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Attend the Noncommissioned Officers' Academy (NCOA) of ERHS

By Cadet Veena Meer
MD-901 Public Affairs

On Saturday, January 18th 2008 at 7 A.M., a group of twelve cadets arrived at the Noncommissioned Officers' Academy (NCOA) held by AFJROTC unit MD-901 of Eleanor Roosevelt High School . The cadets were hand-picked by instructors to attend the two-day training to become noncommissioned officers of the unit who will carry out greater leadership roles within the corp. Many of these cadets plan to go on to Cadet Officer Leadership Program (COLP) in the summer to become officers of JROTC. Cadet Brown, a participant of NCOA, aspires to hold the position of Chief of Staff on the cadet staff because she says, “I want to be in charge.” Cadet Nwaobas thinks of being the Senior Enlisted Advisor. NCOA lasted from 7AM to 6 PM on Saturday, resumed at 7AM on Sunday, and cadets graduated that afternoon.

When the cadets arrived at ERHS on Saturday and Sunday morning, dressed sharply in their uniforms, they went outdoors for a flag-raising ceremony which marks the start of the work day. Back inside, the cadets enjoyed a breakfast provided by the JROTC instructors. On Saturday, Mr. McNeil, the principle of Eleanor Roosevelt High School , spoke to the group on how they are precious members of the ERHS community because of the higher standards of behavior that they live up to and for being responsible citizens. Dr. Coon, who was a JROTC instructor at ERHS when the program first began at the school, spoke to the group as well. On both days of the academy, the JROTC instructors at ERHS- Major Bova and Sergeant Hicks- taught lessons on topics such as integrity, loyalty, commitment, Murphy's Law, time management, problem solving, and effective leadership. Cadet Brown said that she considers “integrity and commitment” two of the most important principles that he learned about this weekend. Cadet Nwaobas considers “empathy and energy” as two of the best principles he learned. Cadet Julian Rooks, the Vice Group Commander on the MD-901 cadet staff spoke to the cadets on such topics as well. Lunch was provided for the cadets, and served as a time to look over notes, refresh, and socialize. Cadet Darren Mullen conducted various problem solving activities that weekend, in which cadets exercised the steps of problem solving that they learned from the lectures. On Saturday afternoon, cadets practiced the 30-Command Drill Sequence and participated in a volleyball game that served as the physical training (P.T.) portion of the NCOA curriculum. At the conclusion of the training at NCOA, Cadet Brown said “I want to become more responsible and be more involved” and Cadet Nwaobas resolved to “take duties more seriously and be more efficient.”

On Sunday, after lessons and a problem solving activity, the cadets prepared for their graduation ceremony. The cadets each received a certificate from Major Bova, the senior JROTC instructor at ERHS, in recognition of them becoming a noncommissioned officer. With light refreshments and the company of parents and friends of the graduates, the ceremony was a superb event. After the graduation ceremony, Cadet Brian Servia said, “I want to be a role model.” The 2008 NCOA at ERHS was a success, bring forth cadets who have fresh aspirations who will contribute to making MD-901 a stronger and more cohesive unit.

Program Description

The Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC) is a cooperative partnership between the United States Department of Defense and Prince George's County Public Schools to provide secondary students a comprehensive leadership and military studies program.

All high schools within Prince George's County have a JROTC unit. One branch, of the four branches of service, is represented at each of the 21 high schools. Students wanting to enroll in JROTC must be physically fit and at least 14 years of age. Cadets wear their uniforms once a week, and when participating in special ceremonies. There is no cost to the cadets or their families for uniforms, textbooks or any other necessary equipment.

Participation in JROTC does not obligate a cadet for any future military service. Being a JROTC cadet is not all work. You can be a guest at dances and military balls sponsored by your JROTC unit(s), take part in activities at athletic events as part of a color guard or drill team...and much more. If you have questions, the high school guidance counselor or JROTC instructor will be glad to discuss in more detail about the program.

JROTC CONDUCTS FIRST EVER NON-COMMISSION OFFICER ACADEMY

In January 2007 , selected JROTC cadets attended the first ever Non-Commission Officer Academy (NCOA). They were taught leadership and management skills that will help prepare them for positions of increased responsibility in our unit. The JROTC Instrutors selected eighteen cadets for this important training session; Cadets- Chantee Davis, Karen Guzman, Ryan Howard, Ikram Hussain, Lakeevia Jackson, Tigidanke Kabbany, Fatima Mboup, Veena Meer, Alice Mhina, Torre Moore, Jeffery Neily, Deveena Richmond, Carl Roberson, Julian Rooks, Duan Samuels, Mamie Sandy, Eva Short, and Brooke Wilson. All selected cadets successfully completed the 2 ½ day training session.

 

Created by: C/1st Lt McMullen
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