Course #1804)
Prerequisite: None
In Naval Science I, cadets receive initial education on naval information, naval organization, career opportunities, navigation, seamanship, and military drill. Cadets are provided with Navy uniforms and are instructed on the proper wear and care of them. Cadets are taught military drill, marching, and ceremonial procedures in order to instill teamwork and self-discipline in each cadet.
Naval Science 2
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #1805)
Prerequisite: None
Naval Science II is a follow-up of Naval Science I with emphasis on the development of leadership skills. Having already satisfactorily completed the basic introduction to military drill, cadets now participate as drill leaders and are introduced to the use of dummy drill rifles and military dress swords. Maritime History is continued and the study of meteorology, oceanography, seamanship, navigation, and aviation are presented. Navy organization and administrative techniques are emphasized.
Naval Science 3
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 11-12 (Course #1806)
Prerequisite: None
Naval Science III is a follow-up of Naval Science II. Third year cadets are expected to take an active part in planning the activities of the unit and assist in leading the cadet company through the yearly cadet activities. The academic syllabus includes Navy history as it relates to World War II, meteorology, astronomy, and the role of the U.S. Navy in world affairs.
Naval Science 4
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grade 12 (Course #1807)
Prerequisite: None
In Naval Science IV, cadets are expected to use the leadership skills they have acquired to lead, inspire, and motivate the younger cadets. They are assigned as class leaders and are tasked with helping the new cadets learn the ropes. Naval Science IV cadets improve their administrative and organizational skills by assisting with the myriad of administrative, supply, operational functions, and reports involved with operating the NJROTC unit.