Recently, Dinuba High School’s NJROTC unit had its Annual Military Inspection (AMI). This evaluation occurs near the beginning or middle of the second semester, every school year. This is the time when the unit gets to show off everything they’ve learned. The cadets have the opportunity to present their skills to the area manager, hoping to earn a ribbon to add to the unit guide, which showcases the unit’s excellence.
AMI inspection is the most critical event for NJROTC students and instructors. This US Navy-mandated inspection ensures the program is functioning effectively and that its standards are being met. All facets of NJROTC, including the supply/inventory, administrative, academic, morale, and safety programs, were reviewed by the Area Manager. AMI remains the (yearly) cornerstone event for NJROTC, similar to a WASC visit. Attendance is mandatory for all cadets in the program, as AMI participation is a significant factor in their 2nd semester grade. Multiple distinguished guests attended, including Commander Christopher Bodine, Reedley High School Senior Naval Science Instructor; Assistant Superintendent Marti Kochevar; and DHS Principal Andrew Popp. The unit is currently led by the respective leaders, Commanding Officer Cadet Lieutenant Commander Arleen Vega and Executive Officer Cadet Lieutenant Daniel Perez. The five platoon commanders are Cadet Ensign Alejandra Tenango (1st), Cadet Petty Officer Third Class Melanie Zacarias (2nd), Cadet Ensign Clarissa Tapia (3rd), Cadet Chief Petty Officer Miley Espinoza (4th), and Cadet Chief Petty Officer Genesis Cabrera (6th).
An example of what the unit did was to be graded personally by the area manager on their uniforms. The unit is divided into platoons, separated by the class period in which they are enrolled. The area manager grades them based on the condition of their uniform, including the presence of stains, wrinkles, missing buttons, or loose strings. Additionally, they are graded on whether the pants are too long or short, if a white shirt is worn underneath, if the ribbons, along with their J-bars and rank, are measured correctly, and if the cadet is wearing long black socks and if their shoes are shined correctly.
The area manager also grades them on whether they are meeting the grooming expectations. For the men, they are checked to see if they are shaved with little to no facial hair. Mustaches are allowed if they are within standard. They ensure the hair isn’t too long and slicked back, or maintained within the standard. For females, the regulations are the same, except their hair must be in a bun or they could cut it short. Makeup shouldn’t be too flamboyant, and nails can be painted a nude color. If they wear a necklace, it must be hidden under their uniform or white shirt. They are allowed to wear one ring on each hand and one bracelet on each hand as well. Earrings, if worn, must not be too showy or large. The grading scale ranges from 4 (outstanding) to 3 (excellent), 2 (satisfactory), and 1 (unsatisfactory). Luckily, our cadets were amazing and got no less than a 3.
Before they are graded on their uniforms, Platoon commanders are reviewed on how well the platoon performs with their in-place drills. These drills consist of dress right, dress left, right face, left face, ready salute, and other similar movements. They follow the commands given to them by their platoon commanders, and the area manager judges them based on how well they perform the command as a group. The cadets demonstrated their ability to perform effectively in group settings and impressed the instructor. After everything, the cadets prepare for the most important part of the inspection, the passing review. The passing review is when the unit marches around the gym, showcasing the marching skills they have learned. Once they pass the inspector, the platoon commander gives the command, “eyes right,” in which the platoon turns its attention towards the inspector as a sign of respect. Once the passing review is over, the platoons return to their respective positions.
The last and final part of the AMI is when the teams begin performing. Drill, color guard, unarmed exhibition, and other teams get to showcase exactly what they’ve learned and the routine they’ve been working hard on. This is another way to demonstrate to the inspector how well the unit performs. After the teams perform, the ceremony part begins. Cadets are called forward in front of the inspector, higher-ups, and instructor, and are rewarded with promotions and sometimes even medals. Many cadets are promoted to seaman apprentice or higher during this time. Parents, family, and friends can watch the AMI, and the cadets are more than happy to perform and showcase how well the unit is doing.
Once again, our unit earned high praise for our sharpness, attention to detail, and excellent military bearing. Our guest inspector, Commander Bodine, was impressed with the overall readiness of the NJROTC Program at DHS. Lieutenant Brandon would like to thank all of the cadets, parents, distinguished guests, teachers, administrators, and custodial staff of Dinuba High School for the success of this event.
