Cadet Handbook

[Lavonna Baldree]

VMIan undergraduate experience like no other. Since 1839, this historic military college has produced leaders of integrity and honor. The Institute is ranked #5 in the nation for return on investment by Money Magazine.

Cadets participate in a challenging four-year core curriculum of 14 nationally recognized majors in engineering, the sciences, and the humanities, with an array of enrichment opportunities. The Institute boasts a student to teacher ratio of 10:1.

VMI boasts one of the leading Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs in the United States. The program challenges cadets to focus on strengthening both mind and body while pursuing ideals of discipline, honor, and respect. The Institute also offers one of only 14 Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs in the nation.

VMI inspires and is committed to excellence. The Corps of Cadets is able to utilize the training offered by a 24/7 military environment and apply a mindset of overcoming adversity towards their academic and athletic goals, and for those who commission, towards exemplary military service.

VMI is deeply connected to its alumni and the surrounding Lexington community. There are a number of opportunities across post for the public to support the Institute's mission and cadets, seeing first-hand what makes VMI no ordinary college.

The contents of the handbook, including events, visitation, and furloughs, are subject to change and/or cancellation due to evolving circumstances. A note will be added to this page if and when any adjustments are made.

New cadets will be issued athletic uniforms at matriculation. If you are in Lexington on Friday, August 16 we would like to encourage incoming cadets to pick up their initial athletic uniform from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Cameron Hall, any cadets who are unable to report on Friday may pick-up your athletic uniform on Saturday, August 17 during the Matriculation process in Cameron Hall.

Boot Requirements: For 2024, incoming matriculants will need to purchase one of four authorized boots prior to Matriculation. Authorized boots, as well as sizing/fit information, can be found in Boot Guidance for Incoming Cadets.

The Department of Information Technology (IT) has recently updated cadet computer recommendations and requirements. Please review these expectations and pay close attention to the separate minimum system requirements for engineering majors.

This Cadet Handbook provides a standard of performance expected of the Cadets of the Hamilton High School/ACP HIgh School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC). It permits the entire cadet corps to work toward a common goal that will earn pride in achievement and make our unit the best AFJROTC unit in the nation. It also serves as a reference for the myriad tasks a cadet may encounter on a day-to-day basis.

In order to have the BEST AFJROTC UNIT in the country, you should read and fully understand the contents of this handbook, then place into practice the standards it contains.

Welcome to the Hebron High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. In keeping with the highest traditions and standards of the U.S. Navy and Hebron High School, this program has set forth rules and regulations that are to be followed by all NJROTC Cadets.

The NJROTC program is a voluntary, elective course. Cadets are expected to be familiar with this handbook and to comply with the rules and regulations of the Hebron NJROTC. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to become familiar with the rules and regulations of the unit.

The NJROTC Program is administered by the Naval Education and Training Command located at Naval Training Command, Great Lakes Illinois, and is locally supervised by the NJROTC Area Ten Manager located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.

1. Enlistment at an advanced pay-grade. Successful completion of the Naval Science curriculum entitles the cadet to enlist in the active duty or reserve components of the military at advanced pay-grades.

3. Letter Jacket. Cadets who participate on one or more of the NJROTC competition teams for two or more years, and who compete in at least two drill meets per year (four drill meet minimum) are eligible for a Hebron High School Letter Jacket. For those on the Marksmanship and Academic Teams, qualifying events include official postal meets.

The uniform is a symbol of the United States Navy, the school, the unit, and most importantly - the cadet. When not in uniform, cadets will still maintain a neat, clean, and presentable appearance. Uniforms must be kept clean, pressed, and in excellent condition. No unauthorized articles are allowed to be worn on, or with, the uniform. These include pencils, pens, watch chains, pins, jewelry, handkerchiefs, combs, ear-buds, etc. Items such as necklaces, crosses, or pendants may be worn but will not be exposed. Items such as wristwatches, ID bracelets, rings, and sunglasses may also be worn as long as they are in good taste.

