30 March, 2011
Saint Thomas Academy Parents and Guardians:
The 3rd Brigade, Western Region, U.S. Army Cadet Command conducts the Brigade Formal Inspection (BFI) of the Saint Thomas Academy Cadet Corps on Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 0800 to 1500. Cadets, minus the Brigade Command and Staff, will be released at 1230 hrs.
There are three areas that you can help us get ready for this most important inspection:
1. One of the key grading criteria is attendance, with a significant loss of points for any absentees. Therefore, any cadet who will be absent, is required to submit written notification from a parent/guardian, addressed to the Dean of Students and turned-in to your son's LET instructor, no later than April 1st. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SON ATTEND SCHOOL ON 7 APRIL.
2. Make sure your son's uniform is in the best possible condition, cleaned, hemmed trousers, buttons on pockets, correct placement of patches, etc. Points of emphasis during the inspection include a proper fitting blouse coat, trousers and hat; a plain white shirt, no button down collars; and highly shined brass and shoes. Replacement items are available at the Quartermaster Store.
3. Ensure your son has a fresh regulation haircut on inspection day. That is one which, when combed straight down, does not touch the collar, eyebrows or ears. It should have a taper and not be cut in any fad or garish style, such as a bowl cut, Mohawk, etc. Sideburns are above the bottom of the lower opening of the ear canal.
The results of the inspection are the primary basis for determining whether the Cadet Corps retains its coveted designation as "Honor Unit with Distinction" (Gold Star). Providing that the cadet's remain diligent and dedicated to their preparation and with your interest and assistance, I feel confident that we will continue the long tradition of excellence and success enjoyed in previous inspections.
BFI “PRE – INSPECTION” CHECKLIST
UNIFORM
- Recently dry-cleaned.
- Clean and wear “best set” of pants.
- Free of spots and/or ink stains.
- Trousers – hemmed to correct length & holes sewn.
- Shirt – clean and pressed.
HYGIENE
- Fresh haircut – 1-3 day prior to 7 April
- Close Shave – morning of 7 April
- Hands – free of ink / writing.
- Nails – short, free of dirt.
- Shower – morning of 7 April.
SHOES
- For Leather shoes - highly shined, entire shoe not just toe.
- For “Patton Leather” – free of scuff marks (Windex or furniture polish).
- Both – edge dressing around shoe, free of dirt.
- Tied – correctly and snug.
BRASS
1. Free of tarnish, use Brasso if needed. Especially round disks and hat brass.
2. Wipe clean Company and LET Level
3. Belt buckle – free of scuff marks and “green residue”. Use Brasso.
AWARDS
1. Placed correctly and aligned correctly on the uniform.
2. Name tag – free of ink.
3. Gold Star – make sure you have.
4. Yellow Rope – make sure you have.
5. Officers – Sam Browne belt – must have.
KNOWLEDGE
1. Know both Cadet and Army rank.
2. Know what everything on your uniform stands for.
3. Know Chain of Command.
4. Know LET Appropriate Curriculum Questions.
IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED THESE ITEMS - YOU ARE BFI READY!
SUCCESS = ACTION = NEVER QUITTING = POSITIVE MOTIVATION!
590 or greater = ties off 8 April.
589 or less = ties on until normal uniform change date, 2 May
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 651-683-1547.
Sincerely,
Michael P. DePuglio
Lieutenant Colonel, Aviation (Ret)
United States Army
Commandant
