Rat Mom

pennak said:
Thanks very much for the explanation. I pity the new Rats who are attempting to sort it all out and to remember all the arcane rules. My DS Rat says that thus far he has earned only 1 demerit (late to formation), no PTs and no confinement. I guess is doing ok.
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I think that Rats tend to get a little slack from the commandant's office with regard to demos. I mean they still get them, but since they have so much other BS to deal with, I think the administration tends to be less inclined to bone them. At least that is the case for some of the people on that staff.

When I was a Rat, I'm not sure my room was ever inspected for a regular morning inspection (it was, of course, inspected during the formal inspections and Cadre-through the authority of the Cadet Captain company commander-were always happy to give out bones then).

I also forgot to mention the guard team. There is one senior on the guard team who is appointed Officer of the Day (OD) for the 24-hour shift. That cadet is given authority to bone, and he is "certified" or honor-bound to bone any cadet he sees in infraction of the rules. He carries a set of keys with him that he shakes to announce his presence (you might hear people yell "keys!" in Barracks when trying to avoid him). There is also an Officer in Charge (OC) aka a "TAC" in charge of the guard team every night. This person, from the commandant's staff, is the eyes of the commandant after business hours. I remember being an OD once, and a TAC said "tonight, we will bone as many Thirds as possible." The guy hated Thirds. Everyone hates Thirds (except the Thirds). Thirds eat sh#t :shake:.

I tell you this to point out that the "suck" doesn't necessarily end after Breakout. In my experience, concerns over send-ups become less as you advance in status, but concerns over bones grow.
 
HMQ said:
It is very complex to us parents on the outside, but as you can see from RVM's posts, the rules are deeply ingrained, even after graduation :wink:

By the way Pennak, try googling "vmi blue book" and it might lead you to an outdated pdf which will give you the gist (besides being mind-numbing!) I think there is a list of offenses and their proscribed penalties. My son got a 5-1-5 last year for falling asleep at a public lecture.
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It is all very interesting from the outside looking in. I tried to google the blue book but got no its beyond password protected page at VMI.edu. Must be tough to get a 5-1-5 for falling asleep when you are soooo tired you can't keep your eyes open. RVM's posts are a true hoot and very informative. I bet she is a very effective teacher at MMA at Woodstock. I have to wonder what she teaches and how VMI has affected how she teaches. I also have to wonder if a VMI graduate could *ever* bring themselves to teach at the zoo commonly known as a public high school
 
sprog said:
I think that Rats tend to get a little slack from the commandant's office with regard to demos. I mean they still get them, but since they have so much other BS to deal with, I think the administration tends to be less inclined to bone them. At least that is the case for some of the people on that staff.

When I was a Rat, I'm not sure my room was ever inspected for a regular morning inspection (it was, of course, inspected during the formal inspections and Cadre-through the authority of the Cadet Captain company commander-were always happy to give out bones then).

I also forgot to mention the guard team. There is one senior on the guard team who is appointed Officer of the Day (OD) for the 24-hour shift. That cadet is given authority to bone, and he is "certified" or honor-bound to bone any cadet he sees in infraction of the rules. He carries a set of keys with him that he shakes to announce his presence (you might hear people yell "keys!" in Barracks when trying to avoid him). There is also an Officer in Charge (OC) aka a "TAC" in charge of the guard team every night. This person, from the commandant's staff, is the eyes of the commandant after business hours. I remember being an OD once, and a TAC said "tonight, we will bone as many Thirds as possible." The guy hated Thirds. Everyone hates Thirds (except the Thirds). Thirds eat sh#t :shake:.

