Herndon High School's Navy Junior ROTC cadets are formed and ready for inspection. Photos by Robert Maxwell/Courtesy of Herndon Navy Junior ROTC
“Commander, United States Navy, arriving!” announced a Herndon cadet on Friday, Jan. 15 as Commander Ross Piper, U.S. Navy, was piped aboard. Commander Piper then joined his George Washington University (GWU) ROTC staff and midshipmen in the gymnasium, where the Herndon High School Navy Junior ROTC cadets were formed, ready, and at attention. This marked the beginning of the Herndon Corps of Cadets’ Annual Inspection, an all-day event highlighting the corps’ accomplishments and emphasizing its discipline and preparation.
After the Herndon cadets presented the colors and the National Anthem, the GWU ROTC staff and midshipmen kicked off the day with a Uniform Personnel Inspection (UPI). Attended by cadet parents and director of Student Activities Jonathan Frohm, the personnel inspection focused on uniform wear and military bearing as well as required knowledge about the chain of command, military rank and the 11 General Orders. The UPI also recognized seventeen cadets for their exemplary appearance.
“Commander Piper asked me a really tough question during the inspection,” shared a first year cadet. “Unfortunately, I confused two things, but Commander Piper made sure I understood what was what. Even though I wasn’t perfect, I found the personnel inspection a great lesson in the importance of discipline and preparedness, especially in pressured situations.”
Being prepared for the Annual Inspection is paramount, especially for the unit’s Senior Staff members, as the GWU staff and midshipmen spent the remainder of the day reviewing the Staff’s goals for last year and this year to see what progress the Staff had made in the 125-person unit.
“Serving in a Senior Staff leadership position is like having a part-time job with really high expectations,” explained one of the four-year cadets. “For the Annual Inspection, Senior Staff members spend extra hours preparing briefings, double checking records, cleaning workspaces, etc. in addition to the time normally required of their positions. Everyone must demonstrate the highest discipline, and everything must be organized and prepared perfectly.”
Every other year, the U.S. Navy requires that each of its Navy Junior ROTC units undergo a detailed inspection by the Area Manager, and, the alternating year, another senior officer, such as Commander Piper, conducts a similar but less detailed inspection called an Offsite. The Offsite focuses primarily on drill, uniform inspection, and unit goals and accomplishments. This year’s highlighted accomplishments include increased unit membership, a successful fundraising campaign, a fall orientation trip, multiple community service events and competitive and awarded teams, such as the cadet-led physical training, drill and rifle teams.
Commander Piper praised the cadets for their hard work and gave them an excellent report. Naval Science Instructors, David Adler, Captain, USN (retired) and John Maness, Senior Chief, USN (retired) thank Commander Piper and his GWU ROTC staff and midshipmen for their time and mentorship of the Herndon cadets.
Herndon High’s Navy Junior ROTC is for anyone interested in real leadership experiences, teamwork, and/or high-level competition. There is no military commitment. To learn more about this outstanding program, please contact David Adler, Captain, USN (retired) at 703-755-5710 or dbadler@fcps.edu.