Troy High School NJROTC held its Annual Military Inspection (AMI) on November 20 in the North Gym, bringing together nearly 400 cadets for evaluation, drill and ceremony.

The inspection, required for all NJROTC programs nationwide, assesses each unit’s readiness, discipline and overall performance. This year, Troy High School’s Naval Science Instructors invited the following US military representatives to inspect the cadets: Staff Sergeant Mumper, Staff Sergeant De La Rosa, Gunnery Sergeant Aglio and Sergeant Love from the Marine Corps, as well as Rear Admiral Nowakowski from the Navy.

AMI began at 8 am, with cadets assembled in height order for the yearly unit photo, taken on the gym’s bleachers. After the photo, cadets formed into their platoons, which are groups of students who practice, drill, and train together under student leadership to prepare for inspection. For many cadets, this will be their first year participating in the Annual Military Inspection, a tradition for senior members. Preparations had started weeks earlier, with time spent polishing uniforms, practicing drill movements, and reviewing required academic knowledge to provide the best possible guidance to the unit.

This examination serves as a comprehensive check of a unit’s training. Students patiently wait along the bleachers until their platoon is called up for inspection. During this time, they are expected to review knowledge and touch up on the final uniform procedure to score optimally. Before the inspection, each platoon demonstrates a short drill sequence, then is evaluated individually on uniform appearance, bearing, and understanding of basic ROTC concepts.

The first portion of the morning focused on examining the program’s student leadership team, or the staff. These cadets oversee the unit’s operations, administration, supply, training, public affairs, color guard, and other key personnel. Inspectors met with them before the larger inspection began, reviewing their records and discussing how the unit operates day to day.

Once the staff inspection ended, platoons were called one by one to the center of the gym. Cadets performed their marching sequence, then stood at attention for individual evaluation. Inspectors moved down each formation, checking alignment, uniform details and basic knowledge. The process took several hours and covered the entire regiment.

Preceding the inspection, the unit assembled for the Report-In ceremony. This portion of AMI allows cadet leaders to formally confirm attendance and readiness, moving in order from platoon to company to battalion, and finally to the commanding officer. The ceremony is designed to demonstrate the unit’s organization and communication.

The regiment then stood at present arms for the National Anthem before gathering for remarks from instructors and the visiting admiral. Following the speeches, the Unarmed Exhibition Team performed a sequential routine, and the Armed Exhibition Team presented a rifle drill, showcasing precision and teamwork throughout the unit.

Inspectors departed around midday, and cadets were dismissed shortly before lunch, marking the conclusion of the 2025 annual military inspection. Key personnel and inspectors were invited to a short debrief and lunch celebration for all the efforts that made the day possible. For NJORTC, the event represented both an evaluation and a commemoration of the training completed throughout the semester.