Click here to read an Appeal Democrat Article on becoming leaders through the Yuba City High School Navel Jr. ROTC Program.

LT Castaneda, USN(Ret)- Senior Naval Science Instructor

Email: mcastaneda@ycusd.org Phone: 530-674-4900 x31405

Welcome to Yuba City High School NJROTC/NNDCC!

The choice to participate in NJROTC/NNDCC is wise a decision in the shaping of the all-around high school experience. Students that join NJROTC/NNDCC are exposed to leadership development, self-discipline, health and fitness, American history, and civic responsibility.  These character traits are the pillars to success beyond high school are necessary in both college and the workforce.

Should a parent or guardian have questions about the program, I'd ask that Cadets be afforded the opportunity to answer your questions and or communicate with NJROTC/NNDCC staff prior to parental involvement.  This will aid in the Cadet's self-development and leadership experience.  However, understand that the NJROTC/NNDCC is always available to communicate with parents and guardians should the need arise.

Our Mission 

To instill the values of citizenship, service, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. 

Our Vision 

To create tomorrow's leaders through a regiment of leadership development, academic success, health and fitness, and civic service, one Cadet at a time. 

What our NJROTC program does for your child. 

• Promotes Patriotism 
• Develops informed and responsible citizens 
• Develops respect for constructed authority 
• Develops leadership potential 
• Promotes high school completion 
• Promotes higher education 
• Promotes community service 
• Develops a high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, individual discipline and leadership 
• Promotes an understanding of the basic elements and need for national security 
• Provides information on the military services as a possible career 
• Provides an alternative to gangs 
• Provides incentive to live healthy and drug-free 

Student eligibility requirements 

• Be enrolled in and attending a regular course of instruction in a grade 9 through 12 at the school hosting the unit. 
• Be physically qualified to participate fully in the physical education program of the host school. 
• Be selected by the NJROTC instructor with the approval of the school principal or his/her representative. 
• Maintain acceptable standards of academic achievement and academic standing of C or above in all classes. 
• Maintain high standards of conduct at all times. 
• Comply with specified personal grooming standards. Common sense and good judgment apply to the attainment of these standards. Standards will not be relaxed that will reflect discredit upon the naval service or school. 

Benefits of NJROTC 

• Approximately 60 percent of the NJROTC cadets who are graduating seniors continue to higher education. 
• The NJROTC program is motivational in encouraging cadets to graduate from high school and continue to higher education offering free ACT/SAT preparation. 
• NJROTC cadets are better behaved, have higher attendance, are role models for the avoidance of substance abuse, have higher self-esteem, develop positive life skills, on average have higher grade point averages and graduate at a higher rate. 
• Cadets learn the value of teamwork and individual accomplishments from belonging to NJROTC. 
• The character education in NJROTC teaches values, principles, and self-discipline promoting positive, productive behaviors and provides a support structure that is critical not only in helping cadets avoid the use of drugs but living a healthy and fit lifestyle. 
• NJROTC provides the opportunity for secondary school students to learn the basic elements and need for national security and their personal obligations as Americans. 
• The program enhances the image of the military in the eyes of the community by providing a chance for success to the nation's youth. 
• While the training is along military lines, it is conducted to encourage initiative and individuality to develop natural gifts, to teach self-control, develop personal character, responsibility, and qualities of integrity, loyalty, and dedication. 
• Cadets accepted for enlistment, who provide evidence of successful completion of at least 3 years of NJROTC, are entitled to advanced promotion to pay grade E-2 upon initial enlistment in an active or reserve component of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Marine Corps. 
• The Senior Naval Science Instructor is authorized to nominate a maximum of three eligible cadets each year to compete for U.S. Naval Academy appointments. 
• Administrators of host schools that are designated as Distinguished Units with Academic Honors may nominate three eligible NJROTC cadets as candidates for appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy in addition to the three nominations above to the U.S. Naval Academy. 

Unit Philosophy 

The main goal of the program is to instill in students the habits necessary to excel academically and socially, ultimately leading to achievement of personal intermediate and long-term goals.

One hundred percent of the course grade is dependent upon the Cadet's ability to routinely display a positive, self-confident attitude, properly wear the uniform, and proactively participate during class, drill, and physical training. Every cadet will comply with clearly defined class and course rules, persevere in challenging situations, and act respectfully to people they come in contact within the community. As the cadet gains experience and displays the characteristics of a positive, mature, and supportive follower, it is expected that he or she will desire to earn rank and fill positions of leadership within the unit.

While serving in a leadership position, the Cadet will learn the importance of teamwork, effective two-way communications within a chain of command, and earn the respect of subordinates that will lead to the successful accomplishment of clearly defined unit goals. The NJROTC program methodology is designed to provide a Cadet the skill set necessary to effectively prioritize, tackle, and solve challenging problems to prepare him/her to successfully achieve personal, short-term academic goals, followed by intermediate and long-term educational and career goals. 

Program Description 

NJROTC is a Citizenship Development program. Designed to teach students leadership skills, citizenship, American government, U.S. Navy orientation, wellness, fitness, first aid, geography, and orienteering skills. We will also address certain key events in our nation's history and increase Cadet's basic world geography skills. 

The basic curriculum is designed to develop a growing sense of pride in the organization and foster personal qualities of patriotism, citizenship, and leadership. The curriculum seeks to encourage and develop Cadet Honor, trustworthiness, self-esteem, mental toughness, a sense of teamwork, and self-discipline.