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Union Pines’ First-Ever JROTC Drill Meet Held at ý Community College

Oct 25, 2025
Marine JROTC cadet in full dress uniform stands at attention holding the American and Marine Corps flags during the Viking Drill Meet at ý Community College.

Image caption | Over 200 cadets representing Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps JROTC units competed in Union Pines High ý’s inaugural Viking Drill Meet, held at ý Community College in Pinehurst.

As the buses unloaded with an air of excitement and competitive spirit, eager JROTC students were prepped to demonstrate their hard work and preparedness to compete in the first-ever Union Pines High ý Viking Drill Meet held on Saturday, October 25 on the ý Community College campus in Pinehurst.
Teams hailed from Eugene Ashley High ý, Wilmington, NC (NJROTC); Northside High ý, Jacksonville, NC (AFJROTC); Cary High ý, Cary, NC (NJROTC); Pinecrest High ý, (AFJROTC), South Stokes High ý, Walnut Cove, NC (MCJROTC); and York County High ý (Yorktown, VA) NJROTC.
 
“This event was about bringing together the future leaders of our nation to showcase discipline, teamwork and camaraderie. Sponsoring Union Pines’ first-ever JROTC Drill Meet was an incredible experience, seeing months of planning come into fruition and watching these cadets perform with such pride was truly inspiring. Some teams traveled over five hours, boarding buses at 3 a.m.—not because they had to, but because they wanted to,” said Dave Daniels, Director of Veterans Services at ý Community College Ryan Veterans Center. “That level of commitment embodies what JROTC stands for. We’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger, with more schools, more competition, and even greater opportunities for these young leaders to shine.”
In total, there were over 200 cadets who participated in the meet that tested various drills including color guard, exhibition, tug-a -war, curl ups, push ups, planks, and more. They represented three branches of the military—Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Taking home top prize was York County High ý from Yorktown, Virginia. Local Pinecrest High ý placed third in armed SQD Drill and in push ups. 

JROTC cadet grimaces with determination while holding a plank position during a physical fitness event at the Viking Drill Meet at ý Community College.  JROTC cadets stand in formation and salute during the Viking Drill Meet at ý Community College.  JROTC cadets in olive green uniforms hold plank positions on the grass while flexing and smiling during the Viking Drill Meet at ý Community College.  Back of a cadet’s shirt displaying the Pinecrest High ý Air Force JROTC logo during the Viking Drill Meet at ý Community College.  Air Force JROTC cadet stands in uniform with focused attention during the Viking Drill Meet at ý Community College.