<p>Jake's Mom</p>
<p>Doesn't appear to be in Flight B either by today's postings on AOG. Here is my email address if you want to communicate further== <a href="mailto:crossetj@bellsouth.net">crossetj@bellsouth.net</a></p>
<p>H-Mom, I called the AOG office and they were happy to provide me with son's Squadron and Flight info.</p>
<p>THanks for the info, I will try that!!!</p>
<p>H-Mom,</p>
<p>I was just going to suggest that you call AOG, but Momof3boyz beat me to it! Good luck and that is great news that you've found photos! Will you be going out for Acceptance?</p>
<p>For me, it is a double-edged sword finding photos of my son. The majority of the time I am thrilled, but this last batch he looked exhausted and it broke my heart. I did get two more letters from him today though and he sounds good, so overall I'm happy and hanging on. ;)</p>
<p>jm</p>
<p>Uncynical --</p>
<p>Could you give me the significance (or lack thereof) of my son being named "element leader" of his group? What are the duties, etc.? Thanks, in advance, for your input.</p>
<p>jm</p>
<p>The title of "element leader" is reserved for (or has been in previous years) the first senior (or junior during the school year) in their chain of command. However, last year, due to cadre shortages, every "element leader" had two elements of basics, so the person was sometimes referred to as a "section leader." If this was true again this year, perhaps they do refer to the delegated basic as an element leader instead (although I personally think that's strange). The title of this particular basic tends to change from year to year, but essentially, he/she serves as a representative for their element. </p>
<p>There are no specific duties this person has, as it varies depending on their cadre members. However, the general job they have is to make sure their classmates are doing what they're supposed to be doing. They also pass on certain bits of information to their classmates that their cadre tell them. If their classmates mess up, they usually get called into question also. To be chosen for that job means the cadre think your son has the potential to be a leader among his classmates. It's a pretty thankless job, but it's his first taste of any sort of leadership position there. </p>
<p>Just be aware that although some cadre want to keep the same person as this rep through all of BCT, it is more common to "fire and hire" several. This is not done because any of the basics mess up severely (although they may be led to think otherwise) but instead to give several kids the opportunity to see what it is like. Also, for basics who don't get chosen for this position, don't think there's anything wrong with them or their leadership position because 99% of the time there's not. ;)</p>
<p>During the school year, there is a similar position, called "class rep." It's more demanding (as a four degree) and while it varies by squadron, this person is the go-between for their classmates and training staff. It's not always a pleasant job, but it definitely keeps the cadet busy!</p>
<p>I got a letter from Hornetguy today. He's handling BCT well and is in good spirits. His flight seems to be having a good time, and his cadre seem pretty relaxed. I'm just not sure if it should be quite as "fun" as he's explaining, but he does have a good attitude and motivation about the experience.</p>
<p>One thing to note is that the basics get to see two sets of cadre (one during 1st and one during 2nd BCT), and if the first ones are a easy-going, 2nd BCT could be a bit of a rude wakeup. We'll see, though. ;)</p>
<p>Just thought I'd give an update from the letter I received from my "honorary child" (as he signed his letter). :)</p>
<p>My son ended his last letter with " I miss my little bubble from home. And you guys too!" I plan on putting a bottle of bubbles in his first package.</p>
<p>UnCynical,</p>
<p>Thank you for the clarification. What will the basics be doing between now and the march to Jack's Valley on Friday? Weapons training? More PT?</p>
<p>jm</p>
<p>I'm not exactly sure. Back when I went through it, we marched right at the beginning od 2nd BCT (right after Doolie Day Out). Last year I worked 1st BCT (and didn't work it the year before as I was CST cadre), so that wasn't really my domain. I can say there will be more PT, but that's the only definite. If I get more info I'll post it.</p>
<p>It was actually fun! My cadre were only relaxed at the end. And for good reason! They beat us down the first week, then we did amazing after that. So, they could let us be and had no reason to train us. yes, 2nd BCT cadre is a rude awakening, but if my FLT keeps up the strong work, then we can show then our power too! We were complimented for awesome motivation and teamwork when they beat us hard last night. Should be a good set again.</p>
<p>When I was going off to basic, i never thought I was the type to write home or even care about getting letters from home frequently. I was wrong. I hope you guys are writing to your basics frequently. Getting mail is one of the the small and rare joys that can make your day in basic; right up there with finding a pack of skittles in your MRE. I was always disappointed if I didn't have a letter on the days we would check our mail. A few days can feel like a month in basic, so write at least twice per week even if you have nothing to say. Also, they don't get much news so you might include some articles. Then again, they do have t-shirts to fold, so they might not care if world war three is about to start in the middle east...</p>
<p>As for what the basics have been doing since 2nd BCT started, prior to marching to Jack's Valley today, it's pretty much been an extension of 1st BCT (as I figured). I talked to someone who is 2nd BCT cadre, and he said it was more briefings, more PT, and "getting to know their new cadre," of course.</p>