I tell you this to point out that the "suck" doesn't necessarily end after Breakout. In my experience, concerns over send-ups become less as you advance in status, but concerns over bones grow.
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Thanks sprog: I remember reading about the OD and the keys. Sort of "I have to bone you if I catch you so here I come." A Very elaborate dance going on here. Everyone hates the 3ds?! Cuz, they're not Rats but still act like Rats? Or because they get cocky and need to be brought to earth? I bet the RDC is a busy place as is the Commandant's office. In the meantime, of course, everyone has to do their studies because that is ultimately the point of being a liberal arts college. No wonder DS says "I have no time, dad, no time" Any why do the concern over bones increase? PTs and confinement are still handed out on send ups and that is not pleasant either
 
pennak said:
Must be tough to get a 5-1-5 for falling asleep when you are soooo tired you can't keep your eyes open.
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I had a Rat US history teacher whose nickname was "Etherbreath". It was torture- especially midway thru the semester when I got a "dearjohn" letter from my HS girlfriend. Before that I had kept myself more or less conscious by writing letters to her but after that trauma: well there are only so many letters you can write to your mother that will keep you awake:eek:
 
pennak said:
Thanks sprog: I remember reading about the OD and the keys. Sort of "I have to bone you if I catch you so here I come." A Very elaborate dance going on here. Everyone hates the 3ds?! Cuz, they're not Rats but still act like Rats? Or because they get cocky and need to be brought to earth? I bet the RDC is a busy place as is the Commandant's office. In the meantime, of course, everyone has to do their studies because that is ultimately the point of being a liberal arts college. No wonder DS says "I have no time, dad, no time" Any why do the concern over bones increase? PTs and confinement are still handed out on send ups and that is not pleasant either
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Rats hate Thirds because they tend to be the most "active" in enforcing the Ratline. It's new to them, was just done to them, and they are looking to pay it forward.

Seconds and Firsts hate Thirds for the same reason. Too overzealous and the feeling that they are probably too immature.

When Thirds have their class meetings, their hays will be thrown into the courtyard to the glee of Seconds and Firsts (who are happy that they aren't Thirds anymore). The Rats get a workout from the Thirds because of it, but they still get no respect.

The saying is that as a Rat you look forward to Breakout, as a Second to Ring Figure, and as a First to graduation. Thirds....look forward to no longer eating sh#t. :shake:

Honestly, though, being a Third is 900 times better than being a Rat. Some say that the academics are tougher as a Third. Maybe, but I liked that I was getting more into my major and didn't have to deal with the Ratline crap. My grades improved a lot as a Third (and they continued to go up in the last 2 years).


I know we have gone way off topic, but this is a good discussion.
 
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RahVaMil2009 said:
Here's the double-edged sword of a dyke mission:
  1. The rat is typically too afraid of the dyke to say "no";
  2. The upperclassmen are typically too afraid of the dyke to respond too strongly.
Rat missions typically involve some kind of disrespect to upperclassmen, but as soon as they realize it's a dyke mission--especially the Thirds--there's really not too much they can do other than find a reason to make the rats do pushups or work them out at the next sweat party. They could send the rat up to the RDC, but they know that if they GC the rat, the dyke will find a reason (or two, or three, or four....) to send the upperclassman up to the GC in return.

The dyke needs to make sure their rats experience the Ratline to its fullest (ie, making sure they do lots of pushups!), but they also protect the rats from being treated unfairly. This sounds like an inherently self-contradictory statement, but it makes sense as long as the dyke doesn't take it too far.

I didn't make my rat do too many dyke missions, but I did tell her First Sergeant (who was like a little brother to me) when her aunts took her out to lunch and Wal-Mart and she came back with Barbie cereal. :thumb: She didn't understand it at the time, but now it's one of her favorite Ratline stories.

And now it's her turn to make sure the rat-ties have a Ratline, while protecting them from injustice. I saw pics on Facebook of one of her rats (my grandrats!) getting ready to strain back to her room wearing a Spongebob mask. Of course that's considered being out of uniform, which is an upperclass privilege... but none of the Seconds or Thirds would dare send her up to the GC for it.

