Cadets marched in formation into Gupton Stadium where inspecting officers in uniform awaited their arrival to perform open rank inspection. Once a platoon began their drill portion of Annual Military Inspection, another was inspected, individually, by the officers.

On March 9 the NJROTC unit completed its Annual  Military Inspection and received outstanding performance and presentation.

“I was surprised,” freshman Seaman Apprentice Marilyn Eastwood said. “I didn’t’ think I would keep bearing. I was so nervous and shaking the entire time.”

AMI represents the actual military inspection where cadets stand in formation at the position of attention until they are put to parried rest. Cadets are asked military questions and respond with accurate and updated information while, inspectors look over their uniform. Cadets are expected to keep a clean uniform containing accurate measurements of their devices on their uniform.

“I think we prepared heavily,” sophomore cadet Seaman Wyatt Kalbach said. “We had a shoe shining party earlier and made sure we all knew our knowledge for inspection.”

Male cadets cut their hair while girls begin to place their hair in a bun. All cadets shine their shoes, measure their uniform, as well as washing and ironing their uniforms. Above all cadets practice marching and drill to prepare for AMI.

“I had to focus,” Cadet Seaman Apprentice Eastwood said. “I had to make sure I did everything on the right step. Just focus and pray.”

Although the event is well respected, cadets are relieved when it is all over. Preparing for AMI brings stress to many cadets as well as anxiety. Yet cadets do enjoy parts of AMI as well as detesting some aspects.

“We prepared heavily,” Eastwood said. “Our Platoon Commander is the best, and we trained so hard on knowledge.”

Only one award is given to cadets and that is the Bravo Zuloo award for outstanding inspection. Freshman cadet Marily Eastwood achieved the award. Cadets can only gain this award for perfect inspection and correct responses to knowledge based questions.

“I was surprised,” Eastwood said. “I didn’t think I would get it. To me there were a lot of better looking cadets than me.”

NJROTC takes pride in formal events such as AMI and uses the opportunity to prepare cadets to do well and exceed exemplary conduct.  During AMI cadets strive to become better by gaining self-confidence and self reflection.