PHOENIX - Sounds of rhythmic marching and crisp, loud commands filled the air while Soldiers observed the young cadets feverishly working through drill and ceremony movements.
Although the Soldiers' presence as judges may have been somewhat intimidating for some of the cadets, it also served as a motivator for the students to do their best.
About 30 Arizona Army National Guard members volunteered as judges for the state Junior ROTC drill and ceremony competition at Alhambra High School.
"It was truly remarkable to see these kids, squared-away and showing pride in the talent they have," said Col. Leslie Montgomery, commander of the 198th Regional Sustainment Group. "I'm just glad our Guard members were able to be a part of it."
Hundreds of students from more than 30 schools from across the state participated in the competition.
"This gave our Guard members the opportunity to get out there and engage with their community," Montgomery said. "These kids, who may or may not be set on a path to a career in the military, still look up to us, so our Soldiers are out there are setting the standard."
For some of the judges, evaluating those in the competition was a familiar feeling as they had once been in the cadet's shoes.
"I knew what was expected of me as a cadet and I knew what to look for as a noncommissioned officer in the Guard now and as a judge," said Sgt. Adrian Borunda , a judge at the competition."The standard should not only be upheld in the Guard, but also as a cadet in JROTC - they are high school students but they are also expected to train and represent as young adults if they want to wear the uniform."
Having service members come out to help with judging the young cadets was not just a community service, as some cadets recall the will to want to do well and impress those they look up to.
"It was intimidating to see the guys in the actual U.S. Army uniform standing out there watching us, but it was neat to see that they care enough to take time to come out here to support us," said a cadet from South Mountain High School JROTC.