They don't have to square their corners while walking, they can walk to and from places on sidewalks like normal folk instead of marching on the road in groups, don't have to square up while eating, don't have to brace up, and most importantly, they have access to social media.
Haha, "busing" to class used to mean a little more. We had to run if we weren't in a bus. You can imagine how old that would get when you had to go from one end of campus to the other, in a uniform, in leathers, with a briefcase. It was the shortcut to ruining an inspection-ready uniform. We had to run (double-time) everywhere on campus and Chase Hall (except the Quarter Deck). Nothing like going from 32 degree winter to 80 degree Chase Hall, decked out in winter dress and a bridge coat.
I agree that it's the little things you suddenly appreciate.... like looking at your food, walking in the halls, etc.
We had partial carry on as a 4/c. First we got wardroom carryon, so we could look at our food. I don't think we could really talk to classmates yet. Then we got the full carryon, I think on graduation, but maybe shortly before... so we could walk and talk in the pways and walk to class.
There wasn't really social media around, so for us it was AOL Instant Messager (AIM). At least that's what I think it was.... but that may have been somethnig the class after us got.
It's amazing how quickly you forget about things.
Of course, as we got carry on, we got the talks "no screwing around in the pways or it could be taken away" and "no hanging out with 3/c just before it seems you're the same now."
Carry on is the first taste of being "normal" again. When you come back 3/c year, the place won't seem so bad.