“Sir. Good morning sir. Cadet Ocken representing Alpha Maroon flight, sir.”

ROTC inspections like this take place every Wednesday and Thursday, rain or shine.

“We go in formation, in columns. Then, we go to open ranks and the flight sergeant says ‘present arms’ and then we go into salute. The sergeant says ‘we’re ready,’ then we turn around and do order of arms. Last, [the flight commander] goes into each column and individually asks each cadet,” Anthony Ocken said.

The inspections are graded out of 110 points for freshmen, and 100 for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Cadets are expected to have a clean uniform and shined shoes, maintain hair and uniform in standards, and keep their barring. They have to look straight ahead, and refrain from laughing or smiling.

“Girls and boys are graded exactly the same. The only difference is the hair. Girls have to have their hair in a tight bun; there can be no loose strands,” Ocken said.

Inspections are also graded on an academic level; cadets must know their information.

“We have to know what each of our ribbons and patches mean, the local and national chain of command, our core values, uniform standards and drill standards,” Ocken said.

If students miss an inspection, they must make it up the following day.

by OLIVIA GRAHL