NEWPORT—The most important event of the school year is quickly approaching and the Cocke County NJROTC unit is approaching the annual requirement with cautious optimism. The Area Manager's Inspection, or AMI, as better known to the cadets, is what makes, or breaks the school year for every NJROTC unit in the country.

"A good grade on the inspection means the unit can continue its operations as normal," said Megan Woody, the unit's Operations Officer. "A great grade on the inspection allows the unit to be eligible for post school year accolades, while a poor or failing grade can result in the unit being put on a probation status, or maybe even immediate shut down by the Navy", continues Megan. Cocke County views this inspection as an opportunity to shine above the other JROTC units in the nation and firmly place the school in the position to receive Distinguished Unit honors from the Navy.

"If this was a normal year, Cocke County would be visited by the Area Manager himself," said Lt. Col Bill Ivory, the unit's Senior Naval Science Instructor. "The Area Manager over sees the operations and administration of Navy JROTC units from 8 states. Area 9, which is our geographical area, has 62 NJROTC units assigned to it. The Area 9 Manager will rate all 62 of his schools during the school year and it is our intention to be among his highest rated schools."

For more details, please see the Thursday edition of the Newport Plain Talk.