Ranking

[America's Finest]

It is not advisable for a cadet to "pull rank" however.

If a cadet tried that he would not survive.

Have you heard of a cadet trying to pull rank? That is rather silly of him/her to do.

 

[LineInTheSand]

If a cadet tried that he would not survive.

Have you heard of a cadet trying to pull rank? That is rather silly of him/her to do.

They would live, but it would not be an easy summer for them. And yes, I have heard of cadets and midshipmen pulling rank.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

America's Finest, sorry I don't have anything salacious for you -

During Beast you may be taught by soldier's from the 10th Mtn Division when you go out to Buckner. they will teach you basic soldiering skills, rappeling, land navigation etc.
You may find one or more of them call you "Sir", it they can't see your name.
It will probably feel weird and it's no big deal.

 

[America's Finest]

They would live, but it would not be an easy summer for them. And yes, I have heard of cadets and midshipmen pulling rank.

I know, I was exaggerating a bit.

Thanks anyways JAM. Those officer customs are all weird at first. My Senior Army Instructor told me he was dumbfounded the first time a whole room went to attention when he walked in as a second lieutenant.

 

[LineInTheSand]

That's true. Many soldiers already know what's expected of them when working with cadets. "Mr. or Sir" are part of that. It will feel very weird at first, but as you give them respect, they will return it. As weird as it may feel for you to have this happen, it will not be weird for your enlisted soldiers, so that can make you feel a little better.

 

[WAMom68]

Really? I find that interesting, can you share a story or something? I always thought enlisted would see cadets as not real soldiers yet.

I can give you an amusing story about this. During Buckner the cadets go down to Ft. Knox to learn about tanks. Last summer my son was checking out a tank and he heard an enlisted soldier saying "sir....sir....sir...SIR!!!!" My son turns to look for the officer this soldier is yelling at and realizes he is yelling at him. He said the guy looked at him like he was stupid. My son said it was strange to be called sir just a few weeks after being a plebe. He didn't feel he had earned the right to be called "sir" yet.

The enlisted soldiers have to call the cadets sir/maam but I doubt they see them as real officers. Any cadet that tries to pull rank on one of these soldiers is an idiot.

 

[Maximus]

As a member of the Corps - When he arrives on R-Day he will be a "New Cadet".
On A-Day he will be "promoted" to Plebe or "Cadet Private".

His official US Army Rank will be that of "Cadet". Officially he will be on Active Duty in the US Army with the rank of Cadet. His first duty station is The United States Military Academy at West Point. All Cadets retain the rank of "Cadet" until they graduate and are commissioned.

Two separate chains of command and two separate ranking structures. One for the Corps of Cadets and one for the US Army.

And, as this has been discussed here before, their first duty station, West Point, does not count for retirement pay.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

Maximus - right. it doesn't count for some other things either (credit toward GI bill) but nevertheless it is the first duty station.

America's Finest - no worries. They certainly won't think you are a toy soldier. They know you are a soldier who is training.
Each class of New Cadets is quite diverse in their experience and knowledge. Some will come from prior service with loads of experience, some will come with extensive camping, hunting and outdoors experience and some will come from the city with no experience in shooting or camping.
Some will sail through with ease and some will fumble their way through. It seems each year there are always a few cadets (mostly male) who lose their rifles.
The soldiers may think you are bumbling fools but keep your chin up and have a good attitude.

My sister-in-law trained both ROTC cadets at Ft Lewis (LDAC) and USMA cadets during Beast for many years. She mostly taught them how to shoot. As a First Sgt in the Army she has some pretty good stories - but I have never heard her refer to Cadets as anything less than a "real" soldier". I also have never heard of a New Cadet attempting to "pull rank" during beast. The idea of it is pretty far out there on many levels.
The last few weeks of beast are hard physically but most Cadets whom I have met actually have a pretty good time. You learn a lot and the chance to learn from experienced soldiers (mostly combat veterans) is educational and rewarding.

 

[LineInTheSand]

That's interesting because not only have I heard stories of cadets (yes even West Point ones) pulling rank, I've also heard the term "Ca-didiot" used.


Point is however, the soldiers that you will train with understand you are in a training environment, know very little about the Army and are there to learn from them. If you come with a great attitude and the understanding that these soldiers are the experts at what they do, you will have no problems. I agree though, you should have a good time. Know what the lines are, what kind of behavior is appropriate for the different "groups" you will be working with, etc. It's all about learning. You don't have to worry about "leading" these soldiers yet, but with the lessons you learn during these periods, you should be ready in the future.

 

[WAMom68]

That's interesting because not only have I heard stories of cadets (yes even West Point ones) pulling rank, I've also heard the term "Ca-didiot" used.

There are always some idiots in any group of people.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

LITS -
I would love to here stories of New Cadets "pulling rank" on soldiers from the 10th Mtn Division during Beast! Do share, they must be hilarious!

Know what the lines are, what kind of behavior is appropriate for the different "groups" you will be working with, etc. It's all about learning. You don't have to worry about "leading" these soldiers yet, but with the lessons you learn during these periods, you should be ready in the future.

The cadre and soldiers at West Point do an excellent job of briefing New Cadets on this. This will all happen during the first half of beast.
New Cadets - don't be worried or intimidated before you get to R-Day - you will be fully prepared. Just don't lose your rifle!

 

[LineInTheSand]

No no, not during Beast, at least, I don't think. Other summers. The stories aren't very specific, but I would assume they never went on during Beast.