“Cadets, about face!” bellowed Cadet LCDR Nathaniel Wilson, a twelfth grader and senior cadet of Panther Company. With that simple command, the 28 young men and women moved into position, standing at attention in their crisp white shirts and black slacks for the weekly personnel inspection for students enrolled in Potomac High School ’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Program. These particular students were enrolled in Naval Science I and Naval Science 3, two of five courses offered in the NJROTC Program. There are currently one hundred twenty-three cadets enrolled in Potomac ’s program.

Moments earlier, CDR Steve Muck (USN, Ret) had briefed Dr. Steve Walts, Superintendent of Schools, on some of the finer points of cadet inspection – the length of the sideburns, the length of hair above the ear, the shine on the shoes and belt buckle, the straightness of the “gig line,” and the position of the feet and hands while standing at attention. The “gig line,” said Cdr. Muck, “is a continuous straight line that runs down the button edge of the shirt, the edge of the belt buckle and down the fly of the trousers."

“This inspection was designed to familiarize Dr. Walts with our new program, including requirements for uniforms and grooming,” Cdr. Muck explained. Dr. Walts congratulated the cadets on their excellent presentation. “You all passed,” he said, and shared his own experience as a high school Drum Major. “We wore white uniforms and white shoes, and it was not easy keeping those shoes white.”

Dr. Walts also spoke of how JROTC programs can open a door of opportunity for students who want to go to college. “Many have gone on to have careers in medicine, law, and other fields,” he said. “The discipline you have practiced will serve you well throughout life.”

At the conclusion of the personnel inspection, Principal Rodger "Tony" Jones presented Dr. Walts some mementos. Cadet LCDR Wilson gave Dr. Walts a short overview of the JROTC program, highlighting Potomac’s involvement in both the school and community, including tutoring at Mary Williams Elementary School and their partnership with senior citizens at the RUXTON Health facility. Cadet Wilson also spoke of the participation of cadets in numerous competitive teams such as Academic, Athletic, Orienteering (land navigation), and Drill Teams.

JROTC programs, which teach leadership, self-discipline, citizenship, and organizational skills, are also offered in Osbourn Park High School, Woodbridge High School, and Gar-Field High School.

11/29/05