Inspecting your people is a basic part of being a leader. Inspections will not only show who doesn't care about regulations, but will also let you know who doesn't know enough about regulations and needs more training. At activities, inspecting your people can also tell you if someone is ill, tired or unclean. Part of leadership is taking care of your people; you should know personally if any of your Cadets is having problems. Finally, inspections are a good way for a commander to get some face to face time with his people.

When inspecting, your eyes should take the same path on every Cadet. For instance, start at the emblem on the flight cap, check the fit and wear of the cap, check the hair, check the shave. On females check the earrings and makeup. Check the shirt starting at the cutouts, then the sleeve patches, and the press on the sleeves, the placement of the name tapes or name plate and ribbons. Then the gig line, the belt and belt buckle. Check the fit of the trousers or skirt at the waist, check the press of the trousers or skirt, finally the length. Check the shoes and hose or socks. Each Cadet should be inspected in the same manner to allow you to fall into a rhythm.

As you finish with an element and pass to the next, be sure to inspect the backs of the Cadets you just inspected. Look for haircut, press, uniform fit and trouser or skirt length.

As you inspect, ask the Cadet questions. They can be about anything, but should generally be about Cadet Program subjects. You should always ask the Cadet if they have their ID card on their person.

If you see a discrepancy, you can ask the Cadet about it, but be prepared to ignore the answer. The only reason you want to ask about a problem is to let the Cadet know that there's a problem and to let the Cadet know that you know there's a problem.

Create a grading sheet, but keep it simple. A Cadet's appearance is either outstanding, average or unsatisfactory. If the uniform is wrinkled, that's an unsatisfactory press. If it looks like it was ironed, but that he's been wearing it this evening, that's average. If it looks like the Cadet and the uniform just stepped out of the laundry, that's outstanding. Your grading sheet should be based on that.

You will probably have someone taking notes for you as you inspect. Regardless of who is doing the writing, make sure that the Cadet hears his grade. There should be no mysteries. And if you are going to give a Cadet an outstanding or unsatisfactory rating on an item, be sure to briefly explain why.

When you have completed your inspection be sure you give the unit leader an overall opinion on how his Cadets looked. If he has followed you through the inspection, he already knows what you think, but it never hurts to make sure.

Suggested Inspection Items

The following is a suggested list of inspection items. Please feel free to add or subtract (or ignore) at your discretion.

• ID Card - He has it or he doesn't.
• Uniform completeness - Are all required uniform parts present?
• Uniform fit - Is it too snug, too loose, too long, too short?
• Uniform preparation - Look for cleanliness, threads, press.
• Attachments to uniform - Complete, serviceable, worn properly.
• Hygiene - Body odor, bad breath, cleanliness of hair, fingernails, ears.
• Haircut/hairstyle - In regulation, not too much in it. Shave/cosmetics - Fresh shave, tasteful cosmetics.
• Jewelry - Appropriate and regulation.
• Gig line - Also known as "military alignment".
• Shoes or boots - Shined, serviceable.
• Knowledge - Cadet Oath, chain of command, etc.