17-Year-Old Indian-American Leads 300 US Navy Cadets

Jul 15, 2026

81 min

Jul 15, 2026 10:31

Meet the 17-year-old Indian-American leading 300 US cadets

## Rising Through the Ranks

Riddhi Chauhan, a 17-year-old Indian-American from Queens, New York, has achieved a remarkable feat by leading 300 cadets as the Battalion Commanding Officer of her high school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC). Her journey began as a freshman when she joined the NJROTC to build confidence and leadership skills. Over the years, she has held various positions, including Academic Commander and STEM Commander, before reaching her current role.

## Academic and Leadership Achievements

Riddhi's leadership has been instrumental in her school's success in various competitions. As Academic Commander, she led her team to the second round of the Leadership and Academic Bowl twice and helped secure a national academic examination victory. Her role as STEM Commander saw her spearheading the creation of the battalion’s first SeaPerch underwater robot, providing cadets with hands-on experience in engineering and robotics.

## Mentorship and Values

Mentoring over 200 cadets, Riddhi has played a crucial role in developing younger students' confidence and leadership abilities. Her leadership style is deeply influenced by the teachings of Mahant Swami Maharaj, emphasizing humility and selfless service. These values have guided her through challenging roles and training exercises.

## A Step Towards the Naval Academy

Riddhi's dedication has earned her a place at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, a significant step towards her goal of becoming a commissioned officer in the US Navy. Her family, originally from Jaipur, Rajasthan, has supported her ambitions, with her sister pursuing a career in medicine. Riddhi's achievements mark the beginning of her journey in military service, driven by a commitment to leadership and service.

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