The NVMI Corps of Cadets

NVMI’s Corps of Cadets is organized under section 530 of the California Military and Veterans code as a “military academy, having not less than 80 students, uniformed, drilled, and instructed in strict accordance with the tactics of the regular United States Army, and in which the instruction is conducted in accordance with military principles.”

Introduction

North Valley Military Institute was awarded a JROTC program starting academic year 2019 - 2020.  The US Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. As congressionally mandated by Title 10 United States Code, Section 2031, each military service must have a JROTC program to “instill in students the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.” JROTC’s mission, To Motivate Young People to Better Citizens, is the guidepost for the program's success. The Army's JROTC program currently operates in approximately 1,700 public and private high schools, and military institutions throughout the United States and overseas. As JROTC students (Cadets) progress through the program, they experience opportunities to lead other Cadets. The JROTC faculty is led by nearly 4,000 Instructors (Senior Officers & Non-Commissioned Officers) who are retired from active duty Army service. Instructors are trained and qualified in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 to teach and mentor approximately 314,000 JROTC Cadets. Since 2005 Instructors have been using curriculum accredited by AdvancED to teach and mentor Cadets.

JROTC Curriculum

JROTC curriculum provides equitable and challenging academic content and authentic learning experiences for all Cadets. All lessons are designed using a four-part model to motivate the Cadet, allow the Cadet to learn new information, practice the competency and apply the competency to a real-life situation. Moreover, the four-part model requires Cadets to collaborate, reflect, and develop critical thinking skills, and integrate content with other disciplines. JROTC curriculum includes lessons in leadership, health and wellness, physical fitness, first-aid, geography, American history and government, communications, and emotional intelligence. The curriculum is rigorous and relevant to 21st Century Education. In fact, many high schools grant core credits for some of the subjects taught in JROTC. The JROTC curriculum meets the standards of Common Core State Standards and in many states, it aligns with Career and Technical Education clusters.

Cadets use JROTC technologies to complete summative and formative assessments, present presentations, and play educational games. Outside the classroom Cadets can extend their use of technology. Cadets must participate in integrated curricular activities to reinforce what is learned in the classroom. Integrated Curricular Activities. Cadets participate in integrated curricular activities to demonstrate their attainment of lesson outcomes. Some of the integrated curricular activities include military drill competitions, air rifle competitions (optional), JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl, and a physical fitness competition known as Cadet Challenge. Cadets who complete four years of JROTC integrated curricular activities and its challenging curriculum will be college and/or career ready.

College Opportunities

With assistance from an organization working independently of JROTC, the College Options Foundation can help Cadets locate colleges offering credits for completing JROTC. Additionally, Army ROTC (not JROTC) offer college scholarships to Cadets who qualify for their scholarship program. For more information visit www.collegeoptionsfoundation.net or www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students.html .

JROTC Impact

Arguably, JROTC is the most successful and has the most significant impact on America's youth than any other youth-oriented program.  JROTC's five Quality Indicators— attendance, graduation, indiscipline, drop out, and GPA—are used to measure the effectiveness of the program in high schools. JROTC exceeds schools’ averages in each of these categories.  JROTC coupled with North Valley Military Institute promotes the development of leaders methodology and excellence in the four pillars of academics, leadership, citizenship and athletics. 

Notable JROTC Alumni:

William J. Bordelon, 1938, staff sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, awarded the Medal of Honor; Harry B. Harris Jr., Admiral, U.S. Navy; first Asian-American to achieve the rank of admiral in the Navy; served as commander of U.S. Pacific Command; Baldomero Lopez, first lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, awarded the Medal of Honor; James Cartwright, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Thomas E. White, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, Secretary of the Army, 2001–2003. 

New Cadet Orientation

The purpose of the new cadet orientation is to provide a means by which new students at NVMI can better assimilate into the culture of the school. Through this orientation, new students develop pride in their school and in becoming a member of their designated military company.

Before a new student matriculates at NVMI, he/she must successfully complete an entrance camp process, during which time, the student is called a "candidate".  The entrance camp experience prepares new students in military protocols, procedures, and academic preparation. 

