PHOENIX – Sounds of rhythmic marching and crisp, loud commands filled the air while soldiers observed the young cadets feverishly work through drills.

Although the soldiers’ presence as judges may have been somewhat intimidating, it also served as a motivator for the students to do their best.

Arizona Guard members volunteered as judges for the state Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps drill and ceremony competition here at Alhambra High School, April 14.

“It was truly remarkable to see these kids, squared-away and showing pride in the talent they have,” said Col. Leslie Montgomery, the brigade commander for the 198th Regional Sustainment Group, Arizona National Guard. “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. In addition, about 30 soldiers from the Arizona National Guard took part in being judges for this event.

“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 setting the standard.”

Among the Guard member judge attendees was Sgt. Adrian Borunda, a public affairs specialist from the 123rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment with the Arizona National Guard. For him, not only was Alhambra High School his old stomping grounds, but so was the atmosphere of the JROTC cadets.

“I knew what was expected of me as a cadet and I knew what to look for as a non-commissioned officer in the Guard now and as a judge,” Borunda said. “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.

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This work, Arizona Guard members take on marching competition, judge cadets, by SGT Lauren DeVita, identified by DVIDS, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.