Awards & cadet ranks

Meritorious Achievement

Awarded, when earned, to any NJROTC cadet who distinguishes him/herself only by outstanding meritorious achievement or performance of a meritorious act.

Distinguished Unit

Awarded to cadets who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned Distinguished Unit status.

Distinguished Cadet

Awarded yearly to one cadet in each year group with the highest combined average for overall scholastic standing and aptitude.

Honor Cadet

Awarded yearly to one cadet in each year group with the highest overall academic achievement in school.

Cadet Achievement

Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding achievement or sustained superior performance.

Unit Achievement

Awarded to cadets in good standing who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned Unit Achievement status as determined by the Area Manager. Awarded only to units that demonstrated exceptional performance but did not qualify for Distinguished Unit status.

Aptitude

Awarded to the top 10% of cadets based on evaluation of academic performance of assigned jobs, conduct, unit involvement, attendance, and overall aptitude.

NS IV Outstanding Cadet

Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 4 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

NS III Outstanding Cadet

Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 3 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

NS II Outstanding Cadet

Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 2 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

NS I Outstanding Cadet

Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 1 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

Exemplary Conduct

Awarded yearly to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct for the year.

Exemplary Personal Appearance

Awarded twice yearly to all cadets who wear their uniform on all required occasions and average 90%+ on inspection with no inspection grade below an "A". May be received a third time based on NJROTC Area Manager annual inspection results.

Physical Fitness

Awarded twice a year to any cadet who meets or exceeds the physical fitness standards.

Participation

Awarded when earned to all cadets completing one hour or more of participation in at least three separate, non-social NJROTC-sponsored events or activities, including ushering at school events, flag detail, drill, field/athletic meets, and field trips.

Unit Service

Awarded when a cadet performs superior service to the unit — either sustained service above that normally required or a specific act(s) of superior service. Each subsequent award is earned the same way.

Community Service

Awarded after 12 hours of properly documented volunteer service. Each subsequent award requires another 12 hours.

Academic Team

Awarded when earned to each cadet in good standing who has been a member of the Academic Team.

Drill Team

Awarded to all cadets who earn 3 drill team points, which include parades, meets, and other performances.

Color Guard

Awarded when earned to any cadet in good standing who has performed as a member of the color guard for 3 events.

Marksmanship Team

Awarded when earned to any cadet in good standing who has entered competition, including all air-operated weapons.

Orienteering

Awarded when earned to any cadet in good standing who has entered competition.

Inter-Service Competition

Awarded to a cadet who has entered any inter-service, national-level competition such as CyberPatriot or JLAB, or any SeaPerch competition regardless of service sponsorship. Cannot be awarded in addition to, or in lieu of, another team-specific ribbon.

Recruiting

Awarded when earned to any cadet instrumental in the enrollment of two students or part of a recruiting effort.

Leadership Training

Awarded to any cadet upon completion of Basic Leadership Training, Leadership Academy, or similar training approved by the Area Manager.

Sea Cruise

Awarded to any cadet upon completion of an at-sea cruise (vessel must cast off lines and be underway).

Devices · Lamp Bronze

Worn on the Honor Cadet Ribbon by each cadet who has earned an "A" in NS 1. First award of School Honor Roll.

Devices · Lamp Silver

Worn on the Honor Cadet Ribbon by each cadet who has earned an "A" in NS 2. Second award of School Honor Roll.

Devices · Lamp Gold

Worn on the Honor Cadet Ribbon by each cadet who has earned an "A" in NS 3 and NS 4. Third award of School Honor Roll.

Devices · Anchor Gold

Worn by the Cadet Team Leader of the applicable NJROTC teams.

Devices · Star Bronze

Second Award (1 star) · Third Award (2 stars).

Devices · Star Silver

Fourth Award (1 star) · Fifth Award (2 stars).

Devices · Star Gold

Sixth Award (1 star) · Seventh Award (2 stars) · Eighth Award (3 stars).