History
The Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Program at Escambia High School, Pensacola, Florida was established on May 26, 1967. This makes this program one of the eldest in the Nation. The program transitioned from Area 7 to Area 8 in March 2001. It increased from a 3-year course to a 4-year course of instruction. The number of Cadets has risen from 93 to 250 annually.
The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Units for all military services were authorized by the Reserve Officers Vitalization Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-647 of 13 October 1964 – Title 10, U.S.C. Chapter 102). Department of Defense Directive 1205.13 of June 16, 1982, requires the military service secretaries to “Sponsor and conduct a JROTC Program”. Each of the services currently supports active programs in schools across the country and some overseas locations.
This is a very low-cost elective for the student (Cadet). A Cadet has no military or financial obligation (other than incidental expenses such as haircuts, uniform cleaning, and some field trip expenses) as a result of participating in the NJROTC course in high school.
The NJROTC Program goals are to instill in high school students the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. These goals are met by teaching specific objectives based on the core values of the United States Navy: HONOR, COURAGE, and COMMITMENT. The full list of objectives can be found in the following instructions: Escambia High School Cadet Handbook and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), OPNAVINST 1533.5C, and CNETINST 1533.9K. All instructions are linked on this website for your viewing convenience.
Gator Elite Battalion Accomplishments
20th consecutive selection as a Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors
2014 Most Outstanding Unit In the Nation
2009,2011,2012,2014 Area 8 “Most Outstanding Unit”
Number one of 62 units representing Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and North-West Florida
Gator Elite Drill Team Accomplishments
- 2014 First Place finish in the NJROTC Nationals Academic, Athletic, and Drill Championship
- 2016 Fifth Place finish in the NJROTC Nationals Academic, Athletic, and Drill Championship
- 2021 Sixth Place finish in the NJROTC Nationals Academic, Athletic, and Drill Championship
- 1st Place, Area Eight Drill Championship 2011, 2012, 2013,2014,2015,2016
- 1st Place, Ole Miss University Drill Meet, 2012
- 1st Place, Southern University Drill Meet, 2011, 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016
- 1st Place, Auburn University Drill Meet 2012
- 1st Place, FAMU University Area Seven Drill Meet 2014, 2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020
- 1st Place, Pine Forest Drill Competition 2013
- 1st Place, St. Amant Drill Meet 2011, 2012, and 2013.
- 1st Place, Gulf Breeze All Services Drill Meet 2011, 2012, 2013,2015
- 1st Place Escarosa Drill Meet 2017,2018,2020
