How NJROTC Prepared for their AMI Inspection

Winter Brooks

Editor in Chief

  Every year, NJROTC programs all over the United States must be inspected. This inspection includes the area manager coming to the school and grading the program. AMI inspection is the most critical event for NJROTC students and instructors. The NJROTC AMI inspection this year was successful with impressive drill teams, pass and review, and individual inspections. Here is how the Crete-Monee NJROTC program prepared for this inspection.

"This year the Sophomores are going to probably win most of the awards because they are way ahead of the game." Senior Naval Science Instructor Petty Officer Reed said.

  Cadets are dedicated to performing the best they can for AMI inspection. They will practice drills, General Orders, Chain of Command, and Uniform standards during class and after school. 

Cadets being inspected by MGySgt (Master Gunnery Sergeant) Jason Rampa. Photo by Winter Brooks

  "Right now, drill is probably our strong suit, mostly speaking for the NS2s (Naval Science 2); the NS1s (Naval Science 1) need a little bit more practice," Cadet Petty Officer 3rd Class Kiera Cooks said 

  One essential aspect of NJROTC is the drill teams. There is currently no New Cadet Drill team, but Petty Officer Reed is working on getting Cadets together and making one. An IDR, Exhibition, and Color Guard teams are currently preparing for the AMI performance. 

"I'm very confident in our Cadets," Cadet LTJG (Lieutenant Junior Grade) Keshawn Newman says, "They have been practicing and becoming dedicated to our program every day."

The NS1s are learning all the basics of what NJROTC is about. This includes shoe shining, uniform measurements, general orders, chain of command, military time, and the phonetic alphabet. Questions during the AMI inspection can be about any of these topics, so the cadets must have all the material memorized before Dec. 5, 2023. 

Chiefs and Officers preparing for the pass and review. Photo by Winter Brooks.

"My biggest worry is not worrying," Senior Naval Science Instructor PO Reed stated, "I have no worries at all. We're gonna do a great job; it's gonna be amazing."

As the date of the AMI inspection creeps closer, cadets are studying, practicing, and getting their uniforms in a perfect state for MGySgt Jason Rampa to inspect each cadet. 

"Like most years, I look forward to the pass and review." LCDR (Lieutenant Commander) Sarah Binning says, "It really shows our ability to come together as a company, and it's really enjoyable to watch as the new cadets learn to work together. It just makes all the hard work worth it."

The students involved in the NJROTC program are incredibly busy and hopeful for this year's inspection. The officers and even PO Reed himself are confident about another outstanding grade.