Triad

The “Triad” consists of the Commanding Officer (CO), Executive Officer (XO), and Command Master Chief (CMC). The CO leads the unit, the XO assists with daily operations and steps in when the CO is unavailable, and the CMC manages discipline and supports junior cadets. Together, these three leaders ensures effective management and guidance within the unit.

From Left to Right.

Commanding Officer: C/LTCDR Jayden Cruz

Executive Officer: C/LT Matthew O’Neal

Command Master Chief: C/MCPO Chris Atunku

CONTACT INFORMATION

CO email: carynjrotcco@gmail.com

XO email: carynjrotcxo@gmail.com

CMC email: Carycmc@gmail.com

  • Jayden Cruz

    COMMANDING OFFICER

    As the CO, he is the face of the unit and in charge of the corps of cadets. He is a member of the cross country and distance track teams. Cruz served as the Assistant Head Cadre for the 2024 Leadership Academy and is a Boys' State graduate, USNA Summer Seminar graduate, and a top-three finisher at SLT. He is applying to the Naval Academy and enjoys doing his homework.

  • Matthew O'Neal

    EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    As the XO, Cadet O’Neal leads the staff. He is a Boy Scout, Leadership Academy graduate, Sail Academy Cadre, top-ten finisher at Summer Leadership Training, and NYLT graduate. He enjoys hiking and camping.

  • Chris Atunku

    Command Master Chief

    As the CMC, Cadet Atunku supervises the enlisted cadets, He is a member of the track team and competes in hurdles, long jump, and high jump. He was 2nd All-Team for regionals, a SWAC Conference Champion, and a National Qualifier. He is also a member of the Basketball Team and Law Club. He enjoys cooking.

Commanding Officer (CO)

The CO is the senior cadet. The “Boss” of the corps of cadets, responsible to the SNSI/NSI for all areas of the NJROTC program. Specifically, his or her duties include but are not limited to:

  1. Maintaining high morale and enthusiasm within the unit.

  2. Developing team spirit within each unit team.

  3. Proper and timely execution of all unit activities.

  4. Looking after the well being of unit personnel.

  5. Recommending cadets for promotions and assignments.

  6. Directing and coordinating the efforts of the cadet staff.

  7. Ensuring the smooth and proper operation of the unit in accordance with this handbook, and the unit policy set forth by the SNSI/NSI.

  8. Being the cadet officer in charge during unit formations.

  9. Setting the highest standards of performance, conduct, appearance, military bearing, and courtesy as an example for all cadets of the unit.

  10. Lead by Example.

  11. Must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and an “A” in Naval Science.

  12. Must have knowledge of all aspects of team activities.

  13. Senior member on ALL HONOR BOARDS.

  14. Must maintain high proficiency in all areas of the NJROTC program including drill and leadership capability.

Executive Officer (XO)

The XO will support the CO in all respects, and will be prepared to act on the CO's behalf in his or her absence. Specifically, the XO is responsible for:

  1. Disciplinary matters within the unit, the XO shall make decisions as to whether or not cadets go to the Honor Board.

  2. To supervise the battalion staff as directed by the CO.

  3. To keep the staff officers informed of all unit activities.

  4. Monitor departments to ensure smooth and timely execution of orders.

  5. Keep Platoon Commanders informed to ensure proper and timely execution of all unit activities

  6. Lead by example.

  7. Must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and an “A” in Naval Science.

  8. Commanding the Corps of Cadets in the absence of the CO.

  9. Must maintain high proficiency in all areas of the NJROTC program including drill and leadership capability.

Command Master Chief (CMC)

The CMC deals directly with enlisted cadets and reports directly to the CO. He/she takes care of disciplinary situations with the enlisted as well as the promotion process for individual cadets. Specifically, his/her responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  1. Aiding cadets in their promotion process (setting up meetings with the CO, SNSI and NSI for certain requirements that require their presence).

  2. Act as the Company Mustering Chief.

  3. Taking care of disciplinary problems with the enlisted at the lowest level possible.

  4. Being the Enlisted Adviser at all Honor Board Meetings.

  5. Track his/her Chief Petty Officers to be sure that no chiefs of upcoming events, changes in the unit, new orders, and to get input from them on how to keep the unit running smoothly.

  6. Being the highest of the enlisted cadets and working with them in close company, the Master Chief Petty Officer holds a great deal of responsibility as a role-model for the rest of the enlisted cadets and is held to the same standards as the CO and the Officer Corps.

  7. Nominate Cadet of the Month candidates to the NSI.