Entrance Camp -

During Entrance Camp, candidates will be required to successfully complete a written test of names of key NVMI adult and cadet leader personnel, military courtesies and customs, and NVMI history.  Candidates are also required to complete a series of performance tasks such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Singing the National Anthem, reciting the 15 Duties of an NVMI cadet, marching at attention, and performing basic stationary drill movements. Candidates also must successfully complete a “Hawk Walk.” The Hawk Walk takes place in front of the company student leaders.  Each candidate stands in front of his/her review board and completes a set of tasks as a means of proving to the student leaders that he/she is ready to assume the responsibility that comes with being a member of a military company. Each student is notified at the beginning of Entrance Camp what tasks the Board will require of him or her.   Tasks include singing the NVMI Alma Mater, reciting the NVMI Creed and General Orders, and demonstrating marching techniques and a proper salute. Only when a candidate successfully completes entrance camp does s/he becomes a “pledge.”

At the Entrance Camp graduation, the NVMI Superintendent reads an entry from the Book of Traditions, and officially proclaims the candidates no longer candidates, but pledges for their respective military companies.

Pledge Status -

Pledges will be assigned to a designated military company. They are not considered full members of the company at that time. Instead, they must continue to learn about NVMI and military traditions, procedures, and protocols. The student leaders and the TAC teams will teach these to them. During this time, they may be required to spend time after school for additional training and practical application.  

During these weeks of training, pledges must demonstrate a willingness to “join” the company, cooperate with student leaders, and participate actively in company routines, sports, and ceremonies.  Also, during this time, these “pledge” cadets wear their entrance camp uniforms and are not authorized to wear the uniforms of a full-fledged cadet. Pledges will take the first rank promotion test from Recruit to Cadet after approximately 3-4 weeks of the school year.   The test consists of properly identifying the elements of the Cadet Code, identifying all cadet and adult rank insignia, knowing the history and insignia of the Corps of Cadets, and other essential basic cadet knowledge. Successful completion of this test with a minimum score of 80% is a requirement for acceptance into the company and continued enrollment at NVMI.

When a pledge passes his/her Recruit to Cadet promotion test, he/she will be officially inducted into the company and receive all the uniforms of an NVMI cadet. New cadets are formally inducted into their military companies at a Ringing In Ceremony normally conducted at a Pass in Review ceremony.  During that ceremony, the Superintendent of the Academy reads this entry from the Book of Traditions and by his/her authority as the Superintendent of the Academy, proclaims these new cadets no longer pledges, but full-fledged members of their military companies and the NVMI Corps of Cadets. By ringing their company bells for the first time and shaking the hands of key company cadet leaders, new cadets ceremonially join their military companies. These cadets will hopefully ring their company achievement bells many times during their cadet lives, to signify achievements in the four NVMI pillars of ACADEMICS, LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP, and ATHLETICS.

Cadets ring their bells the final time at their senior 12th grade military ceremony when they ring out of their companies and are sent forth to college and career success as leaders of character who are academically prepared to serve the world, treat others as they wish to be treated, and do the right thing. 

Organization

NVMI’s Corps is subdivided into cadet companies of approximately 160 cadets each including a band. Companies are subdivided further into platoons corresponding to the grade level of the cadets.   Each platoon is divided into squads of about eight cadets and each of these levels of organization has corresponding cadet leadership positions with increasing responsibility and authority as cadets rise in rank.

Military Courtesy

Proper display of military courtesy is an expectation for all cadets/pledges.    Courtesy is respect for and consideration of others.  In the military, the various forms of courtesy are customary and traditional.  It is important to render these courtesies correctly.  Failure to show military courtesy will affect a cadet’s grade in their Military Science/Leader of Character class and can result in demerits.  Cadet leaders failing to display proper military courtesy are subject to consequences including demotion and denial of the opportunity for promotion.

Saluting

Tradition tells us that warriors raised their visors with their right hands to show that they were unarmed and to reveal their faces as friends rather than foes.  Today, the exchange of the salute is a visible sign of good discipline and mutual respect.  Saluting indicates that cadets not only recognize their leaders, but that they also respect them.  A proper salute occurs with the right hand with fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm canted slightly downward.  The tip of the right forefinger touches the rim of a PT cap, glasses, or the eyebrow.

