Each year the United States Navy inspects Navy JROTC programs. According to Paint Branch NJROTC lead teacher Captain Chan H. Shin USN (Retired), this annual inspection includes “uniform inspection of each cadet, demonstration of drills, and Pass in Review” where cadets are observed marching in a parade formation. Additionally, each year cadets involved in leadership positions inform the U.S. Navy inspector about the program and its activities. This is done to “verify the efficacy of the program to the Navy standards.”

Capt. Shin notes that the NJROTC curriculum teaches basic marching, uniform wear and inspection, as well as planning and leadership. Since the inspection is an annual requirement, cadets spend “both class periods and LAP periods getting key personnel together to synchronize.” As another way of practicing what they learn in the program, they have drill teams which compete against other JROTC teams. Due to this, the drill team is demonstrated during inspection as well.
Events such as the annual inspection allow Capt. Shin and fellow program instructor Chief Petty Officer Odell Mark to see their cadets in action and perform at a high level. This corresponds well with what Capt. Shin hopes that cadets get from the program. I hope they “learn planning and perseverance, teamwork, commitment, ownership of responsibilities, and a sense of achievement,” he notes.