The Utah Military Academy is preparing for the AFJROTC Inspection to take place on Wednesday, November 6th.
Inspection is a major headache for UMA’s JROTC department and the cadet body. With
the stress of making sure the school is in regulations, it can be a struggle for the cadets to find
any purpose. However, the inspection has a lot more importance than what’s on the surface level.
As a JROTC unit, Inspection is one of the most important events for Utah Military Academy. Similar to last year’s staff, this year’s cadet staff have been working hard to make sure that the school as a whole can pass Inspection.
Preparations have been a large task for the staff and JROTC instructors. Both the
instructors and staff are busy making sure that UMA is able to pass the Inspection this year.
Alongside the staff and instructors, there are many groups that are trying to assist with
preparations. Many of the groups are behind the scenes, like Logistics and Services.
One that most cadets are familiar with is Logistics, because they have been there once or
twice to get the things they need. However, some cadets might not know that Logistics plays a huge part in the Inspection. This is why Logistics is going to be closed a week before the Inspection.
Chief Martin explained, “[Logistics is closed] so we can finish the inventory, make sure everything is correct, and make sure everything looks appropriate.”
Another aspect of Inspection is service hours. Nearly all cadets are familiar with service
hours, as flights do service one day per week. The most important tasks of service include Duty Flight, which sets up and cleans the cafeteria each day. Both types of service allow cadets to clock service hours.
Because the inspection team requires a report on service hours, getting all the service hours documented is very important. Also, there is a minimum amount that school needs to reach. That is why Cadet 2nd Lieutenant (C/2Lt) Zeke Adame has been working hard to document all the service hours, as well as feathers. “[I’ve been] making sure that I have all the service hours in, and looking for more service projects,” said C/2Lt Adame.
As for why Inspection is important, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (C/LtCol) Maples and
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMSgt) Kaleb Bellus have some words to share. C/CMSgt
Bellus indicated that Inspection is a very stressful time where cadets scramble to get ready. “It [inspection] determines several key factors for the success of the school, such as funding.”
C/LtCol Coady Maples echoes C/CMSgt Bellus, but adds, “The Inspection is an annual event determining how we are placed as a unit in the nation. It helps us earn rewards like the distinguished unit/ w/merit ribbon. It’s also a placement test to determine our standing as a unit.”
All the JROTC instructors have been working to fix what mistakes they see, big or small.
Lt Col Tisher has some concerns that he really wants to focus on, including “uniform wear, customs and courtesies, and general behavior.”
The Group Commanders have also been doing what they can to help prepare the student
body. C/Maj. Quin Ekberg has been going around and making plans with C/Maj Severin Glenn. Both have high hopes for the unit for the Inspection.
“I think with [the] very hard work of all the cadet staff, we are going to do an excellent
job, and all our work will pay off,” said C/Maj Ekberg.
C/Maj Glenn has expectations of the cadet body during expectation. Though he does
believe that the cadet body will be able to succeed. “Given the effort of the cadets, as well as
their leadership, I believe that we will be able to pass Inspection,” said C/Maj Glenn.
Many groups are all working in conjunction to make sure that UMA succeeds at the
Inspection this year. Though people might not see it, there has been a lot of effort put into the
preparations. With the coordinated efforts of everyone UMA has a good chance of passing
Inspection this year.
In the words of Alexander Graham Bell, “The only difference between success and failure
is the ability to take action.”
