NJROTC Building Tomorrow's Navy Leaders Today

Navy NewsStand ^ | 3/26/2004 11:20:00 AM | Journalist 3rd Class Devin Wright, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

[BykrBayb]

Story Number: NNS040326-08 Release Date: 3/26/2004 11:20:00 AM

By Journalist 3rd Class Devin Wright, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Almost 130 Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets took part in an annual four-day spring camp beginning March 19.

The spring camp consists of a day of boot camp-style instruction on military protocol, and a basic seamanship course that includes sailing and kayaking. There is also a physical readiness portion in which cadets hike Diamond Head and complete second class swimming qualifications. Cadets also receive an historical overview of the Navy here in Hawaii, including a tour of Ford Island and a tour of USS Hopper (DDG 70).

Although early training of potential naval officers is one intent of the NJROTC program, another is building well-rounded Americans.

"The intent of the program is to develop responsible citizens in our high school students," said Lt. Cmdr. Hank Van Oss, senior naval science instructor at Kalaheo High School.

"The Navy also gets a big benefit, because a large percentage of these men and women will affiliate with the Navy. The cadets benefit the most, because this program prepares these young men and women for leadership in the military or as civilians."

Kalaheo high school senior and NJROTC Cadet Commander Christine Fukada said the spring camp gives her the chance to decide if the military is something she intends to pursue.

"It gives us an opportunity to see what¹s out there, what our options are," said Fukada. "A lot of us will end up joining the Navy or going to the Academy, and for the rest of us who choose a different path, at least we know we've explored our options. NJROTC gives us that opportunity."

Some cadets believe that the NJROTC program is building tomorrow's naval leaders today.

"A lot of the Navy's future leaders are in NJROTC, and I think the Navy recognizes that by giving us tours and Navy experiences," said Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Lee'kunishite. "When we join the Navy, we will have already been on a ship, know a little about the Navy's history, basic seamanship and we will be one step ahead."

For related news, visit the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Navy NewsStand page at http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrh.

[Mr. Silverback]

We just got one a couple of years back at the High School in Freeport, IL, and the program is so awesome it almost makes me want to send my kids to public school.

But I'll settle for Silverback Junior being the first home-schooler to be accepted to the Air Force Academy...;-)

[BykrBayb]

I bet if you contacted the Navy and requested your homeschooled kids be included next time, they'd accomodate you. It's worth a try.

[Mr. Silverback]

Oh, no worries at this point, my oldest is only nine. But I will take your suggestion under advisement when the time comes.

[middie]

There have been USNA offers of appointment to home schooled candidates and a few have actually attended. They have a more difficult time being noticed and they are usually considered suspect of lacking in social and leadership skills because of their isolation from high school colleagues. The service academies look for more than scholarship, candidates must demonstrate those well-rounded social traits and accomplished leadership in high school that portend the commissioning of an intelligent, as well as smart, and articulate team player/leader four years hence after Induction Day.

[Mr. Silverback]

Thank you very much for that information, and also for your service to our country. Our current hope (which the two oldest are both very enthusiastic about thus far) is for our two boys to make it to Eagle Scout. This should alleviate any concerns that the USNA, USMA or USAFA might have about socialization and leadership. Currently my nine year old is not only very excited about scouting in general, but he always responds with intense interest when I show him Eagle Scout announcements in the local newspaper. My daughter will try for the top Girl Scout rank, and our younger son starts as a Tiger Cub in about 18 months or so.

I'm hopeful that everything will be in place for them to go to an academy or ROTC, but as long as their lives honor God, I hope they do whatever makes them happy.

I checked out your homepage...may I ask which service you were in and what you did in Vietnam?

[middie]

Be sure that English, math and science are the core of their educational experience and that they participate in actiivities and sports with others.