<p>
Maybe a late May or early June recognition would get their attention and change some of that "attitude".. sounds like that might be the way to go... ;)</p>
<p>
Hockeydude14, you don't seem to get it. You succeed or fail TOGETHER as a class...</p>
<p>Yes I agree about the lack of discipline in the class of 2011. However, there is a large number of us out there that do our best in the regiment. I don't appreciate the minority of plebes that are bringing down the rest of us and making the upperclassmen think our entire class is disrespectful. Yes there may be those "jocks" that think they're better than the regiment and that they do not have to abide by the rules. However, I have heard from numerous upperclassmen that our class, as a whole, has been the same as other classes in the past. I have even heard a few seniors say our class is doing fairly well compared with other classes. I'm not saying that Recognition should be anytime in February or anything, I just don't feel it is right to have a May or June recognition. This would be a slap in the face to those of us that have been trying all along.</p>
<p>Well then, exert some 'influence' over those who are OUT of line.
This is an opportunity for leadership within the class (although it is limited, due to being at peer-level). I'd suggest it is an opportunity for 2011 to develop the cohesion it will need for the remainder of its time. Best of luck to them all. (I've heard the stories of why they were 'disheartened', but the milestones for advancing shouldn't be tied to that calendar.</p>
<p>There are some really great kids in 2011. And I don't mind that there are some 'rough edges' that need work.. I just wish they weren't so dang proud of how hard they can hang on to those edges. :) </p>
<p>Also, I was wondering what 'benefits' there are if they get recognized before the end of 2nd trimester? It was mentioned earlier... Or is it just easier to study without the 'wailing and gnashing of teeth"?</p>
<p>As the trimester draws to a close there will be the inevitable failures and "setbacks." If last year was any indication, second trimester is worse than the first. If you are a Plebe when you are setback you will still be a Plebe when you return. However, once a class is recognized all of it's members are Midshipmen in the Regiment. It will be easier to come back knowing that there will be no more squaring of corners and evening Tatoos.</p>
<p>Hockeydude, I understand your frustration but, as was said previously, you succeed or fail as a group. If a few classmates are bringing every else down , then it is up to you to use whatever peer pressure you can to bring the non-compliant plebes into line. Do not expect the upperclassmen to do it for you. They have classes to attend, studying to do and duties of their own.
This Academy only gets harder and believe it or not many of them are struggling too. The fact is many of them don't care if this class is ever recognized and are content to shrug their shoulders and watch while the actions (or inaction) of a few impact the rest of the class. The concept of many suffering for the failures of a few is as old as military training itself.
The point here is that everyone must learn to put the needs of the group ahead of their own personal concerns. This is what is expected of an Officer in the U.S. Military. It is time for the class of 2011 to pull together and solve what problems they may have as a group.</p>
<p>LOL guys, I seem to remember hearing that all the plebe classes are slackers.....from the class of 58 and before to the class of 2011 and I think that tradition will continue. It's a right of passage that all must go through, some classes may be better than others, but overall, it's the job of the upperclass to frown upon those below them...Remember, no class could ever be as good as your own :D</p>
<p>Ragin says the class of 2009 is the worst he's ever seen. :D</p>
<p>Suzannegra - TOUCHE!!!! ;)</p>
<p>Sorry in advance that my questions are so basic.</p>
<p>What's PKT? Plebe Knowledge Test, or something else? If the plebes have to complete 10 of 'em to be recognized, does that mean that a really savvy class could be plebes no more with a month or more to go in the ac year? Is recognition when they earn 3/c rights (other than insignia)?</p>
<p>Those are good questions... Here's the bits that I DO know.
1) PKT = Plebe Knowledge Test (correct)
2) 'Could a really savy class..." I suppose so, although getting 300+ kids to cooperate is the real test (and probably the purpose of these types of challanges).
3) Recognition earns them the rights to be 4/c. ( I don't think they have to square and run next to the sidewalk, etc). </p>
<hr>
<p>Secret questions to Plebe Test #1.
Regimenent: "STOP. Who would cross the PKT of Death(#1) must answer me these questions three, ere they earn the rights of a 4/c !
