I'm a Cow at USMA, AMA (Ask Me Anything)

But actually though, just bring the right mindset. Beast is not hard, just annoying. I'm sure TPIAD could tell you better than I that beast is for developing the upperclassmen's leadership more so than new cadet development.
 
mei1763508 said:
If you had to do Beast again and could only take one thing, what would it be?
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I would bring some chewing gum or sunflower seeds. I don' t really remember wishing I had stuff over Beast, you don't need much and what you do need they give to you. Maybe bring nicer socks and better undergarments because the issued ones are pretty bad.
 
How hard is it to go to Airborne school vs. air assault school? Is class rank taken into account for the selection? This training happens after plebe year correct?
 
Spartan25 said:
How hard is it to go to Airborne school vs. air assault school? Is class rank taken into account for the selection? This training happens after plebe year correct?
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MIADs can happen after any class year, but typically after plebe year. I think the issue with airborne is scheduling it between the academic year and CFT since it is pretty long. It's not that hard, plenty of people get, talk to your TACs and CoC plebe year and tell them you're really interested in airborne. Ultimately, your TAC can adjust your summer schedule. If you're on good terms with him/her then it shouldn't be hard at all.
 
scoutpilot said:
Seems like you've really learned a good set of leadership values there. Excellent answer.
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You're right, I learned how to frame what is and isn't important in the grand scheme. Doing pushups for having bubblegum in CBT? Not a big deal. If that was the most USMA had to deal with in terms of disciplinary issues it would be a modern miracle.
 
TPIAD said:
You're right, I learned how to frame what is and isn't important in the grand scheme. Doing pushups for having bubblegum in CBT? Not a big deal. If that was the most USMA had to deal with in terms of disciplinary issues it would be a modern miracle.
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It's sad that that's what you think that is. Do they not teach false equivalency in philosophy anymore?

In reality, what you're saying is to ignore standards because it's convenient and comfortable. What you might say, as a leader, is that you're advising someone to defy an order in order to do something that simply doesn't matter. No one dies from not chewing gum, and it doesn't make anyone a better soldier or cadet...yet it's worth abrogating your responsibility as a military professional over? Makes me wonder what else you think is worth compromising yourself for.

Or maybe you're just trying to be the cool kid. Either way, as the kids these days say....you do you.
 
scoutpilot said:
It's sad that that's what you think that is. Do they not teach false equivalency in philosophy anymore?

In reality, what you're saying is to ignore standards because it's convenient and comfortable. What you might say, as a leader, is that you're advising someone to defy an order in order to do something that simply doesn't matter. No one dies from not chewing gum, and it doesn't make anyone a better soldier or cadet...yet it's worth abrogating your responsibility as a military professional over? Makes me wonder what else you think is worth compromising yourself for.

Or maybe you're just trying to be the cool kid. Either way, as the kids these days say....you do you.
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I don't think that it is a fair statement to make. In the original post I said I didn't know if it was against the rules, and if it is it's such a minor infraction that the punishment would be moot. To go from my statement, "I mean, what's the worse that happens if they catch you? You spit it out, maybe do some pushups," to, "you're advising someone to defy an order in order to do something that simply doesn't matter," is a huge leap. I didn't advise defying orders, just that if it is forbidden it's a spot fix that would have zero ramifications. In my follow up statement, I said, "Doing pushups for having bubblegum in CBT? Not a big deal". Again, not advising anyone to defy orders, just saying that getting in trouble for gum is a small, small issue. This whole conversation stems from the fact that I have no idea if it is or isn't allowed. The only advice I did give is that if it is against the rules and you get caught, you'll get punished but it wouldn't be a big deal.

To say that I'm 'abrogating my responsibility as a military professional' over this is a stretch, and to go from there to questioning my integrity, I mean really?
Do you think that the only good military professionals adhere by the rules 24/7? That the best leaders never acted on their own discretion?
 
TPIAD said:
I don't think that it is a fair statement to make. In the original post I said I didn't know if it was against the rules, and if it is it's such a minor infraction that the punishment would be moot. To go from my statement, "I mean, what's the worse that happens if they catch you? You spit it out, maybe do some pushups," to, "you're advising someone to defy an order in order to do something that simply doesn't matter," is a huge leap.
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If you truly don't know, then a much better answer from a leadership perspective is to say "I'm not sure, just do whatever you chain of command allows." Your answer was essentially "I don't know, but do it. What's the worst that could happen?"

