CCSD Pathway Profile - Navy JROTC - Government and Public Administration

Woodstock High School Career Pathway teacher Lt. Mark Fagan instructs cadets in the Navy JROTC (NJROTC) - Government and Public Administration program.

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Navy JROTC - Government and Public Administration, which is offered at Woodstock High School.  Three different JROTC programs are available in CCSD high schools.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

Woodstock High School senior Josip Tadic plans to pursue a career as a radiology technician.

Thanks to his participation in the Navy JROTC (NJROTC) - Government and Public Administration Career Pathway program, Josip learned he could accomplish this goal through the military.

“The exposure in NJROTC has shown me that there was more to the military than the traditional military type jobs such as infantry,” said Josip, who plans to join the U.S. Army, which will fund his training in radiology technician school.  “Taking NJROTC in high school not only taught me the military options available, but allowed me to begin my military career two paygrades higher than if I had not taken the class.”  

The program’s instructors, Lt. Mark Fagan and Gunnery Sgt. Keith Myrick, have seen many students inspired to pursue military careers as a result of their program.  (See more photos from their classes at xxxx.)

GySgt. Myrick, who served as a Marine Corps Combat Camera member and became an NJROTC instructor nine and a half years ago, said helping students find their path is his favorite part of the job.

“I like the mentoring aspect of our job,” he said, noting that he most enjoys teaching lessons on attitudes and emotions.  “Through this, cadets learn social skills that carry over to any career or situation.”  

Lt. Fagan, who served as a Navy Seabee, has taught NJROTC classes for more than 22 years.  He enjoys seeing students grow as cadets through the program, which offers many benefits.  Students learn skills specific to military service, such as military law, as well as skills that are beneficial in all workplaces and life overall, such as teamwork and leadership.  Those planning to enter military service also can earn additional benefits.   

“In addition to extra money in your career, JROTC will make bootcamp easier,” he said.  “You may also have a chance to get a military scholarship.”  

Many of their students have earned scholarships, including to U.S. Service Academies and military colleges and universities such as The Citadel.  A recent graduate earned a full scholarship to a state university, was early selected for a first lieutenant post in the Army and now earns $71,000 a year – only 18 months after college graduation.

Within the Pathway, classes offered include: naval science 1, introduction to NJROTC, maritime history, naval orientation and skills and effective communications.  Students can qualify to earn ROTC college scholarships and qualify for higher military paygrades by completing two to four years of the program.  They can compete in JROTC state and national military skills programs and contests.

This Pathway prepares students for careers including, but not limited to: service in any branch of the U.S. military, military leadership, marine engineer, ship engineer, port engineer, naval architect, boat captain, water vessel pilot, seaman, government and public administration.

The average income range for careers in this Pathway in Georgia is $50,500 to $157,000.  Local and area employers for this Pathway include, but are not limited to: U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Defense, government organizations (local, state, federal).
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