On Nov. 23, Cardozo’s Navy Junior Reserves Officer Training Corp program attended the Bethel High School Drill Competition, in Bethel, CT.
The competition had many different categories to compete in which the cadets could showcase their skills. Those categories included academics, where the cadets’ smarts were tested, and armed and unarmed platoon drills for both varsity and first-year cadets and color guard. In addition, there was also a physical training challenge where cadets were to do as many sit-ups and push-ups as possible with a two-minute time limit for each and a mile run, an inspection where cadets’ uniforms were assessed, and more.
First year cadets:
First year cadets trained hard and their hard work paid off. The first year cadets placed 2nd for unarmed platoon drill. Commanded by c/SA Suki Jiang, the platoon practiced every morning in the big gym at 7 a.m. and after school. The first year cadets also placed 3rd for personnel inspection. Commanded by c/ SA Sophia He, this was the first time the first year cadets competed in inspection.
Due to how well the first year cadets performed at Bethel they won 2nd Place overall in the Junior Year Division against 13 other NJROTC programs.
Varsity cadets:
Varsity Cadets competed in knockout where they showed their drill skills and followed commands by an instructor until only one cadet was left. Cadets c/CPO Neveah Mohan placed and c/CPO Brandon De Leon placed 2nd. In addition two Varsity cadets helped the Drone team get first place. Commanded by c/CPO Brandon De Leon him and c/SR Xavery Concepcion, they had an average flight time of 24 seconds.
Awards:
- 2nd Place: First year unarmed Platoon; Commanded by c/SA Suki Jiang
- 3rd Place: First year personnel inspection; Commanded by c/SA Sophia He
- 2nd Place: First Year Division Overall
- All Hands Knockout: 2nd Place; c/CPO Brandon De Leon, 7th; c/CPO Neveah Mohan
- Drones: 1st Place; Commanded by c/CPO Brandon De Leon
All around the cadets at Cardozo had a great showing and are using this momentum onto the next drill competition.