As the scorching sun beats down on the concrete of the parking lot, one can hear the rhythmic sounds of marching calls and shoes slapping the ground. With only nine spots available in the Unarmed and Armed drill teams, students from every grade level give it their best to secure a place in the final team.
The NJROTC Unit competes annually at the area and state level with other schools, showing off their talents at the academic competitions, physical fitness tests, and precision marching drills. With many senior cadets graduated last year, the team’s vacant positions are being filled by selected freshmen and sophomores. This change calls in the new cadets to work alongside the existing members to uphold the unit’s title of “Area 17 Champions.”
“This year’s teams have more inexperience than the past year,” Chief Jason Gorsuch said. “They have worked extremely hard to prepare for the upcoming Spring Drill Competition and I expect great things from them. All the teams have had to overcome big losses in the way of graduates, some have lost as much as half of their members.”
The first drill meet was originally scheduled to occur in October, but was postponed one additional month. This gave competing teams a chance to better their drill and set higher expectations for inspectors judging their performance. However, it also gave the new teams a chance to get into the rhythm of the competitions and sharpen their routines.
“I expect our teams to be Area 17 Champions once again,” Gorsuch said. “I also believe through what I have seen that we have the potential to finish in the top three in State.”
Drill team members have mandatory two-hour practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Competitors who want to participate in academics and physical fitness training on other days must carve out an additional two hours. Students must balance their schedules out and allot time for practice as well as the other after school activities many cadets engage in. 
“I always remind myself that, no matter how busy I am, drill practice remains a priority,” Senior and NJROTC Executive Officer Aashreeti Deo said. “It’s a team effort, and the team relies on me. I feel a strong responsibility and commitment towards the team because I want to win just as much as everyone else.”
The team has competed and qualified for area and state championships for several years. The teams are smaller in number compared to certain competing schools, but the NJROTC Unit has found consistent success in competitions.
“You are only as strong as your weakest link, so a constant action to develop and improve your teammates through preparation and attention to detail will create a cohesiveness and togetherness for success,” Gorsuch said.
The Unarmed, Armed, and Color Guard Drill Teams, as well as the other competing teams have limited spots and competition for the remaining spots is tough and rigorous. However, the teams maintain a positive and strong team spirit.
“What I love most about being on the team is the strong bond we share,” Deo said. “The girls are incredibly supportive, and we spend so much time together, always motivating one another rather than bringing each other down.”
This year, the students are practicing hard, as new competitive schools emerge with more experience. Staff officers including Commanding Officer Sophia Jarlowe and Deo not only improve their own performances, but are tasked with guiding younger students. They spend countless hours refining routines and perfecting the uniforms of younger cadets. Though the routine is cumbersome, the students manage to remain motivated and energetic for every drill meet.
“I love being on a drill team and seeing everyone get so excited when we place really well after so many early mornings and late nights,” Jarlowe said. “I think that is the biggest thing that keeps me motivated. It’s such a good feeling when you know you worked so hard on something and other people can see it as well. I hope my teammates also enjoy that.”