To say that I'm 'abrogating my responsibility as a military professional' over this is a stretch, and to go from there to questioning my integrity, I mean really?
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This is the type of thing that young leaders always stumble over, and it always starts the same way: "It's not a big deal!" What people don't realize is that the willingness to pick and choose what rules matter and what rules don't isn't just an issue for an individual. That attitude spreads to your subordinates. It's pervasive once it's unleashed. When you see a fat soldier or someone who looks like a ragbag, you can bet that they're in a unit with a leader who makes excuses and draws arbitrary lines for convenience. The danger for you is in thinking that answers like this and your integrity are unrelated.

Do you think that the only good military professionals adhere by the rules 24/7? That the best leaders never acted on their own discretion?
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I don't know, I've not spent much time around the military in my life.
 
Ok, on a totally unrelated and relatively unimportant note: I have an incoming cadet and the list for things to bring says you can bring additional underwear or white socks with no logos. I've heard that for the underwear as long as it doesn't show when they're in uniform it's ok. For the socks it's really really hard to find socks without some kind of logo on them, any suggestions?
 
USMA_ljm said:
Ok, on a totally unrelated and relatively unimportant note: I have an incoming cadet and the list for things to bring says you can bring additional underwear or white socks with no logos. I've heard that for the underwear as long as it doesn't show when they're in uniform it's ok. For the socks it's really really hard to find socks without some kind of logo on them, any suggestions?
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Current plebe here. I found some And1 basketball socks at my local Walmart. The logo was only above my toes so no logo was shown. Also, the material was kind of thick and soft so it lowered the chances of blisters forming. If you cannot find any at Walmart, I suggest looking online. Some kids were able to find Nike socks without logos around the ankles.
 
mei1763508 said:
Are we allowed gum and such?
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Do not bring chewing gum. Food is taken away. Enjoy your last couple of days before reporting for R-Day. As civic29 said, go in with the mindset. During Beast, you will see kids who will try to make themselves look good. For example, pass off knowledge faster than his/her squadmates, or always be at the front of a run. Be willing to help others out. If you see someone struggling with knowledge, ask your squad leader permission to help a squadmate memorize (what a lot of kids did in my squad) or encourage your squadmates when you see them struggle physically. Beast was not hard. It was very boring and routine. Here is some more advice... A year ago, I was so eager to graduate from high school. High school was a marathon for me because I graduated from a competitive, private school. I ended up burnt out by senior year. Unfortunately, West Point is another, harder marathon. Before you show up to R-Day, refresh your mind. Come in motivated/determined to finish this marathon strong.

FOR EVERYONE WHO READS THIS:
I suggest bringing mosquito/bug repellent. Every time we were in the field, I was swarmed by mosquitoes and millipedes. Millipedes were notorious for leaving purple rashes on kids' arms. If you are prone to mosquito bites, bring Afterbite to stop some of the itching.
 
USMA1010 said:
FOR EVERYONE WHO READS THIS:
I suggest bringing mosquito/bug repellent. Every time we were in the field, I was swarmed by mosquitoes and millipedes. Millipedes were notorious for leaving purple rashes on kids' arms. If you are prone to mosquito bites, bring Afterbite to stop some of the itching.
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For bugs a camping trick we use is to stuff Bounce dryer sheets (unused) into pockets and boots. Most bugs hate it and keep away. Added bonus is you smell great :)
 
USMA_ljm said:
Ok, on a totally unrelated and relatively unimportant note: I have an incoming cadet and the list for things to bring says you can bring additional underwear or white socks with no logos. I've heard that for the underwear as long as it doesn't show when they're in uniform it's ok. For the socks it's really really hard to find socks without some kind of logo on them, any suggestions?
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Hanes or Fruit of the Loom at Walmart/Target are good quality white socks. The logo can be on the ball of the foot, just not on the leg/calf part. The socks will likely get trashed during CBT, plus they are issued socks during Beast. Extra pairs will ensure wet/sweaty socks can be changed more often to lessen the chances of blisters and other foot problems (which may happen anyway).
 
ca2midwestmom said:
Hanes or Fruit of the Loom at Walmart/Target are good quality white socks. The logo can be on the ball of the foot, just not on the leg/calf part. The socks will likely get trashed during CBT, plus they are issued socks during Beast. Extra pairs will ensure wet/sweaty socks can be changed more often to lessen the chances of blisters and other foot problems (which may happen anyway).
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Ok, one more thing. Can the foot part of the sock have gray or gold, many have this at the heel and toe?
 
Yes, as long as it doesn't show with shoes on. Bought my DS Gold Toe brand black socks because he has big feet & is hard to shop for.
 
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