The Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) is a program that offers leadership training, career exploration, character building, and self-exploration in many areas. The group is currently under the teaching of retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Robert Johnns. Although the usage of the words “Navy” and “Military” may intimidate some students, they should realize that this program isn’t solely centered on such.
“I don’t want it to seem as if it’s strictly just a military program,” Johnns said. “It’s where students are able to explore what career they want to pursue as we offer so much, like scuba diving, airplane flying, drone flying, robotics, medical practice, and more.”
Throughout the courses, students are able to grow and learn as individuals. Participating in NNDCC allows students to gain confidence, provide important services to others and their community, and help them grow into capable people who can apply what they have learned to assist their future.
“This is my third year being in NNDCC, so from my experience, the class has helped fix my character and pushed me beyond my limits to be able to do more,” junior and NNDCC member Esteban Santiago said. “I’ve learned that if you can’t do something, then push yourself to do it; push yourself beyond your limits, because then you are able to do more.”
NNDCC promotes hands-on career discovery for students to explore a variety of possible professions they might pursue in the future. With such opportunities, students are exposed to new life possibilities.
“I’m certified in scuba diving and wouldn’t have been able to do it without Chief [Johnns]; I literally have it for life; I even considered for a hot minute to do it for life as my future career,” junior and current NNDCC member Addyson Gatwood said. “You don’t have to go into the military after this; it teaches respect to where I think I’ve learned more in this program than any other one I’ve ever been in.”
Despite the program having many beneficial and desirable career opportunities, it is not well-known around the school. Chief Johnns wants to spread awareness about this growing program. For more information, contact Chief Johnns in room 316, located near the culinary and cosmetology departments, where there are walls of photos that showcase what exactly a student is able to achieve in NNDCC.
“I’m looking to get the word out,” Johnns said. “I’m really pushing for scholarships as well; I wasn’t originally planning on staying long, as retirement looks very pleasing, but I also fell in love with my students, so I really just want to give them the tools they need to succeed.”
