Firstie here, I have worked multiple basic trainings and what I think of my cadets is along the lines of brotherhood and sisterhood. Sure they're full of dumb mistakes as basics, it's called having a "basic brain" to do and say the most stupid things. But we were all there at one point and it is something that we laugh about down the road. It is honestly one of the most rewarding experiences in my life to take a group of individuals and teach them a thing or two about the military, teamwork, and life. Despite the countless mistakes they make and will make, it is unexplainable how proud you are of them as they get accepted as cadets, get recognized, and become the cadets you want to see at USAFA. Although the friendship part is true, immediately after, you have to have that level of professionalism, however, that never gets in the way of caring about them and their success. I will say one thing that many glosses over, as a person who invested time into their cadets, you become one of the most defensive and caring people for those cadets. A huge papa/mama bear instinct kicks in, something that'll never change no matter how much time. I know parents think of the scary world of USAFA they enter, but when their cadre care for them, there is no need to worry because they are in the best hands they could be. One thing I overheard my cadre say that will forever be a perfect way to explain it is this funny quote, "Sure they're a bunch of idiots, but they're my idiots, and I will see them be the best they can be; better than I was to get the next in line ready to care and win".
