Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Bearden NJROTC, our Bulldog Company, and how to get involved.
NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) is a citizenship and leadership development program offered through Bearden High School. It is not a recruiting program for the military; instead, it focuses on building responsible, patriotic citizens through leadership, discipline, academics, physical fitness, and community service. Bearden's program, known as Bulldog Company, has been a Distinguished Unit for 17 consecutive years.
Any Bearden High School student can join NJROTC by enrolling in the Naval Science course through the school's registration process. New cadets, especially incoming freshmen, are encouraged to attend our NJROTC Freshman Orientation before the school year begins. Visit our Forms page for enrollment paperwork, or contact us with any questions.
Yes. Cadets wear the NJROTC uniform on designated uniform days each week, following Navy grooming and appearance standards. Uniforms are provided by the program. More detail on uniform composition and personal appearance standards can be found on our Knowledge Hub.
Yes. NJROTC is a Naval Science course taken during the school day and counts toward elective credit, similar to any other class at Bearden High School. It also satisfies physical education credit requirements in many cases - speak with your school counselor for specifics on your schedule.
Bulldog Company has 11 sponsored teams, including Drill (Armed and Unarmed, Regular and Exhibition), Color Guard, Air Rifle, Orienteering, Drone, Athletics, and Academics. Cadets can also participate in the Semper Fi leadership program. Visit our Teams page to learn more about each one.
Parents are warmly welcome to get involved through the NJROTC Booster Club, attending unit events, supporting fundraisers, and volunteering at competitions and community service activities. Visit our Parents page for a full overview of how to support your cadet and the unit.
The NJROTC Booster Club is a volunteer organization made up of parents, guardians, alumni, and community members who support the cadets and the mission of the unit through fundraising, event coordination, and behind-the-scenes support. Any parent wishing to join can contact the Booster Club directly through our Booster Club page.
You can support Bearden NJROTC through our online Givebacks store, with both individual sponsorships (starting at $25) and corporate sponsorships (starting at $250, which include a tax-deductible receipt and recognition). You can also support specific fundraising events throughout the year. Visit our Fundraiser page for all current giving options.
Bearden NJROTC has been named a Distinguished Unit for 17 consecutive years and the Most Outstanding Unit in Area Eight for 3 consecutive years. Cadets have placed 1st Overall in the Area 08 Drill Competition Championship, competed at Navy Nationals, and accumulated thousands of community service hours each year. See our full Achievements page for details.
You can reach Bearden NJROTC by phone at (865) 539-7800, by email, or through our Contact page. We're located at 8352 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.