Rat Mom

[pennak]

Originally Posted by bruno

We had a guy our graduation week. My take was - he finally got caught because there just seemed no way that you can suddenly make that kind of an error at the end of it all.
Regardless- - it's a very depressing feeling when you watch the honor court roll out in the middle of the night and hear that name read off. But there isn't anyone there for more than a couple of weeks who doesn't understand that the honor code is a one shot deal and you don't play games with honor issues.

Just how does a cadet go home and try and explain that one. Abject humiliation. It is hard not to visualize that pain. Still, them are the rules and a First, above all, knows them. Frankly, the single sanction system is one of the big reasons my DS picked VMI. Sometimes, bright lines are the only thing that will suffice.

[easter2]

I heard about this too--apparently happened this past weekend. Definitely made an impression and my DS said the beating of the drum would be something he will always remember for sure...very eerie

[hokiesfan]

What is a 'breach of certification?'

[pennak]

Originally Posted by hokiesfan

What is a 'breach of certification?'

VMI Cadets certify that they got back on time to barracks, that they are where they are supposed to be, etc. If they don't or aren't (e.g., didn't make it back from leave on time) they are supposed to "bone" (self report) themselves.

[hokiesfan]

Ah, thank you. I wasn't sure if it was strictly an offence related to academics or could be something broader.

[pennak]

Originally Posted by hokiesfan

Ah, thank you. I wasn't sure if it was strictly an offence related to academics or could be something broader.

Honor violation As enforced by vmi single sanction (expulsion) system

[bjkuds]

DS received his first 5 days confinement. 5 demerits and some penalty tours to match planned this weekend I guess. DH stopped in and our DS was approved a permit to dine. DS failed to read it completely and didn't notice that you must be off Post within 15 min of when you sign out.(Parents may want to note this in case your Rat doesn't read everything either) His 4 and 6 yr old nephews wanted to watch them fire the cannon and he stayed on Post too long to do that and someone noticed. I have no idea how but they did.
He is taking it in stride at this point. His Dad is upset with himself because he asked DS if it was okay to stay and let the boys watch as they fire the cannon. DS had no issue with it because he failed to pay attention to everything in the permit. Its hard watching them make him responsible for himself and teaching him the importance of paying attention to details. It seems like a minor thing, yet I realize the lessons learned are invaluable and won't be forgotten. I am proud of how he is handling it. He said it was his own fault and he has it coming... it will be over with in a week. He doesn't think it's a big deal. Only regret is he can't go with his host family on Sunday after church. Amazing how a bad thing like that happens and he is good with it all really. I can see how he is changing his thinking after only a month. No whining or excuses.
As many have posted previously...The drum out really impacted his perspective on life at VMI. I think it's a great source of pride when you REALLY live by the honor code and it's not something that is in the books but not enforced. They are told and told and told some more about the consequences, but seeing it was "surreal" according to DS. He said that after ward the Honor Court members talked to the "Rats" about what had just happened and all his BR's had the same astonished look on their faces. It was something that he will never forget.

[easter2]

Darn, sorry to hear that! Sounds like he took it well, owned up to it and will get through it just fine tho!

[bruno]

Not to sweat- he will see a lot more than this before he is thru. One unnamed cadet of my intimate acquaintance had around 60 pts last semester alone. When I asked if he doesn't get kind of tired of the routine- he replied that actually he has gotten kind of used to it and he now looks at it as a chance to think about random stuff!
At anyrate- confinement and pts are just another part of the adventure.

[RahVaMil2009]

You aren't a real cadet until you've marched PT's.