AREA MANAGER'S INSPECTION, NOTE #2

Just a reminder:  the annual inspection is right around the corner.  As you should know by now, the inspection will be 9 February and participation is MANDATORY.  Between now and then:
Inventory your uniform.  Make sure you have everything. 

• Read you handbook and make sure you know how to properly wear your uniform.  Don't guess, and don't ask someone who doesn't have any more of a clue than you.
• Take some time and shine your shoes.  Put some effort into looking good.
• Think about taking your uniform to the cleaners and getting it pressed professionally.  If you do it yourself, cold water wash your shirt and trousers, then hang them up to drip dry--don't put them in the dryer.  If you iron them, use the low setting to avoid melting the plastic in the fabric. 

More on this in the next inspection note.  The WOD for 21 through 24 January is reticence.  Reticence is a noun meaning reserve or an inclination to silence.  Example:  Fearful of being identified as a dope, Fedorka preferred reticence to loquacity. 

UNIFORM INSPECTION

Here are a couple of quick comments on today's weekly uniform inspection:

1. Military bearing is important.  You will be at the position of "at ease" until the inspector approaches.  You should then go to "attention."  Answer questions with "Sir" or "Ma-am."  Don't roll your eyes or move.  If a discrepancies is pointed out, don't break your bearing to look. 
2. Too many cadets need hair cuts.  Some girls need to pay a bit more attention to arranging their hair for the inspection.
3. Shoes need attention.
4. Some males are putting their belts on backwards.
5. Rig you uniform the night before--do it at home in good lighting and get it right.  Check the placement of your J-bar, ribbons, and name tag.
6. Read the guidance on exactly how to rig your uniform--it's in you Cadet Reference Manual.  You can also find all the info you need on our unit website.
7. Learn your general knowledge.
8. Listen to the word that is put out.
9. The WOD for 18/19 November is alleviate, a verb meaning to relieve.  This should alleviate the problem; if it does not, we will try something else.

WEEKLY UINIFORM INSPECTIONS, SECOND MARKING PERIOD

We're in the second marking period now and the weekly uniform inspections are starting again this week.  Every cadet--especially those taking independent studies--MUST be present at each inspection unless excused, whether in uniform or not.  If you miss a uniform day, you should make it up.  Wearing you uniform and ensuring your grade is recorded is your responsibility.  If you come in late, remember to see an instructor with a pass.  Each student will be allowed to make one uniform day this marking period.  Here's a summary of how you will be graded:

• 0 for a no-show with no acceptable excuse.
• 5 if you show up at the weekly inspection not in uniform.  Can be converted to a 7 later if you make it up the same week.
• 6 for being in uniform with significant problems (hair, shave, shoes, etc.).  Note that a grade of 5 or less may be assigned for gross uniform violations.
• 7 for appearing in an average looking uniform.
• 8 for an above average (everything looks good, you know your required general knowledge, and you have good bearing)
• 9 for an exceptional showing.
• 10 for an exceptional showing validated by an instructor.

There will be 10 grades available, 9 mandatory and one make-up or extra-credit.  Inspections will be on the following dates:

• 18 NOV (Thu.)
• 23 NOV (Tues., the last full day before Thanksgiving break.) 
• 2 DEC (Thu.)
• 9 DEC (Thu.  Drill team members going to the Naugatuck Drill Meet will be in school attire so as to prepare an inspection ready uniform.) 
• 16 DEC (Thu.)
• 22 Dec (Tues., the full day before winter break.)
• 6 Jan (Thu. Drill team members going to the MLK Drill Meet will be in school attire so as to prepare an inspection ready uniform.)
• 13 Jan (Thu.)
• A make-up/extra credit day to be arranged individually with you instructor.