Kind of like how nobody dared send us up for being improperly dressed when my dyke made us strain back up to our rooms wearing birthday hats to celebrate her birthday by doing lots of pushups. :cool:
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RVM; Thanks for the explanation! What an interesting, unique, complex world that VMI creates and maintains. There is small wonder that it creates such tight bonds among those who go there. The wonder is that this generation of kids -- who, as a group, have a well deserved reputation for entitlement -- actually volunteer to go through it. Maybe there is hope for this generation after all.
 
sprog said:
I know we have gone way off topic, but this is a good discussion.
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I agree - this is a really good discussion, and very informative for those of us parents. But you know, in a way, it is still on-topic, because for the OP and the rest of us, it helps to explain the VMI cadet and rat experience, so we can understand why they might feel down or overwhelmed at times. And when they rise to the challenge, as most do, they will have learned a lot. You know that cliche: what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

Hearing from you alumni is the best!
 
bruno said:
I had a Rat US history teacher whose nickname was "Etherbreath". It was torture- especially midway thru the semester when I got a "dearjohn" letter from my HS girlfriend. Before that I had kept myself more or less conscious by writing letters to her but after that trauma: well there are only so many letters you can write to your mother that will keep you awake:eek:
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Jeez, that sounds painful. When DS and I were touring the Naval Academy (he got a Senatoral nom, but not an appt), I noticed that quite a few Mids were heads down, sound asleep IN CLASS -- and the instructor didn't even seem to notice. I marveled at it. I can't imagine what happens at VMI if you fall asleep in class. The instructor has the power to "bone," right? My DS says that he is constantly exhausted. The urge to sleep must be overwhelming at times.
 
My DS told me a story of a Dyke Mission he was sent on....I couldn't follow entirely via email but will get the full scoop during Parents Weekend. Something about snatching a Batman figurine from a 3rds room to bring to the Dyke. I think the figurine played a part in some pushes that a BR had to do and the 3rd kept it. Anywho, the mission had 2-3 Rats sneaking to the room to get the figurine but they got walked in on, sounds like mass chaos with Cadets on the stoops watching and cheering, the Rats running around, something about tying someone up in bed clothes, wearing others helmets, the Dykes getting involved :shake: All over a Batman figurine.
I guess the Dyke helped him with the new parade uniform and told my DS that he is the 'normal' one among his Rat barrack mates...makes my DS not want to let down his Dyke and leave.
He still have highs and lows---some of the stories I hear he sounds 'okay' and then boom, he is down in the mouth again.
 
easter2 said:
My DS told me a story of a Dyke Mission he was sent on....I couldn't follow entirely via email but will get the full scoop during Parents Weekend. Something about snatching a Batman figurine from a 3rds room to bring to the Dyke. I think the figurine played a part in some pushes that a BR had to do and the 3rd kept it. Anywho, the mission had 2-3 Rats sneaking to the room to get the figurine but they got walked in on, sounds like mass chaos with Cadets on the stoops watching and cheering, the Rats running around, something about tying someone up in bed clothes, wearing others helmets, the Dykes getting involved :shake: All over a Batman figurine.
I guess the Dyke helped him with the new parade uniform and told my DS that he is the 'normal' one among his Rat barrack mates...makes my DS not want to let down his Dyke and leave.
He still have highs and lows---some of the stories I hear he sounds 'okay' and then boom, he is down in the mouth again.
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Sounds like normal at vmi. These kids, especially the Rats, are stressed. But that is as it is supposed to be. My DS is really looking forward to parents weekend. Btw the weekend schedule and a copy of the permit is on line at vmi.edu. My DS wants to pick him after classes and go directly to the hotel room to sleep until dinner
 
Looking forward to Parents Weekend too...husband and daughter are coming too and have not seen VMI or Lexington so should be a treat...as soon as DS is done on Friday and Saturday he is exciting to be out
 
easter2 said:
Looking forward to Parents Weekend too...husband and daughter are coming too and have not seen VMI or Lexington so should be a treat...as soon as DS is done on Friday and Saturday he is exciting to be out
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DH and DS will find Lexington to be delightful the leaves will be changing there will be crispness in the air and their Rat will be so so happy to see you!!
 
