NNDCC vs. NJROTC: Different Acronyms, Same Purpose

If you have never heard of the National Naval Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC), then you're probably not alone.

The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is arguably one of the most recognizable youth-oriented programs ever to be established in secondary schools around the USA, but many might be surprised to learn about its sister group, the NNDCC.

Both the JROTC and NNDCC were founded after the National Defense Act of 1916. The programs are virtually identical in that the NNDCC is modeled on the NJROTC program and even uses the same curriculum. However, while JROTC units are funded by the national government, NNDCC units are not, so individual schools must pay the bulk of the cost.

As for the seemingly duplicative nature of the two programs, the NNDCC is an option for schools that do not qualify for an NJROTC unit but want to provide the same opportunity to expand students' ability to gain the values of service to the country, responsibility of citizenship, sense of accomplishment, and personal obligation.

Who Pays for What?

While NNDCC units receive their supplies and equipment from the Navy, everything else is self-funded. Costs incurred by school districts include daily operational expenses, instructor salaries, and student uniforms. Host secondary educational institutions also must hire NNDCC instructors who are certified by the Naval Service Training Command to administer the Navy-approved curriculum.

Who Qualifies for a Unit?

To be considered for an NNDCC unit, a school must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency in the USA or be accredited by a state, state educational agency or state university, and have at least 50 physically fit high school students over 14 years of age interested or participating. To apply for an NNDCC unit, use this contact form from the citizenship development office of the Naval Service Training Command (NSTC).

Where to Learn More

For more details about the NNDCC program, including an FAQ section, visit the Naval Education and Training Command website.