<p>This is the "dress rehearsal" for R-Day. Cadet Candidates for the class of 2011 are not allowed, but parents, siblings rising high school juniors and sophomores, and interested bystanders may enjoy the chance to see what happens for a part of R-Day. The good thing is: no haircuts and no pushups.</p>
<p>Anyone going to be here?</p>
<p>I did this a few years back. It was an amazing experience for me, someone who never was and never will be a cadet. I knew much about R-Day from reading and from my cadet's experience, but having the opportunity to go through it, albeit briefly, was a great eye-opener. Even as an adult, I felt my heart pounding as I was next in line to face the dreaded Cadet in the Red Sash. The fact that he was 30 years younger than me did nothing to diminish my anxiety as I hoped my salute would be adequate and that I would not bumble my way through my reporting statement. </p>
<p>Though our morning did not include half the stressors that the real New Cadets would be facing (no shots, no enormous green bag growing heavier and heavier, no hair cut and no pushups), we did learn facing movements, marching, and reporting, and were subject to some rattling in-your-face "corrections". It was also interesting to see the brand new sergeants (who were just cynical yearlings a few months before) developing a whole new level of leadership skills. Mistakes were made, some humorous, and adjustments, I'm sure, were made in time for the real New Cadets to step into our places a few days later.</p>
<p>If you have the chance, do it!</p>
<p>Okay, I'll get back to studying my 4 answers now. Sure hope I don't make a fool of myself. If I do, I know one cadet who will be very ready to haze her poor old mom. :o</p>