Written by: Aliria Zarraga

Future Naval Leaders

September 16, 2021

Taking a look into Harrison high school future Naval Officers, among the multitude of activities
Harrison offers to its young adults an in depth navy militant experience. Many of these students
will go on to fulfilling military careers in whatever branch they choose. Everyone has different
reasons for joining such a competitive course; as it is partnered with North Cobb high school
which has real certified veteran Officers to lead the class.

William Jones, Cadet Ensign -“ I did band all through middle school and I just wanted something
else to do outside of that because I didn't want to do band anymore. I just wanted some kind of
activity,” For Cadet Jones it stopped being about activities, “I mean, it started off that way but
now I mean that's pretty much what I do with all of my time.”

Momodue Ndwag, Chief Petty Officer emphasizes - ”After being in the class and realizing that
it's not just somebody yelling at me and telling me to do push ups like it'd become my safe
space and like I looked into the military and I was like hey, I actually kind of like this stuff”

While this course is enjoyable for many young men and women it is very competitive and the
majority of students end up leaving the course early on. It takes a lot of dedication and
conviction to be able to withstand the strict environment and those who do succeed are exactly
what the Navy is looking for.

Jaylen Anderson, Lieutenant Commander,-”It is very competitive for positions in RTC, such as
commanding officer, executive officer, and various other positions in the unit. So it's very
competitive. ” Ndwag explains the intensity in the classroom - ”Oh, it's very competitive not only
not only like between other schools but in the classroom itself you know you're always trying to
prove that you need you need to be there, you should be there, and that you matter there.“

Many that stay till the end begin applying for Naval Academies. Ndwag-”I plan to apply to
colleges and I'm planning to either attend the military school like the Senator or the Naval
Academy, or if I don't get in there I'm going to join the ROTC over there and then take the ROTC
or OCS route to become an officer in the Marines.”

Nevertheless Lieutenant Commander Anderson emphasizes the importance of NJROTC and the
value behind the experience- “ I think my biggest thing is you do not have to pursue a military
career after ROTC, or JROTC in high school. You can purely just take it for the fun of it, but
definitely if you're looking for something new in high school, and to build a good family.
Definitely NJROTC is the place for you.”