1) What... is your name?
2) What... is your quest?
3) What... is your favourite colour?"
<sweet!. they="" all="" answer="" correctly!="" piece="" of="" cake=""></sweet!.></p>
<p>Secret questions to Plebe Test #2.
Regimenent: "STOP. Who would cross the PKT of Death(#2) must answer me these questions three, ere they earn the rights of a 4/c !
1) What... is the capital of Assyria?
2) What is the volume of a solid bounded by f(x)=ln(x), and g(x)=e**x, in the range 0..1, assuming both f(x) and g(x) functions are continuous?
3) What is the airspeed of an unladen swallow?
<aieeeeee. plebes="" are="" hurled="" into="" the="" gorge="" of="" eternal="" peril=""> Apologies to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" :)</aieeeeee.></p>
<p>What do you mean, an African or European Swallow?</p>
<p>Zonker you forgot about the shrubbery they have to bring to the PKT's :) My son found that the hardest...squaring while carrying a shrubbery</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Pass ten PKTs with a 90% collective average. Each PKT is to consist of 10 questions from the appropriate section of the Bearing’s Book.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must honor and pay tribute to the 142 to the RC/RTO/RTOA’s approval.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must honor the victims of 9/11 to the RC/RTO/RTOA’s approval.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must spend three Saturdays performing three community service projects approved by the RTOA – this need not be done all on one Saturday. (ie. Henry Viscardi School, Soup Kitchens, Cleaning Great Neck Train Station)</p></li>
<li><p>The class must march a drill card to the RTO/RDCO/RTOA’s approval. Each company will compete against the rest.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must pay tribute to the armed services by singing each service’s hymn at lunch from memory.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must shine the War Memorial Bell and Reg Row Binnacle to the RTOA’s approval.</p></li>
<li><p>Each company will paint a merchant marine related mural approved by the RTO/RTOA.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must give five presentations on historical leaders with focus on each leadership style (RTO/RTOA to give first presentation as example).</p></li>
<li><p>The class must present a historical story of the seven cadets who earned the Merchant Marine’s Distinguished Service Medal.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must obtain a letter from the Superintendent stating that the plebe class has performed well and are deserving of recognition.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must draw the 1/c ring on Barney Square the Thursday night before Ring Dance.</p></li>
<li><p>Attend five Leadership Reaction Courses as designed by the RTO/RTOA to instill critical thinking, teamwork, and character development.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must pass three surprise, objective uniform inspections with a class average of 90%. The purpose of this is to create in the class a habit
of always maintaining a clean and professional uniform.</p></li>
<li><p>Each company must hold 10 debates, during tattoos, on current events/legislation, to encourage critical thinking and discussion.</p></li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><p>Spirit missions are to be done with the RTO/RTOA’s knowledge and explicit approval (in writing) and 85% of the class is to participate.</p></li>
<li><p>The following are items that the class must complete their plebe year but do not count as recognition steps:
o Design class shirt
o Design class ring
o The class must support all athletic teams and have each team captain sign off when they are satisfied with the class’s performance. All home events against USCGA must be attended.
o The class must return to their school and take part in the visitation program or work in Admissions by Christmas Break.
As you can see there is a lot more to being recognized than simply passing 10 PKTs. The cooperation and approval of the first class is essential. without their help it will not happen.
2012Mom to answer your question. Yes a saavy group who come together and accomplish all that they must can be recognized very early.
The class of 2010 was recognized on Febuary 12th. After that they become full members of the Regiment and most of the privleges of a midshipman are
conferred upon them. No more squaring corners, No more evening tatoos
and they can have a more casual relationships with upperclassmen.
My S said it was amazing to check "Facebook" and see all the new friends added to the 4th class pages after recognition.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>"Zonker you forgot about the shrubbery they have to bring to the PKT's My son found that the hardest...squaring while carrying a shrubbery"</p>
<p>Silly Suzannegra... That was SO last year, this year's plebe class must carry, a HERRING! ;)</p>
<p>Thanks! I am really impressed with the list provided by KPM. Those are great ways to carry on the knowledge, traditions and history of the service, and to instill class and community spirit. I salute you!</p>