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teams
Academics Team
The Academics Team represents the competitive academic side of the Bearden NJROTC program. Cadets participate in events such as Brain Brawl and the National Academic Exam, where they demonstrate knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking across a wide range of subjects.
The primary goal of the Academics Team is to achieve strong placements at competitions while continually strengthening academic skills and confidence. The team has earned notable accomplishments, including first place at the Central Drill Meet and second place at the Bearden Qualifier, reflecting both preparation and dedication.
In addition to competition, the Academic Commander plays a key leadership role by coordinating academic testing requirements for individual drill meets, ensuring cadets are prepared and organized for success.
Air Rifle Team
The Air Rifle Team is made up of dedicated and driven individuals, each bringing unique strengths that contribute to a strong and unified team. Through discipline, focus, and mutual support, the team has developed an unbreakable bond both on and off the range.
The team’s long-term goal is to compete at the national level, and every practice session brings cadets one step closer to that objective. Training emphasizes precision, consistency, and mental focus, helping cadets grow as both marksmen and leaders.
While each team member has faced individual challenges, the Air Rifle Team has continued to push forward together. Through perseverance and commitment, the team has shown noticeable improvement and continues to perform better each year.
Armed Exhibition Team
The Armed Exhibition Team is composed of highly skilled cadets selected from the Armed Regular team, as well as outstanding performers from other NJROTC teams. This team represents an advanced level of drill performance and showcases the highest standards of precision, coordination, and discipline.
Competing at a semi-national level, the Armed Exhibition Team performs at school events and during official trips, representing the program with professionalism and pride. Performances emphasize advanced rifle handling, timing, and teamwork.
The Armed Exhibition Team is an excellent opportunity for cadets who want to display their drill skills, confidence, and talent with the rifle while performing in front of audiences and representing the NJROTC program at a higher level.
Unarmed Exhibition Team
The Unarmed Exhibition Team brings a creative twist to traditional unarmed drill by combining basic drill movements with originality, timing, and performance. Cadets work together to develop unique routines that showcase precision while adding creativity and style.
To ensure strong performances, the team practices before school at 0700, maximizing training time and building consistency, teamwork, and discipline. These early practices reflect the team’s commitment and dedication to excellence.
The Unarmed Exhibition Team is ideal for cadets who enjoy performance-based drill and want to express creativity while mastering the fundamentals of unarmed drill.
Armed Regular Team
The Armed Regular Drill Team is one of the most active teams within the Bearden NJROTC program. Cadets on this team perform drill using rifles, while the team commander carries a sword—distinguishing it from unarmed drill teams where neither is present.
Participation on the Armed Regular Drill Team teaches cadets meticulous attention to detail, discipline, and the ability to function as one unified team. Precision, coordination, and consistency are emphasized throughout training and performance.
The team competes in local and regional drill competitions with the goal of qualifying for Area Semi-Finals and National-level competitions, representing the program with professionalism and pride.
Unarmed Regular Team
The Unarmed Regular Drill Team is more than just marching. This team focuses on mastering the fundamentals of drill, emphasizing precision, timing, and discipline without the use of rifles or swords.
Through consistent practice, cadets learn the importance of teamwork, leadership, and attention to detail while developing strong military bearing. Members are trained to move and perform as a single unit, building confidence and accountability.
The Unarmed Regular Drill Team competes in local and regional drill competitions, providing cadets with valuable experience and a strong foundation for advancement within the NJROTC program.
Athletics Team
The Athletics Team is open to all cadets and is one of the fundamental teams that make up the Bearden NJROTC program. This team focuses on building physical fitness, endurance, and a strong work ethic through consistent training and dedication.
Cadets on the Athletics Team are committed to improving themselves physically and mentally, developing habits that support overall health and performance. The team also serves as a starting point for cadets interested in joining the Semper Fi Team, allowing instructors and leaders to monitor progress and track individual improvement over time.
Through regular training and evaluation, the Athletics Team helps prepare cadets for more advanced physical and leadership challenges within the program.
Color Guard Team
The Color Guard Team is a four-cadet unit that, while small in size, plays an important and highly visible role within the Bearden NJROTC program. The team consists of the American flag, the Tennessee state flag (interchangeable depending on the event), and two rifle bearers.
The Color Guard competes in drill competitions alongside other NJROTC teams and has demonstrated excellence, earning first place at qualifiers this year. Beyond competition, the team proudly presents the colors at a wide range of events upon request.
These events include everything from NCAA University of Tennessee athletic events to solemn ceremonies honoring fallen veterans at their funerals. Serving on the Color Guard is both an honorable and rewarding experience, allowing cadets to represent the program with dignity, respect, and pride.
Drone Team
The Drone Team offers cadets a unique and engaging opportunity to develop skills in drone operation and aerial technology. Team members fly drones on a regular basis and participate in one to two competitions each semester, combining hands-on experience with technical learning.
The Drone Team is a smaller team with fewer required events, making it a great option for cadets who want to be involved while managing other commitments. Despite its smaller size, the team provides meaningful training and valuable experience in precision, responsibility, and teamwork.
Cadets who successfully pass the required knowledge test earn the privilege of wearing a special uniform device, a distinction held by only a limited number of cadets within the program.
Orienteering Team
The Orienteering Team is an outdoor, skill-based team that focuses on navigation using a map and compass to travel from point to point across diverse and often unfamiliar terrain. Cadets are challenged to move efficiently and accurately, typically at a fast pace, while making smart navigational decisions.
Participants are provided with a detailed topographical orienteering map, which they use to locate designated control points throughout a course. Success in orienteering requires critical thinking, physical endurance, and strong problem-solving skills.
The Orienteering Team is ideal for cadets who enjoy the outdoors and want to develop confidence, independence, and teamwork through hands-on navigation challenges.
Semper Fi Team
Named after the United States Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis” — meaning “Always Faithful” — the Semper Fi Team represents the highest standards of discipline, leadership, and commitment within the NJROTC program.
Cadets on this team are expected to lead by example, maintain strong attention to detail, and take pride in performance, appearance, and teamwork.
Team Focus:- Discipline and accountability
- Leadership and teamwork
- Mental toughness and pride