Salutes are rendered at a reasonable distance when one recognizes an officer in or out of uniform.  This is generally accomplished within a radius of twenty feet but not less than six steps.

• Cadets will look toward the person saluted and greet them verbally.
• When an officer approaches a group of cadets who are out-of-doors, it is the duty of the first cadet (regardless of rank) who recognizes him or her to call “Attention”.  The cadet calling attention then faces the officer and salutes.
• Cadets who are walking render the salute without stopping.
• Cadets who are running will slow to a walk before saluting.
• If both hands are occupied or if the right arm or hand is injured, the cadet will look toward the officer, and nod his/her head and say “Good morning sir or ma’am’ or “good afternoon sir or ma’am” as appropriate.
• When an officer approaches a unit that is in formation, the senior member calls the unit to attention, and salutes for the group.
• Salutes will be rendered as prescribed in TC 3-21.5 (Drill and Ceremonies).
• Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers exchange salutes during accountability formations.
• The Superintendent is authorized a salute outdoors.   He will acknowledge the salute with a salute or a verbal acknowledgement.
• Adult Staff Officers and Cadet Officers will receive/recognize salutes outside buildings.  During the academic passing periods inside buildings, an acknowledgment/greeting of the day is required.

Entering or Leaving an Office

A cadet called to report to the Superintendent’s or Commandant’s office will remove his or her hat, knock twice on the door, enter when directed, move to within two steps and center on the desk or person, hold his or her hat with the left hand (lower left arm is extended horizontally forward at the waist level, with the hat resting on upturned palm of the left hand), salute, and report.

When a member of the staff, faculty or visiting adult addresses a seated Cadet, they will rise to the position of attention or parade rest while responding to the adult.

Bugle Calls and Formations

The following bugle calls are the “normal” “A” Schedule bugle call schedule:

All formations take place on the blacktop adjacent to NVMI Leader’s Field except as otherwise directed. The following procedures will be followed:

• A bugle call will announce first call, and cadets will assemble into formation for accountability, announcements and organized movement to training or classes.
• Cadet company staff will be in the formation area 5 minutes prior to the morning formation.
• A cadet arriving after the tardy bell has rung will report to a tardy gathering area or, in the case of reporting after the academic periods have begun, will report to the Office for a tardy slip. All cadets who are not present at formation and not accounted for will be reported absent by their cadet leader and verified by adult staff members.  Such absences from formation earn one demerit.
• The fact that a visitor is present will not excuse any cadet from formation, unless he/she has received written permission from the appropriate staff/faculty member. Cadets do not have the authority to excuse other cadets from formation for any reason.
• Honors to the nation will be accomplished by cadets assigned to raise the colors on NVMI Leader’s Field at the morning formation and the end of the day.

A bugle call will announce the retreat ceremony, and all cadets will stand at the position of attention, face the flagpole and salute (if indoors, cadets will stand at the position of attention) as the colors are lowered. 

Cadets receive daily grades for participation in formations.  Those grades include points for being present on time, being in the correct uniform, and for actively participating and paying attention to the events within formation.  These points are part of a cadet’s LOC grade as well as honor unit competitions described later in this section.

Pass in Review Participation

NVMI conducts approximately five Pass in Review ceremonies each school year. Participation in these ceremonies is an essential part of the NVMI culture. Cadets receive academic grades for their full and active participation and those grades represent a significant portion of their semester final course grades in both Leaders of Character and Physical Education courses. Part of full and active participation in the ceremony is being in the proper and complete uniform and participating in the drill commands and marching with pride (in step to the music/cadence). Cadets failing to participate actively and fully in a Pass in Review ceremony may be subject to failing grades for LOC at the semester. In addition, unless notified in advance, all Pass in Review days are full academic days and students are expected to remain in school for the entire school day including any after school activity such as detention or academic support that may be scheduled. Only those students and parents who have made previous arrangements for compelling circumstances with the Commandant may be excused after the Pass in Review is completed.

