All units will be inspected in the designated area as the first phase of competition.  A representative of the team must check in at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to their scheduled competition time at the Head Judge’s table.  Any team late in checking in at the Head Judge’s table will be dropped and disqualified from competition.  If your team is going to be late, notify the SCIDM Commander prior to the opening ceremonies. 

The uniforms and equipment used will be the same for all three phases of competition, including weapons.  All weapons must have slings; if they must be taped for exhibition, they will be taped before Inspection.  If the bolts are inoperable, the teams will execute a modified “port arms” which will include the head movement of “inspection arms” for inspection.  The command of recovery will be “port arms” before proceeding.  If necessary, gloves may also be taped and will be done so prior to Inspection.  All taping will be standardized according to the team’s particular standard.  Special teams will carry or display props and all equipment during all phases of competition.

*Note:  a designated team alternate may carry spare weapons.

Units will be formed into three elements/squads for Inspection.  The drill team commander will march the team to the area and request permission to enter the drill pad from the Head Judge (who will be wearing the “Head Judge” badge).  Following the movement to open ranks, the commander will return to a position centered on the Head Judge and report in by saying, “Sir/Ma’am, (name of school) is prepared for the Inspection phase of competition.”  The Head Judge will evaluate the commander.  One judge will inspect each element/squad proceeding from the element/squad leader to the end of the element/squad.  The judge will request permission to touch Senior ROTC cadets/midshipmen before making any physical contact.  Judges will not touch JROTC cadets/midshipmen.

Questions asked by the judges will not be limited to drill or weapons.  All teams will be responsible to know the Chain of Command from the Commander in Chief down through the Chief of Staff for all services, plus their respective service’s entire chain of command (to include knowledge of the team).  Questions may include topics such as current events, wear of the uniform (and or equipment), and views or opinions of the participant concerning military topics or the meaning of military terms.  The purpose of this questioning will be the evaluation of the expertise, poise, and discipline of the individual members of the team.  Answers will be given in a military manner representative of the team’s particular service.

Teams will follow basic military inspection procedure based on the correct drill manual for the service they represent except that every team commander will be centered on the Head Judge following the movement to open ranks (see Section I, Authority).