How to Become a Leader in NJROTC
Cadets can be considered for promotion once they have met the School/Unit's promotion criteria. The criteria requires that the cadet maintain an acceptable level of deportment (less than 40 demerits in a quarter) and academic proficiency. In addition, the following additional requirements must be met:
- Waterfront requirement (any rate/rank above Seaman, Qualified Boat Handler (QBH); any rate/rank above CPO, Quarter Master Third Class (QM3).
- Leadership course and/or Naval Science-1 (any rate/rank above PO2).
- Minimum of one quarter in attendance (any rate/rank above Seaman).
- Junior class or above (any rate/rank above PO1).
- Cadets with 40 or more demerits in the marking period are not eligible for promotion. Cadets with 75 or more demerits during the marking period will be reduced in rank and may lose their position.
- In exceptional circumstances, the above requirements may be waived by special board proceedings.
In addition to the above, promotions may be limited by the cadets position. For example, a squad leader has a maximum billet rank/rate of Petty Officer First Class (PO1). In this case, in order to promote the cadet, he/she would need to be moved into a position requiring greater responsibility and authority such as platoon guide or platoon leader. On occasion, the promotion board will sometimes place a cadet in a trial billet at a lower than authorized rate with the potential for future promotion as recommended by the board. This will enable the assignment of exceptional cadets to serve in positions that are more inline with the individual's abilities.
Cadets who are interested in being promoted should start by ensuring they have met the promotion criteria listed above. Once this has been accomplished, they should submit a "Brag Sheet" detailing their accomplishments such as grade point average (GPA), sports participation, community service, and the recommendation of their platoon leader and company commander. The Brag Sheet should then be delivered to the Director of Naval Science for consideration during the next scheduled Promotion Board.
The cadet's company commander normally has the most influence when it comes to promotions. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the individual desiring promotion to ensure that he/she is deserving of promotion by sustained superior performance and demonstrating leadership abilities. To this end, the process of being a 'good follower' is an important trait of anyone desiring a leadership position.
The promotion orders will occasionally include a note (1-9) adjacent to the "Promoted to Rank/Rate". The following breakdown applies:
- Promotion pending the cadet meeting the waterfront requirement.
- Promotion pending the completion of Leadership Course or equivalent.
- First semester requirement waived.
- Promotion limited due to the cadet already being at the class maximum rate/rank.
- Trial position with promotion potential.
- Maximum rate/rank waived.
- Secondary assignment.
- Promotion held in abeyance pending completion of minimum semester requirement.
- Cadet reduced in rate/rank or not promoted due to excessive demerits or having received a 'Class A' punishment with demotion.
Questions about the Academy's promotion policy should be forwarded to the Director of Naval Science. Cadets who have not been selected for promotion, after submitting a Brag Sheet, should bring their concerns up through the chain-of-command prior to approaching the Director of Naval Science.
Click here for a Brag Sheet
