Indian-American student Riddhi Chauhan, 17, leads nearly 300 NJROTC cadets at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens. Her command experience and admission to the Naval Academy Preparatory School mark major steps toward her goal of becoming a U.S. Navy officer.
Indian-American student Riddhi Chauhan leads nearly 300 NJROTC cadets at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, New York, while preparing to pursue a future career as an officer in the U.S. Navy.
The 17-year-old serves as Battalion Commanding Officer of the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps unit, making her the highest-ranking student leader in the program.
Riddhi Chauhan Leads Queens NJROTC Battalion
Chauhan’s responsibilities begin before the regular school day. She directs drills, supervises training activities and helps organize formations involving nearly 300 cadets.
As commanding officer, she also works with other student leaders to establish expectations for discipline, teamwork and performance throughout the battalion.
The position requires her to manage the responsibilities of high school while meeting the demands of a structured military-style leadership program.
Queens Student Develops Leadership Skills
Chauhan guides younger cadets, coordinates unit activities and helps ensure that training sessions are conducted efficiently.
Her role has given her practical experience in communication, organization and decision-making. It has also required her to remain accountable for the performance of a large student unit.
The NJROTC program provides students with leadership development and military-oriented training, though participation does not require cadets to enter military service.
Naval Academy Preparatory School Admission
Chauhan has earned admission to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, an important step toward her goal of becoming a U.S. Navy officer.
The opportunity will allow her to continue developing academically and physically while preparing for the demands associated with a possible service academy education.
Her admission follows years of balancing academics, cadet training and command responsibilities at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School.
Path Toward a U.S. Navy Career
Chauhan’s progression from high school cadet to battalion commander demonstrates the leadership experience she has gained while pursuing a long-term military career.
Her next stage at the Naval Academy Preparatory School will focus on the academic preparation, physical readiness and discipline required of prospective service academy candidates.
Further details about when she will begin the preparatory program or the next stage of her Naval Academy application were not provided.