**UNIFORMS ARE TO BE WORN ALL DAY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A FULL CREDIT GRADE. IF UNIFORM IS REMOVE ANYTIME DURING THE DAY WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FROM INSTRUCTORS, A GRADE OF A "ZERO* WILL BE GIVEN IN NO MAKE-UP DAY WILL BE PROVIDED.**

Each cadet will be issued a complete uniform and is responsible for its proper wear and care. If lost or damaged, the cadet is financially responsible for the uniform or any lost items. The uniform will always be clean, well tailored, and presentable. On prescribed uniform days, the cadet will wear the uniform the whole day from "door-to-door" to include wearing covers when outdoors. It is not to be worn while serving a disciplinary assignment (PAS/ISS).

Male cadets are not authorized to wear earrings while in uniform or while in the NJROTC classroom. Females can only wear one earring per ear when in uniform. Small gold ball earrings may be worn on the earlobe only, one for each ear. Standards are clearly stated in the Cadet Field Handbook and will be strictly enforced.

Male haircuts will be neat and trimmed and will present a well-groomed appearance. Hair will not touch the collar or the ears and will not fall below the eyebrows when the cadet is uncovered. The hair will not interfere with the proper wearing of headgear. Sideburns shall not extend below the middle of the ear. Cadets will be clean-shaven while in uniform. Beards and mustaches are not authorized unless approved by the instructors for religious reasons.

Female hair will be clean and neatly arranged. While in uniform, hair will not fall below 3 inches of the lower edge of the collar and no loose hair will show from under the headgear. The hair will not interfere with the proper wearing of headgear. Hair ornaments must match the color of the hair. Claw clips are not authorized.

Cadet promotions and advancements are based on time in rank, initiative, individual performance, and demonstrated ability. The SNSI/NSI and the student leadership team consider a number of factors before promoting or advancing cadets. Factors that are evaluated include but are not limited to:

Upon entering the unit, cadets are assigned the grade of Cadet Seaman Recruit (C/SR). Cadets must be eligible before they will be given the opportunity to advance in rank. When they are eligible, they will be given the chance to advance through the rank of Cadet Petty Officer First Class by passing rank tests, both written and practical, and by meeting the requirements listed in Appendix I. Advancement exams are taken at the end of specified time periods (with some exceptions based on the needs of the unit).

The grades of Cadet Chief Petty Officer, Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer, and Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer (if authorized) serve at the discretion of the NSI and the SNSI. The factors listed above for promotion and advancement will be taken into consideration before a cadet is advanced. All lower ranks must be attained before advancement is awarded.

Officers serve at the discretion of the SNSI and the NSI. Due to the limited number of officer positions, all officers must have a cadet position requiring an officer rank and must be (and remain) eligible to hold office. If a senior officer becomes ineligible for any reason, the cadet will be demoted to the rank of Ensign.

109: DEMOTIONS

Cadets can be demoted for a number of reasons. Except in extreme circumstances, cadets will be counseled and/or placed on probation before they are demoted (see the Disciplinary Review Process in Section 110). If the cadet does not correct the reason for being placed on probation within the designated timeframe, he/she will be demoted or possibly dropped from the program. Reasons for demotion include, but are not limited to:

Being a Team Captain is a privilege and every Team Captain will be held to a high standard. If any Team Captain is on two consecutive UIL reporting lists (for failing grades) then he/she will be relieved of their Team Captain duties.

Participation in the NJROTC program is voluntary. Therefore, cadets are expected to maintain themselves in accordance with the high standards of this unit. Military etiquette is observed at all times and military customs and courtesies will be followed and obeyed.

Fair and consistent treatment of all cadets is crucial to good order and discipline and to the success of this program. This policy outlines procedures that will help facilitate appropriate behavior and appropriate responses to misconduct while ensuring parental/guardian notification in accordance with Hebron High School and NJROTC policies.

This program utilizes push-ups to enforce disciplinary standards. Only the C/CO, C/XO, and the C/CMC have authorization to order push-ups and then only under the direct supervision of the SNSI or NSI. With instructor permission, Team Captains can also use push-ups to enforce disciplinary standards. Push-ups are not authorized as punishment for any academic deficiency. Additionally, at the recommendation of the CO/XO/CMC, a written letter of deficiency will be provided to the cadet, at which point there will be a grade reduction of 50% in the area of classroom participation.

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