On Jan. 14, 2025, the NJROTC unit at Cardozo High School had its Area Management Inspection (AMI) for Area 2. The AMI is a big event in the NJROTC program where inspectors evaluate how well a unit performs, how organized it is, and how well it follows Navy standards. This year, the unit performed incredibly well, and all the platoons impressed everyone with their hard work and teamwork.
During the inspection, representatives from the NJROTC Area 2 Manager’s office carefully looked at the cadets’ uniforms, their drill routines, and their knowledge of Navy customs. They also reviewed how well the unit is managed, including its records and leadership. Every platoon showed great effort and skill, making it clear how much they had practiced and prepared.
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Commander Eric Humphreys, the Area 2 Manager and Navy representative responsible for policy and oversight of NJROTC programs, expressed his admiration for the unit’s progress.
“What I’ve been most impressed with is how the unit has grown in just six years. It’s grown from nothing to where it is today,” he said. Commander Humphreys highlighted that the unit was selected as the “Most Improved Unit” for 2025, adding that it is now “one of the up-and-coming programs of all 26 programs in Area 2.”
During the AMI, cadets were evaluated on their ability to wear their uniforms properly, execute drill routines, and make presentations.
Commander Humphreys noted, “They’re going to show how they take care of all the Navy equipment, the curriculum materials, the drill rifles, the swords… and present their knowledge of what they can do for their careers and what they’re going to do when they graduate. I’m sure they’re going to do a fantastic job.”
One of Cardozo’s alums Major James William McBride was present during the inspection. Although there wasn’t a ROTC program during his time at the school, he pursued it in college as he attended Boston University. Advice he wanted to give to the students here at Cardozo is as he stated, “Figure out your goals, make them tough and realistic then figure out those intermediate steps you have to take to achieve those goals.”
Many cadets received awards and recognitions during the inspection, including those with the highest GPAs per grade, those with the most improvement in their units, and there were three other specialty awards given. One award went to student Kevin Ayala, an honorary cadet recognized by the NJROTC program. Another went to Cadet Guanuchi, who has committed to joining the military after graduation. The third went to Mr. Mitrano, whose grandfather was a veteran who was honored at this year’s AMI.
The event was a true showcase of the cadets’ efforts and discipline. From the opening ceremony to the detailed inspection process, cadets demonstrated pride in their work and commitment to the NJROTC program.
The precision of their drill movements, the sharpness of their uniforms, and their ability to articulate knowledge about Navy customs left a lasting impression. Parents, staff, and guests were equally impressed by the professionalism displayed by each cadet, making the event a proud moment for the entire school community
This year’s AMI was a big success, showing just how hard the NJROTC cadets at Cardozo High School work. Their excellent performance highlighted their discipline, teamwork, and commitment, setting a great example for future inspections.
See photos from the 2025 AMI below.
