Paloma Valley NJROTC unit inspection set for Feb. 9

The NJROTC Battalion at Paloma Valley High School will take part in its annual military inspection Friday beginning at 6 p.m. in the school's football stadium.

This annual event is an important part of the training and progress of the unit, which has about 200 members and has already qualified to compete in the national competition in Florida. Cadets' grades are based in part on their performance in this event, which showcases their close order drill, military discipline, and overall unit discipline.

The Wildcat Battalion, one of the state's largest units, hosted for the first time a drill meet on Jan 27. As the host unit, Paloma Valley's Battalion didn't compete, but cadets coordinated many aspects of the event. Each school was welcomed with a drum line and was led throughout the day by a cadet escort, said Wildcat Battalion cadet Nathan Mojica.

Paloma Valley has placed first overall in each drill meet it has competed in this year, Mojica said. Cadets are also raising funds for the trip to Florida later this year and are seeking donations. The public is invited to come watch the cadets perform Friday night and learn the ways you can support the unit.