Paint Branch and Gaithersburg NJROTC Train Together
Posted On October 14, 2026
Earlier this month, the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) from Paint Branch and Gaithersburg high schools came together for a joint Basic Leadership Training (BLT) Camp at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center.
Over the course of three days, over 100 cadets participated in this first-ever joint event, learning basic military skills, watchstanding, teamwork and leadership. Cadets also competed in athletic events, drill events and confidence courses. The event ended with a camp fire, s’mores and a flag retirement ceremony. Hear more from the participants.
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“The BLT was stressful, but enjoyable,” said Cadet Blanche Angu, Cadet Commanding Officer of the Paint Branch NJROTC Unit. “I learned how to work under pressure and build new relationships with people I have not worked with before. I learned to compromise and negotiate with my peers.”
Mercy Gbenro, Cadet Executive Officer of the Paint Branch NJROTC Unit said: “Through planning the BLT with Gaithersburg, I learned how to listen, collaborate and work with others. The hike we did on the first day was the highlight of my experience.”
First-year student Cadet Favour Atem learned how to use the rifle, basic drill skills and meeting responsibilities. 2nd Cadet Queensley Larbi called the Meal Ready to Eat an “experience” and said the flag retirement ceremony was memorable.
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“I learned a lot about movements; the confidence course was very fun and adventurous, especially the table challenge, and the knockout was super fun,” said first-year student Cadet Tiara Awodola.
“The BLT was very enlightening — being able to work with another school and learn about how the Gaithersburg NJROTC unit operated,” said third-year Cadet Quintin Gunter. “I really enjoyed working with them. They were kind and helpful. I enjoyed teaching other cadets marching drill and running through the confidence course with other cadres.”
Captain Chan H. Shin USN (Retired), Senior Naval Science Instructor, Paint Branch High School NJROTC said the joint event offered cadets the opportunity to work together as leaders, to learn from each other, to problem solve, and to build teamwork and camaraderie.
“Watching them work through challenges in communication, differences in ideas, making compromises, was a rewarding experience for me,” he said.
“This was a great opportunity for the cadets from both schools to learn and build confidence together,” said Joe Lynch, instructional specialist with the Department of College and Career Readiness.