DS has a weekly "Rat Mission"... He is to take his dykes cookie jar to Crozet I think and fill it with cookies ..He must Run the entire time while singing or humming the theme song to Mission Impossible. The upper class man see him coming and they yell "Go Rat Go!!" The cafeteria lady just watches in astonishment as he clears the tray.:yllol:
 
bjkuds said:
DS has a weekly "Rat Mission"... He is to take his dykes cookie jar to Crozet I think and fill it with cookies ..He must Run the entire time while singing or humming the theme song to Mission Impossible. The upper class man see him coming and they yell "Go Rat Go!!" The cafeteria lady just watches in astonishment as he clears the tray.:yllol:
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Geez, at least that probably won't get him sent up to the RDC. My DS had a rat mission to walk up to a particular First and yell an obsence sentence, do an about face and march back to the table. Nice,huh...
 
pennak said:
Geez, at least that probably won't get him sent up to the RDC. My DS had a rat mission to walk up to a particular First and yell an obsence sentence, do an about face and march back to the table. Nice,huh...
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That would be awful... At least my DS has fun with his. It's not like the "lunch lady" can send him up. DS told me that they have discretion with the Rat Missions..everyone knows what is going on so it's not a big deal.
 
bjkuds said:
That would be awful... At least my DS has fun with his. It's not like the "lunch lady" can send him up. DS told me that they have discretion with the Rat Missions..everyone knows what is going on so it's not a big deal.
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I like the idea of a cookie raid. That at least is inventive and useful. Hope your DS got some of the cookies..
 
pennak said:
I like the idea of a cookie raid. That at least is inventive and useful. Hope your DS got some of the cookies..
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I am sure he did...DS totally respects his Dyke. He is very fortunate to have one that has helped him find his way. His Dyke also has very clear boundaries as to what is allowed and expected for chores etc. DS put it this way, I simply do the few things I am asked to and he totally has my back and keeps me out of trouble (most of the time). I don't think the great cookie caper is the only thing he has done but I can't imagine his Dyke putting him in a position that would seriously put him in jeopardy.
I am really looking forward to Parents weekend. DS asked that we buy things on his wish list prior to arriving because in his opinion a trip to Walmart takes away time he could spend sprawled out on our bed. Anyone have any thoughts as to how far we have to go for food without waiting forever? (dare to dream) We are staying in Raphine which is probably still too close to the chaos. Wasn't sure how far north the crowds usually extend in the restaurants for Parents weekend.
 
bjkuds said:
I am sure he did...DS totally respects his Dyke. He is very fortunate to have one that has helped him find his way. His Dyke also has very clear boundaries as to what is allowed and expected for chores etc. DS put it this way, I simply do the few things I am asked to and he totally has my back and keeps me out of trouble (most of the time). I don't think the great cookie caper is the only thing he has done but I can't imagine his Dyke putting him in a position that would seriously put him in jeopardy.
I am really looking forward to Parents weekend. DS asked that we buy things on his wish list prior to arriving because in his opinion a trip to Walmart takes away time he could spend sprawled out on our bed. Anyone have any thoughts as to how far we have to go for food without waiting forever? (dare to dream) We are staying in Raphine which is probably still too close to the chaos. Wasn't sure how far north the crowds usually extend in the restaurants for Parents weekend.
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Sounds like your DS lucked out with dyke. Good for him. Bruno has suggested places in strauton 30 miles away north on 81 depending on what DS wants to I may go there on sat
 
So far all my DS asked for is to go to Burger King....we are in Raphine also, which is where we stayed when doing the overnight visit last fall. Charlottesville is actually not too bad, easy drive, lots of choices and certainly do-able (at least for Saturday)..I figure they want to eat, talk and relax. DS's sister is coming with us and he told her to bring the video game/console so looks like I will be the one napping and they will be playing video games :) .....
 
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