UPDATED: St. Thomas Academy Cadets Score an 'A' at Inspection

Lt. Col. Michael Conway, Professor of Military Science at the University of Minnesota, said he liked what he saw Thursday at St. Thomas Academy.

"They did very well," Conway said after the review. "They always do very well. I have to calculate the scores but I think that they, I'd guess you'd say they got an 'A'."

The scores are in, and the Cadets earned 594 points out of a possible 600 during their annual Brigade Federal Inspection, earning them the privelege of wearing more casual Class B uniforms for the rest of the year. They can now roll up the sleeves and leave the tie in the closet.

As a Junior ROTC school, St. Thomas Academy undergoes a formal military review, the BFI, by U.S. Army officers annually. This year's review was conducted by the 3rd ROTC Brigade from Chicago, the University of Minnesota ROTC cadets and colonel and inspection chief.

St. Thomas Brigade Commander Cadets wore their class A uniforms and were evaluated on their military knowledge, appearance and performance of military drills.

"They have a set of curriculum that they're supposed to teach at these schools," said Conway.  "So what we do is come down as an unbiased inspector and we make sure we inspect everything they're supposed to be learning to see if they're actually learning it."

Questions for the cadets range from uniform appearance to queries about discipline, personal finances, morals and values, leadership and organizational skills.

"We're trying to have well-rounded individuals," Conway said.

The goal each year is to achieve "unit of distinction" honors by earning at least 570 points out of possible 600. If the cadets score at least 590, they will be able to wear a more casual uniform for the remainder of the school year.

"I thought we did very well," said Cadet Col. Dylan Thomas, who serves as the St. Thomas Academy brigade commander. "There's always a lot of pressure when it comes to BFI because its an assessment of everything we do through the military department here at St. Thomas. So there's a lot of things that you have to cover. A lot of people have to come together and not only learn their responsibilities, but carry them out effectively."

"The big things that they look for are cadet knowledge ... and then knowing the chain of command, not only here, like who is their battalion commander, but also who is the Chief of Staff of the Army."

The Cadets of St. Thomas Academy regular score in the mid 590s range, Thomas said. Last year they earned 595 points.

"Our goal is a perfect 600," said Thomas. "We are definitely setting a standard here of excellence. It's impossible to get to 600, but that's our goal."