November 2, 2023 – “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there,” was turned into: The name tags were measured with precision and care, in hopes that Commander would only just glare.
AMI, a three-letter acronym that may baffle many Brewster High School students, holds profound significance for the 155 dedicated NJROTC members. The journey commences in May of the preceding school year, when cadets assume their roles at the Awards Ceremony, embarking on countless hours of preparation for the pinnacle event of their NJROTC calendar: the Area Managers Inspection.
You know the saying that Christmas came early? Well, this is what happened with AMI this year, and it wasn’t an enjoyable sight. Typically, Brewster’s NJROTC program isn’t reviewed until the end of December or the beginning of February. In the beginning of September, Master Chief, one of the two instructors, informed me that our inspection date was set for November 2nd. I was freaking out. The NS1’s were not even issued uniforms, and they now had to worry about being inspected by a former naval officer.
Some freshmen were luckier than others in the sense that they were already assimilated into the unit. Over the summer, the senior staff is in charge of putting together a basic leadership training for incoming NS1’s. There, the NS1’s learn the core values of a NJROTC cadet: followership, leadership, team-building, and self-confidence.
Platoon commanders have been working every day with their cadets to prepare them for AMI. They took a lot of time going over the inspection procedures, the knowledge, the marching, and anything else that was needed to make AMI perfect. But then…the day came.
The morning commenced with a rigorous inspection. The 155 cadets were organized into six platoons: Alpha, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Each platoon underwent individual inspections, and cadets were tested on their knowledge. Commander Eric Humphreys, the Area 4 Manager, may only inspect each cadet for a mere 20 seconds, but for them, it can feel like a lifetime. From general orders to the Naval chain of command, amendments to ribbons, and precise measurements, cadets face a barrage of possible questions. Their appearance and knowledge determine whether they receive an outstanding, excellent, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory inspection grade.
The day progressed to the pass-in-review ceremony, where school and district administrators were invited to witness their students’ hard work. They walked the red carpet, accompanied by the resounding boatswain whistle and hand salutes from the side boys. The Brewster High School Band played the National Anthem as five cadets presented the colors. Numerous NS1’s were honored with the Exemplary Personal Appearance ribbon for their outstanding uniform inspection. The promotion phase followed, allowing cadets to rise in rank based on their completion of personal qualification standards (PQS). A flawless drill presentation highlighted cadets self-discipline and unwavering dedication to the unit. The drill team members, often arriving an hour before their peers at 6:30 AM, practice their drill cards rigorously. Their efforts have reaped rewards, including a recent first-place finish at SUNY Maritime, a feat not achieved in over two decades!
A new tradition was born this year as an honorary member was inducted into the unit. Brewster student Benjamin Luna, known for his passion for laundry, made an extraordinary contribution. With the assistance of the Bubbly Bears, Ben washed and folded over 50 black pants and 50 khaki shirts for the NJROTC, saving them hundreds of dollars. The ceremony concluded with the spirited “Pass-in Review,” with Command Master Chief Crislynne Carreras rallying the unit with thunderous “Hoorahs” and Commanding Officer Cadet Commander Jarrid Bryggman requesting the ceremonial closure. The triad, color guard, and platoons then marched past, saluting Commander Eric Humphreys.
After speaking with multiple BHS senior cadets who have gone through AMI three times before, there is a sense of relief after completing the day. Cadet Command Master Chief Crislynne Carreras mentioned, “It was a nerve-racking experience. All the preparation we have put in really paid off.” Cadet Executive Officer Dominick Tamburrino added that he is “extremely proud of the cadets’ work they have put in, especially of the NS1’s who just started a few months ago.” It truly is the best ceremony I have been a part of,” boasted Gunnery Officer Mike Rusinko.
Being my last AMI, I wanted to make it the best I’ve been a part of. Printing around 1000 pages of paper to carefully fill out, skipping out on the eagerly anticipated senior skip day just to prepare for the big day, staying hours after everyone to make sure nothing went wrong—I made this day my life for the past two months. Throughout the day of the inspection, there were undoubtedly challenges put in our way. Even I, who had invested so much in making this day flawless, made a mistake during the presentation of the unit. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s in these moments of adversity that we find our true potential. Mistakes, after all, serve as valuable stepping stones to personal growth and improvement.
The NJROTC program has been a defining force in shaping my identity. While it’s undeniably heartbreaking to come to terms with the inevitable conclusion of this chapter, I stand overcome with excitement. My contributions to the program will endure in the collective memories I have made in the last four unforgettable years. The impact of my dedication, my sacrifices, and my unwavering commitment will serve as a lasting testament to the indomitable spirit of NJROTC and its cadets to come.
And just like that, months of stress fly away.
Happy AMI to all, and to all a good night.
