LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐉𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐂 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝟐 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

LINDEN, N.J. — Linden High School, home to the largest Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps unit in the world, added another achievement Feb. 7, placing third overall at the Area 2 Regional Academic, Athletic and Drill Championship in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

The all-day competition at Owen J. Roberts High School brought together eight of the top NJROTC units from New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. More than 400 cadets participated, including student volunteers who helped execute the event. The host unit did not compete and was commended for its professionalism and organization.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭
Area 2 includes about 25 NJROTC programs, but only the top five from qualifying regional drill meets advance to the championship. Units must field every drill event to qualify, ensuring only well-rounded programs compete.

Linden’s third-place finish reflects months of preparation and reinforces its standing among the region’s elite.

“Since I’ve been the Senior Naval Science Instructor here at Linden, we’ve competed at every Area Championship,” said Cmdr. Boyd Decker. “While we haven’t yet advanced to the national level, we’ve consistently been competitive and have come close on several occasions, often finishing in the top three at the regional level.”

Cadets were evaluated in academics, personnel inspection, armed and unarmed basic and exhibition drill, color guard and physical fitness.

𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Preparation is rigorous. Decker said cadets logged an average of more than 300 hours of training for the event.

“A typical drill team day begins at 0545 to 0730 with morning practice, followed by after-school training that often extends into the evening,” Decker said. “When possible, we also practice on weekends.”

He described the drill team as the unit’s flagship program and a cornerstone of leadership development.

“Drill instills discipline, accountability and work ethic,” Decker said. “Cadet leaders plan, organize and execute training. They learn how to lead, coach and mentor their peers. That’s how we build leaders.”

Support and the Road Ahead
The championship was judged by Navy midshipmen from Penn State, Saint Joseph’s University and Villanova University NROTC programs, along with NJROTC instructors from across the region.
Decker credited families for their support.

“We couldn’t have the competitive drill team that we have without the love and support of our Linden High School parents,” he said.
The overall winner advances to the U.S. Navy JROTC Academic, Athletic and Drill Competition at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

For Linden, the third-place finish underscores both consistency and ambition. As the world’s largest NJROTC unit, the program continues to pursue excellence — with its sights set on the national stage.
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