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Toms River's Army JROTC instructors report program growth, expanded activities and class/PT schedule
Summary
Colonel (ret.) Javier Cortez and Sergeant First Class Long (ret.) told the board the Army Junior ROTC program grew from a pilot year to dozens of cadets and is projected to reach 100–120 next year; presenters described curriculum, required community service hours, competitions and the program schedule, including PT replacing standard PE.
Colonel (ret.) Javier Cortez and Sergeant First Class Long (ret.) presented to the board on the growth, curriculum and activities of the Army Junior ROTC (GRTC) program at Toms River High School North.
Cortez said cadets attended a leadership academy at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and received certificates of completion; he emphasized the program's focus on leadership and citizenship rather than military recruitment. "We make sure the parents understand it's not about joining the military," Cortez said, adding the program stresses academic excellence, community service and personal responsibility.
The presenters reported enrollment growth: after a trial first year the program grew from about 33 cadets to a larger cohort (the transcript records a correction to 77 in the second year) and they projected enrollment of about 100–120 next year. They told the board the district is authorized up to three instructors if the program exceeds 160 cadets for three consecutive years, at which point the board would have to decide whether to authorize another instructor.
Cortez and Sergeant Long described a mix of co‑curricular activities — drill and ceremony, JLab academic bowl, Raider fitness competitions, and community service — and noted recent successes, including advancing to higher levels in academic competition and placing at Raider events. The presenters said cadets are required to complete a minimum of 20 community service hours, with some cadets contributing more than 100 hours.
On scheduling, Cortez said cadets meet in a 43‑minute class period and also participate in daily physical training; he confirmed the PT sessions replace the typical physical education period. The presenters described the program as an honors course with expectations for honors-level work.
Board members praised the program and thanked the instructors for their work. The conversation closed with appreciation for the leadership opportunities and family engagement the presenters said the program builds among cadets and their families.