The NVMI Corps Cadet Code L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P

q  Loyalty – Cadets bear true faith and allegiance to the United States Constitution, the State of California Constitution, the NVMI Cadet Corps, and the units to which they belong.  They exhibit a patriotic spirit and pride in our American way of life and heritage.

q  Education – Cadets do their best at school, they follow school rules, and know the current events going on in their city, the State of California, the U.S. and the world.  They learn as much as they can about being a good cadet and they know the importance of high school graduation and attending college.

q  Ambition – Cadets try to earn as many ribbons and as much rank as possible.  They strive to attain the highest cadet positions possible. They set high goals for themselves and make long-range plans for college and employment that will make the world a better place.

q  Duty – Cadets fulfill their obligations.  They can be counted on to get the job done.  They are trustworthy and hard-working.  They take their duty assignments seriously by following their general orders and obeying all lawful orders they receive from superior officers and non-commissioned officers.

q  Enthusiasm – Cadets are passionate about their jobs as students and as cadets.  They share their excitement about life with others, especially subordinates.  Even tasks that seem boring are taken seriously and accomplished according to expectations.

q  Respect – Cadets live the “Golden Rule” to treat others the way they would like to be treated.  They are good sports on the athletic field, appreciative of the diversity and contributions of the many people in our society.  They are friendly, tactful, and courteous.  

q  Service – Cadets give of their time, talents, and other resources to help others, especially the less fortunate.  They do so selflessly and with a positive spirit.  Cadets willingly participate in regular and meaningful service to their schools and communities.

q  Healthy – Cadets strive for high levels of health, wellness, and fitness.   They get enough sleep, they eat healthy food, they participate in a variety of fitness activities, both individually and in groups, and they look out for their emotional well-being.  They strive to be well-rounded individuals.

q  Integrity – Cadets do what is right, both legally and morally.  They are clean-minded, and they set an example for others to follow.  They do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do these things.  Cadets place a high value on honesty. 

q  Personal Courage – Cadets face physical and moral danger with confidence.  That does not mean they are not afraid; rather it means they face their fears and are able to be heroic in situations of physical danger and remain faithful to their values in situations requiring moral courage.  They know when to say “no” to something they know to be wrong. 

The Army Values

The NVMI Corps Cadet Code of L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P

is actually an extension of the seven Army Values that spell out a truncated acronym.

NVMI Cadet Leader’s Code

I become a cadet leader by what I do. I know my strengths and my weaknesses, and I strive constantly for self-improvement. I live by a moral code and set an example that others can follow. I know my job, and I carry out the spirit as well as the letter of the orders I receive.

I take the initiative and seek responsibilities and I face situations with boldness and confidence. I estimate the situation and make my own decisions as to the best course of action. No matter what the requirements, I stay with the job until the job is done; no matter what the results, I assume full responsibility.

I train my cadets as a team and lead them with tact, enthusiasm, and justice. I command their confidence and their loyalty: they know I would not assign them any duties I, myself, would not perform. I make sure they understand their jobs and I follow through energetically to ensure their duties are completed fully; I keep my cadets informed, and I make their welfare one of my prime concerns. These things I do selflessly in fulfillment of the obligations of leadership and for the achievement of the group goal.

Cadet Pay

Cadets are awarded merits based on their rank, like how military personnel are paid based on “pay grade.”  Monthly, the cadet Battalion S8 (finance officer) conducts a pay call based on rank for cadets whose chain of command and TAC teams attest that they have performed their assigned duties satisfactorily.  When a cadet’s chain of command or TAC team believes a cadet’s performance has been substandard, written counseling statements to that effect will be produced, and, as appropriate, pay will be docked.

• PFC = 5 merits per month
• C/CPL = 15 merits per month
• C/SGT = 25 merits per month
• C/SSG = 40 merits per month
• C/SFC = 50 merits per month
• C/MSG, C/1SG, C/SGM, C/CSM = 65 merits per month
• C/2LT = 100 merits per month
• C/1LT = 115 merits per month
• C/CPT = 125 merits per month
• C/MAJ = 150 merits per month
• C/LTC = 200 merits per month
• C/COL = 250 merits per month

Color Day/Week Duties

The following duties are assigned to companies on their respective Company Color Days/Weeks as noted in the school calendar:

1. Flag detail at AM and PM formation
2. Cadet guard before school
3. Cadet guard at lunch
4. Set up for assemblies/events on that day
5. Clean up for assemblies/events on that day
6. Lunch program assistance during both lunches
7. Clean campus
8. Recycling/composting program management