Meet Riddhi Chauhan, The Indian-American Teen Leading Nearly 300 US Navy Cadets

Published 15 July 2026 · us

Meet Riddhi Chauhan, The Indian-American Teen Leading Nearly 300 US Navy Cadets Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 16:31 IST Riddhi Chauhan serves as

Meet Riddhi Chauhan, The Indian-American Teen Leading Nearly 300 US Navy Cadets Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 16:31 IST Riddhi Chauhan serves as the Battalion Commanding Officer of the NJROTC unit at Queens schoools, leading nearly 300 cadets and overseeing daily operations and training activities. In her role as STEM Commander, Riddhi Chauhan led cadets in designing and building the unit's first SeaPerch underwater robot, a hands-on engineering project supported by the US Navy. (Photo: NJROTC) A 17-year-old Indian-American student is making waves in New York after rising to the highest student leadership position in her school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) programme. Riddhi Chauhan serves as the Battalion Commanding Officer of the NJROTC unit at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, leading nearly 300 cadets and overseeing daily operations, training activities, and student welfare. The Battalion Commanding Officer is the highest student rank within the programme, which is by the US Navy and aims to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and character among high school students. Leading Before The School Day Begins Chauhan’s responsibilities begin long before classes start. She arrives at school before 7 a.m. to conduct drill practices and prepare for the day ahead. As the battalion’s senior student leader, she coordinates training programmes, supervises cadet activities, and helps ensure the smooth functioning of one of the school’s largest student organisations.

What began as an opportunity to strengthen her leadership skills soon evolved into a long-term ambition to serve as a naval officer. “I joined NJROTC to challenge myself and contribute to my school community," Chauhan has said, describing how the programme inspired her interest in military service and leadership. Climbing Through The Ranks Her journey to the battalion’s top position included a series of leadership roles, including Academic Commander, STEM Commander, Platoon Leader, and Inspection Commander. As Academic Commander, Chauhan helped lead her school’s team to the second round of the Leadership and Academic Bowl for two consecutive years. She also contributed to the team’s first-place finish in a national academic competition. In her role as STEM Commander, she led cadets in designing and building the unit’s first SeaPerch underwater robot, a hands-on engineering project supported by the US Navy. Over the years, Chauhan has mentored more than 200 cadets, helping guide and train the majority of students within her battalion. Leadership Beyond Authority Reflecting on her experience, Chauhan says one of the most important lessons she has learned is that leadership is defined by the impact a person has on others rather than by rank or authority. She also credits challenging experiences outside the classroom, including Sail Training in Newport, Rhode Island, with helping her develop resilience, confidence, and teamwork skills.