Whatever happened in Squad 22 last night is probably not worth a Congressional inquiry. Rather, it is an experience that will be happily reminisced about at many a class reunion to come. It’s all part of the experience, both the good and the bad. THEIR experience.
I do not think the parents in question were calling for a congressional inquiry. They were pointing out if other upper level cadets/cadre see this as wrong, what can the cadre do about it and why don't they do something? It is a very good question. What is the structure to report abuse of power in the academies? What is considered an abuse of power? Was this really abusive or just what others consider a "really rotten thing to do?" There is a code of conduct for a reason. I suspect there have been instances of inappropriate use of power in the past, and that is why some of those regulations/codes/rules are in place. I am NOT saying or even suggesting that abuse of power is frequent, only that it can happen. Young human beings are involved after all. And to be fair, those acting in an abusive way (they are still young and learning) may not even realize it can be considered abusive or crossing the line or that it could result in physical injury.
One of the things we try to do is teach our kids how to make lemonade from lemons. We tell them "learn from the crappy experience and use it to become a better leader yourself." But where is the line between "crappy" but you can learn from it and "abusive" where you can be injured by it? Some things deserve a slap on the wrist while others require a bit more punishment.
Many non-military parents, including myself, come into this with an expected level of professionalism/direction/whatever word you want to put here that doesn't really exist. Our expectations can exceed what is realistic. It can be much higher because we made assumptions. I had not realized how much of leadership development was unstructured, learn as you go type thing. I expected a greater level of involvement and "hands on" from PP than there really is. This doesn't mean to imply PP's way isn't better or right. It is just means that I have to reconcile my expectations with reality. Part of that reconciliation process include asking why, venting, sharing and researching!
Also, I don't ever recall happily reminiscing about an abusive experience in my past. People may eventually happily reminisce about a difficult situation they over came, shared or dealt with, but usually, they don't happily reminisce about an abusive situation/event.
I think most parents are aware this is their kid's experience. The fact that the parent shared the experience and asked for input/feedback etc.. demonstrates she/he understands this. If she/he didn't understand this, then he/she would be talking about who at the USAFA can she/he call about this, and what steps can he/she, as the parent take, to interface with the USAFA command structure to resolve this issue. She/he asked, what and why. She/He did not ask how.
It frustrates me when venting, sharing and looking for feedback, insight and understanding is presumed to be trying to control a child's life or live that child's life for them.
The reality is I don't hear much from my son. When I do, I hang on every word like a drowning man to a life preserver. There are many parents in the same situation, and we network. I know as much as I do because of the parent networks. I also read all the news letters and announcements that are sent out by USAFA and parent clubs. We don't share everything (horrified at that idea myself), but when certain things come up we ask "is this normal? Is this to be expected? Was he just letting off steam or is this a real issue? What words of advice can I give? etc. etc. etc." There is a collection of knowledge and experience that can be tapped into which didn't exist before the growth of the internet and the use of cell phones. The key for me is figuring out what is accurate and useful.
