Cmdr. Robert T. Stockton, Commanding Officer of Naval Technical Training Center Meridian and Force Master Chief Leland Moore of Navy Personnel Command conduct the annual Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) inspection at Neshoba Central High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi on Feb. 11.

Prior to the commencement of activities, Chris Rowell, senior Navy science instructor, said, "This is one of our most productive senior classes here at Neshoba."

Rowell, a retired Navy Commander who served for 22 years on active duty, has been a part of the NJROTC program at Neshoba Central for 15 years.

The Cadets demonstrated that their unit was more than ready for the inspection. Their uniforms were clean, pressed and immaculate, and their general military knowledge showed their enthusiasm toward the program. At the end of the inspection, eight cadets earned award medals for their outstanding performance.

Following the personnel inspection, the cadets demonstrated armed and unarmed close order drills executed with extreme precision and discipline. While the training is along military lines, it is conducted so as to encourage initiative and individuality to develop natural gifts, to teach self-control, develop personal character, responsibility and qualities of integrity, loyalty, and dedication.

Neshoba Central High School has approximately 900 students, with 116 participating in this year's NJROTC program.

The NJROTC program was established by Public Law in 1964 and is conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the nation, and taught by instructors who are retired Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel.

The NJROTC accredited curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership development, as well as our maritime heritage, the significance of sea power, and naval topics such as the fundamentals of naval operations, seamanship, navigation and meteorology. Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by extra-curricular activities of community service, academic, athletic, drill and orienteering competitions, field meets, flights, visits to naval or other activities, marksmanship sports training, and physical fitness training. Electronic classroom equipment, textbooks, uniforms, educational training aids, travel allowance, and a cost-share of instructors' salaries are provided by the Navy.

At the conclusion of the formal inspection, Commander Stockton addressed the numerous parents in attendance and said, "I thank each and every one of you for the dedication and support you provide to these fine young Cadets. Without the foundations you provide at home, none of this would be possible."

For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/.