In recognition of his leadership and teaching skills, NROTC Marine Office Instructor Capt. Joseph Butterfield was named the 2022 NROTC Military Instructor of the Year by the Naval Service Training Command. Capt. Butterfield joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2009, and since has completed deployments to Japan and the Philippines before coming to Jacksonville University. He was selected amongst a group of 78 NROTC units for the recognition.
“Being selected for this award was a huge honor,” Capt. Butterfield said. “Jacksonville University’s NROTC program is growing both in size and quality, and it has been one of the most rewarding billets I’ve held in my career so far. The students that the Navy and Marine Corps select for NROTC scholarships are some of the best individuals that America has to offer, and being afforded the responsibility of instructing them and preparing them for service as Naval officers is something that all of the staff here take very seriously.”
JU NROTC Commanding Officer Capt. Jeremy Hill said that Capt. Butterfield’s “amazing leadership and instructor skills in and out of the formal classroom” were paramount in his selection for the award.
He routinely assists students in learning proper saluting techniques and uniform protocol
and hosts physical training events for both NROTC and non-NROTC students on campus.
“He used his personal and professional experiences to build lessons that prepare his
students well for Officer Candidates School, the Fleet, and life in general. His superior
communication skills allowed him to break down complex topics and teach even the newest
members of the Battalion at a level that they can understand,” said NROTC Commanding
Officer Capt. Jeremy Hill. “His passion as an instructor exceeds his basic responsibilities.”
