On Thursday, March 21, 2024, Cardozo High School’s NJROTC Program had their 2024 Area Manager Inspection (AMI).
Understanding the AMI
AMI stands for Area Manager Inspection. AMI occurs once every year, where the Area Manager, Commander Eric Humphreys, inspects the unit and makes sure the unit is in working standards. Commander Humphreys was assisted by Navy recruiters with inspecting cadets from the unit.
The term “Area Manager Inspection” is a way for companies or organizations to make sure everything is going well in different places. They use it to check if things are being done correctly and if everyone is following the rules, ensuring consistent quality control and compliance with regulations or standards.
AMI may have been developed in response to the need for centralized oversight and accountability, allowing managers to assess performance and address issues efficiently across multiple locations. It helps them keep track of how things are going and fix any problems that come up. People have found that using this kind of inspection is a good way to make sure everything is running smoothly in different areas.
After the inspection, cadets performed in their respective platoons and groups for drill. There was also an award ceremony following the performances. After the awards concluded, Benjamin N. Cardozo NJROTC Cadets that are a part of staff participated in a briefing with Commander Humphreys. The meeting addressed the status of the unit and important information.
How the AMI Goes Down
The day started off with cadets arriving at Cardozo High School at 0700. Cadets assembled in the big gym and prepared the bleachers and seating for guests and military personnel. Cadets then formed into their respective platoons to practice. Cadets practiced their performances as well as their marching maneuvers before Commander Humphreys arrived.
Once Commander Humphreys arrived, Cardozo’s NJROTC Battalion was formed. The Battalion was commanded by Cadet Commander Taega Muschette (CO), Cadet Lieutenant Commander Oliver Cordero (XO), and Cadet Master Chief Ziming Yang. Commander Humphreys greeted the Battalion and assembled the recruiters for a little meeting, it is unknown what they said. Scribes were called from each platoon and recruiters chose which platoon they wanted to go to.
Once each platoon had a recruiter ready to inspect them, inspection began. The recruiters asked the cadets about the U.S. Navy, questions regarding their uniform, and inspected their uniform to make sure it fell within guidelines. Scribes took note of each cadet’s grade. The officers of the Battalion were inspected by Commander Humphreys. Once inspection had ended, cadets fell out of formation and practiced for their performances.
Guests were allowed to enter around 1030 and the Battalion was formed once again. The Cadet Commander reported to Commander Humphreys and the drill portion began. Cadets were introduced with their drill team and performed various maneuvers through the gym. Trick drill was also performed with unarmed and armed exhibition being presented. Following the drill portion, medals were presented to a handful of cadets for distinguished Cadet and the Veterans award which was presented by Commander Humphreys and NSI Chief Tao Chen. Commander Humphreys, Mr. Georgatos, Ms. Colby, and Ensign Placios Paz gave their own speeches about the unit and the cadets accomplishments in the Benjamin N. Cardozo High School NJROTC Program.
Following their speeches, the unit performed a series of chants and the Cadet Commander initiated the exiting parade. The parade included an eyes right command, saluting Commander Humphreys and the guests in the crowd. Once the parade ended, the Battalion fell out and cadets took pictures with Commander Humphreys, the recruiters, and their families. Around 1220, the staff brief began, members of BNCHS’ NJROTC staff team briefed Commander Humphreys on the state of the unit and status of various paper work as well as forms. Cadets also spent time talking with Commander Humphreys about their future plans and goals.
A Word with Commander Eric Humphreys
Commander Eric Humphreys, the Area Manager, served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. He then went on to serve as an NJROTC instructor, before becoming the Area Manager. Commander Humphreys feels that being the Area Manager is a “great opportunity.”
“The new restructuring of the program allows me to come every year, so I can see the cadets improve from year to year and achieve their dreams,” Commander Humphreys shared.
During the AMI, the Commander explained that he looks to the cadets to see how they are mastering their drills, but also looking at the NJROTC department heads to ensure that the program is opperating at peek efficiency.
Commander Humphreys also revealed he really enjoys being the Area Manager. “I get the best of both worlds. I get to visit the students during the AMI’s, but I also get to work with the instructors in my area to become better instructors.”
Overall, AMI was a huge success with the NJROTC program showcasing their skills, organization, and military knowledge.
