<p>Oops almost forgot - duckphreak thanks for joining the group and for all the great info you have added. I just want to know why you are posting at 4:12 am? Getting ready for BCT 2 cadre hours? We do really appreciate all that the cadre do - hard as it is - for our kids. Just try to get some sleep - yes this is a mom speaking <vbg>.</vbg></p>
<p>I know it has been stated before and on other threads, but CC, Webguy, AOG, etc. have been a lifeline for me and have helped make this transition bearable. God Bless You All.</p>
<p>For my class ALL our Flight cadre were in our ac year squadrons. Many, at least, at the squad level for us were from other "equivalent" basic squad (Ie my 2nd BCT squad comm was from squad 2 which would be tied to aggressors, but he was comm for barbarians, the dir of operations was from 4, athletic officer from 2, etc etc.)</p>
<p>In the Webguy video "Basics Marching Away" dated 7/10, one cadet is in front of the others. What is his position?</p>
<p>He/she is most likely the guidon bearer. The cadre will usually pick one of the basics, preferrably someone with stronger arms and shoulders, to carry the squadron guidon, which is a small flag that identifies which squadron the basics are from. </p>
<p>It has to be held a certain way that tires the arms and shoulders, and the guidon bearer has to know how to march in a special spot in front of the rest of the flight or squadron. They also have to know how to present the guidon in a pass and review at noon meal formation or in a parade.</p>
<p>In basic the guidon bearer for the flight is a basic cadet, but during the academic year, it is a sophomore who is the squadron guidon bearer. After Recognition, one or two freshmen will learn how to perform the duty (usually the same one or two from basic) so they can take over the next year.</p>
<p>There is also a minor position called "element chief" which means that a basic marches at the front of one of the four columns (this explains why a lot of times there is someone very short at the front even though the rest are sized from tall to short). Each flight is split into 4 elements of about 6-8 basics. The position doesn't usually mean much, but it could contain leadership opportunity if the cadre decided to run feedback and training through the element chief. Some basic flights don't even appoint the position, since it's not really necessary with the small amount of basics per flight.</p>
<p>Some flights also appoint a "flight chief" which usually is an important position, as it is a sort of "class leader." The flight chief could theoretically be called in to meet with the cadre once every few days or so to give feedback and ask how the morale is, etc. This is a sort of "practice" for the "class representative" position during the academic year, which is similar and carries much more responsibility and importance.</p>
<p>Hopefully I didn't overwhelm anyone with all the info. :)</p>
<p>As usual, your wonderful informative answer answers some questions and opens even more. I will hold off on any more questions for now until I process this. Thanks so much.</p>