How do I join NJROTC?

NJROTC, or Naval Science, is an elective class. The program counts as HOPE/Art credit for the first 2 years. Request Naval Science 1 and/or any NJROTC Honors class when you register OR speak to your counselor or an instructor. Students not zoned for Dunedin may become a member of an academy program such as fundamental, construction, robotics, etc. and take a Naval Science class as part of their course load.

Do I have to go to Dunedin High School to join NJROTC?

No! In the 2020-2021 students from schools in the area attended Dunedin High School for one period a day just to participate in NJROTC. These students and their parents were responsible to get themselves to and from both school campuses. This includes those attending private school as well as those who are home-schooled. For more information contact the guidance counselors or administration at Dunedin High School.

Do I have to join the Navy or any other branch of service?

There is absolutely no obligation of any kind, and most students have no interest in going into the military after graduation. For those who are interested, however, there are some very real benefits.

Are instructors in the military?

No. Our instructors are retired Navy personal. They are high school faculty members and employees of Pinellas County School Board like all the other teachers at Dunedin and are certified by the U.S> Navy to teach NJROTC. Instructors receive no kickbacks or benefits if a cadet joins the military, talks to a recruiter or even takes the ASVAB

Please note: WE ARE NOT RECRUITERS!

What cadet gear or equipment is provided?

White shirt, garrison cover, socks, dress shoes, uniform shirt and pants, belt, belt buckle, relaxed fit jacket (if requested) are provided. Blue and Gold PT gear. Dress Uniform if required. Cadets will be charged replacement cost if they lose any item with the exception of black socks.

What does it cost to participate?

There is a $25 activity fee which includes unit shirt, monthly birthday cake, cadet name tags, supplies, etc.

Overnight field trips and summer training sessions will have a cost associated.

Uniform replacement costs (if needed) Cadets who outgrow or damage their uniform may replace them at no cost.

Haircuts for males (every 2-3 weeks)

Fundraising projects are scheduled as needed to raise funds for special equipment, competitions, projects, or field trips.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

Yes! Navy uniforms are issued at no cost and worn once a week for the entire school day, usually Wednesday, however there are numerous opportunities to fulfill this requirement at competitions or community service events.

How much time does NJROTC take?

You can spend as much or as little time in NJROTC as you want. You must go to class just like other courses, but activities like drill team, orienteering, athletic team, rifle team or other cadet teams are also offered. They are there for you if your grades allow and you want to participate. The more involved you are, the more fun you’ll have.

What about Leadership Training?

NJROTC is the only formal course of instruction that has formal instruction in both followership and leadership. The course also encourages practical application by giving the students the opportunity to run their extra-curricular groups and manage many aspects of the NJROTC program. 

NJROTC sounds pretty serious - is there anything fun?

NJROTC cadets participate in a number of outside, or extra-curricular, activities throughout the school year and during the summer months. These opportunities are designed to stimulate learning by hands-on experience and to reinforce classroom instruction. Some of these activities include but are not limited to:

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

• Leadership training occurs throughout the summer to include Basic Leadership Training, Leadership Academy, Sail Academy, Drill Camps, and more.

• Orientation visits (3 to 5 days) to various naval and military bases such as the MCRD Parris Island, Macdill Air Force Base, Patrick Space Force Base, Kingsbay Submarine Base, Jacksonville Naval Air Station are all potential destinations for orientations visits.

• College Campus visits- USF NROTC is our big-brother unit at the college level and is just one of many campuses that seniors might visit to include University of Tampa, Jacksonville University and more.

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