In NJROTC, armed and unarmed regulation drill is more than just precision and discipline; it's a foundation for leadership, teamwork, and excellence.

Unarmed Regulation focuses on uniformity, attention to detail, and synchronization. Cadets learn to work as one unit, reinforcing self-discipline, mental focus, and pride in presentation. Through repeated practice, cadets master the fundamentals of movement, voice commands, and formation transitions; all while developing a strong sense of unity and confidence.

Armed Regulation builds on those skills while introducing the safe handling and presentation of drill rifles. Cadets learn to demonstrate responsibility, respect, and control. Handling a drill rifle in regulation also demands physical strength and coordination, promoting greater discipline and awareness.

Why It Matters:

• Leadership Development: Cadets take turns leading and commanding their peers, building public speaking skills and decision-making under pressure.

• Teamwork & Discipline: Success depends on trust, timing, and accountability; essential life skills in and out of uniform.

• Civic Pride: Regulation drill instills respect for the military tradition and pride in representing the unit and school.

• Competition Readiness: Regulation teams often compete locally and nationally, showcasing their excellence and dedication.

The Doherty NJROTC offers competition teams for armed and unarmed regulation, along with regularly teaching such in classes.

Armed and Unarmed Exhibition Drill showcases the highest level of precision, creativity, and discipline within NJROTC. These routines are where skill meets showmanship; designed to impress, inspire, and push cadets to their full potential.

Unarmed Exhibition is a display of synchronized movement, rhythm, and control. Cadets perform complex routines featuring original choreography, dynamic footwork, and crisp hand movements. It tests physical coordination, timing, and the ability to think and move as one unit.

Armed Exhibition takes it a step further; combining intricate drill maneuvers with spinning, tossing, and manipulating demilitarized rifles. Cadets learn advanced weapon handling, spatial awareness, and split-second timing. The routines are demanding, often involving high-risk sequences performed with absolute focus and safety.

Why It Matters:

• Creativity & Innovation: Cadets choreograph original routines, blending tradition with creative expression.

• Advanced Discipline: Exhibition drill requires countless hours of practice, refining every movement to perfection.

• Leadership & Team Cohesion: Whether leading or supporting the team, cadets must trust one another and work in sync.

• Performance & Confidence: Exhibition performances build stage presence, poise, and the courage to lead under pressure.

• Competitive Excellence: These teams often perform at drill competitions, representing their schools and communities with pride and professionalism.

The Doherty NJROTC offers teams in armed & unarmed exhibition through its drill team.

The color guard serves as a powerful symbol of national pride, heritage, and the enduring values of the armed forces. Historically, color guards were vital for maintaining unit cohesion on the battlefield, acting as a rallying point and a symbol of the unit's identity. Today, color guards continue to represent these ideals during ceremonies, representing unity, precision, and the sacrifices made by service members. 

Symbol of National Pride and Unity:

The colors (flags) carried by the color guard represent the nation, its history, and its people. The guard embodies a sense of national identity and unity, particularly during ceremonies. 

Historical Connection:

The practice of carrying colors in battle dates back centuries, with color guards serving as a rallying point for troops and a symbol of their unit's reputation. This historical link is preserved in modern ceremonies, connecting the present-day military with its past. 

Tradition and Ritual:

Color guards uphold military traditions and rituals, ensuring that these practices are passed down through generations. The precision and choreography of their movements reflect discipline and dedication. 

Honor and Respect:

The color guard is a visible representation of the respect and honor due to the nation's flag and the values it represents. It also symbolizes the honor and dedication of the service members who carry the colors. 

Ceremonial Significance:

Color guards play a vital role in various ceremonies, including changes of command, funerals, and patriotic events. Their presence adds a sense of solemnity and significance to these occasions. 

Visual Representation of Values:

The color guard's actions, such as the careful handling of the flag and the precise movements, visually communicate the core values of the military, such as honor, duty, and respect. 

The purpose of a competition color guard is to showcase precision, discipline, and tradition through the presentation of national and organizational colors. These drill competitions emphasize the importance of teamwork, physical dexterity, and adherence to military customs and courtesies. Doherty color guards perform at various events, including sporting events like Rockies games, ceremonies, and parades, demonstrating respect for the flag and honoring those who serve. 

Marksmanship is more than just learning to shoot; it’s about building precision, patience, and personal responsibility. In NJROTC, marksmanship training introduces cadets to the discipline of competitive air rifle shooting in a safe, structured environment.

Cadets learn to handle air rifles with care and respect, following strict safety protocols and developing the mental focus required for accuracy. Whether in prone, standing, or kneeling positions, every shot demands control, stability, and a calm mindset.

Why Marksmanship Matters:

• Discipline & Concentration: Firing accurately requires laser focus and mental control; skills that translate to the classroom and life.

• Responsibility & Safety: Cadets learn firearm safety, personal accountability, and respect for weapons and rules.

• Confidence & Independence: Progress in marksmanship builds self-assurance as cadets see measurable growth through practice.

• Competition & Teamwork: Cadets compete in local, regional, and national matches, learning to perform under pressure and support their team.

• STEM & Strategy: Marksmanship encourages analytical thinking through ballistic calculation, breathing control, and precision mechanics.

As of the 2025-2026 school year, the Doherty NJROTC is offering a marksmanship team. To get involved, contact either Captain Greg Thomas or Senior Chief Bill Doyle.

Email Captain Greg Thomas

Email Senior Chief Bill Doyle

The Academics Team is one of the most intellectually competitive and rewarding opportunities in NJROTC. Cadets on this team compete in rigorous quizzes and knowledge bowls covering a wide range of subjects that test both individual and team skill.

What We Study:

• Naval history and traditions

• Leadership and citizenship

• Chain of command and military structure

• Current events and global affairs

• General academic subjects (math, science, English, etc.)

Why Join the Academics Team?

• Sharpen Your Mind – Build fast recall, critical thinking, and study skills

• Earn Recognition – Compete for academic awards, ribbons, and school-wide honors

• Teamwork Under Pressure – Work as a unit during timed competitions

• College Readiness – Strengthen test prep and academic confidence

• Career Advantage – Gain knowledge applicable to military service, college, and leadership roles

The Doherty NJROTC academics team competes in the national academic exam yearly.

The PT (Physical Training) and Raider Teams are where NJROTC cadets push their physical limits, build discipline, and compete as high-performing units. These teams focus on physical fitness, mental toughness, and military-style challenges; preparing cadets for more than just competitions.

What PT/Raider Cadets Do:

• Team relays and obstacle courses

• Strength and endurance challenges (pushups, sit-ups, runs, etc.)

• Team-building drills and competitive fitness events

• Regional and national competitions

Why Join the PT/Raider Teams?

• Elite Physical Conditioning – Improve strength, endurance, agility, and coordination

• Team Cohesion – Succeed through teamwork, communication, and shared goals

• Mental Toughness – Learn to thrive under pressure and push beyond limits

• Achievement & Competition – Compete at the highest level against other JROTC units

• Military Readiness – Get a head start on physical standards used in military training