<p>I have been reading some books and especially after DDO, there was some talk on some of these forums of basics being “singled out.” What does this mean, exactly? Is it ALWAYS a bad thing? Can it be good? What are the general consequences of being “singled out?” </p>
<p>In some of the, mostly fiction, books I have read, being singled out means either the cadre are incompetent, irrational, etc. or that the cadet being singled out is considered to be “not worthy.” Now, most of these books were about USMA so the standards may be considerably different there.</p>
<p>Any thoughts about this? Is “singling out” S.O.P. at USAFA?</p>
<p>As a father of a current Cadre, I feel the need to jump in. Singling out happens when a Basic fails to perform to the expectations and standards put before him. So, disrespect of cadre or other inappropriate acts result in the Basic being pulled asside and reprimanded and possibly sent to the squadran leaders table with others who are being similarly disciplined. As the Baiscs move through the system there may be less singling out and more recognition for standing out in a positive way. But at this point, cadre are focusing on who is not acting appropriately and probably taking note of those who are standing out positively. The latter group will in fact receive kudos at some point but compliments are few and far between at this stage. Don't assume that cadre are incompetent or irrational. There may be some of that but very competent and rational cadre will appear not to be so to some Basics who have no idea what to expect or what is needed to shape leaders and create discipline. I think those of us who are parents and other non-military will always have a hard time fully comprehending this. Would love to hear views of 2010's and 2011"s on this. They can probably articulate this a lot better than me.</p>
<p>You're on the ball, AFDAD. We singled out kids only for very gross misconduct type things, such as blatant disrespect towards cadre. Most of the time, even at the beginning, punishments and things like that are given to the entire group, even if the perpetrator was only one individual. </p>
<p>Again, like I said in a post a few days ago here:</p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/air-force-academy-colorado-springs/533922-first-letters-home-4.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/air-force-academy-colorado-springs/533922-first-letters-home-4.html</a></p>
<p>...don't base anything on what you see in basic- because it is a highly unique training environment. Everything has a reason, and it's not always plain or evident. That is one of the things we had to straighten out in a few of the basics- they thought they knew better than us, or questioned our methods just days into being in the military.</p>
<p>I want to add to this topic as a parent two years into the experience. From listening to many cadets and parents, etc., often times without realizing it, Basics will feed info to the parents that can be exaggerated. There is a whole new ballgame here with emotions experiencing a completely unknown situation and the whole "freaking out" scenario. It is to be expected. There are always circumstances that warrant complete attention and are not exaggerations but we have to be sure we can bite our tongue and balance all this out. It is not easy - I know. </p>
<p>Then, we as parents get frustrated and feel completely helpless because we can't rescue our kids. We have always been able to do that in the past, haven't we. It is very hard to let go.</p>
<p>I have complete faith in the upper class members as a whole. There are always exceptions here as well, just as in non-military circumstances. But, our kids will learn how NOT to lead, and how NOT to act from the worst. They will have the opportunity to learn from the good and the bad.</p>
<p>Fencersmom nothing happens in a vacuum. I assume you are reading books like Absolutely American. They are very instructive and can give a veiw into what your sons are goig through. Basic is run on the same principles, but each service and experience varies in activities. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, OTS and each academy all have programs that have the same purpose with slightly different activities.</p>
<p>Basic Training is designed to shape individuals to become cohesive members of a group. When a cadet is "singled out" it is almost never without reason (positive and negative). The Cadre have all been selected to do what they are doing, and trained intensively. They are constantly observed by the Officers and NCO's assigned to basic training. </p>
<p>You will hear stories about the Training Staff tables and other things, but they are all done with purpose and observed closely.</p>
<p>Here's my very short input:</p>
<p>Trust myself and my cadre. We have been there and we know what we are doing. ;)</p>
<p>Singling out someone is very effective for pointing out errors and creating a "wake up call." Basic is extreme. It is for a very good reason. The military needs to clearly and definitively set a new level of expectations for all members. We create this break between civilian and military life by basic training. Some people need to be pointed out. They would slip by in the ambiguity of the group, otherwise. It is the difference between saying "all you people, stop that" and "Basic Jones, get in step!"</p>
<p>Thanks HG, it's always nice to hear (read) a voice of reason in these forums.</p>
<p>Singling out will also happen in the AD world. As an example when your DS gets into his 1st operational assignment he is treated similiar to a basic...no respect and the pogey as squadron snacko (G Forbid you screw that up your life will be miserable) They are also not allowed to have a coffee mug or beer mug with their call sign, instead until they are officially named by the squadron they drink from mugs that say FNG!</p>
<p>It is not a bad thing, b/c the entire cadre will learn from the mistake, it actually will bond them together, and both of these results is exactly what the AF wants them to learn. Also if they don't learn from their mistake & continue to be singled out they will start questioning whether this is the right fit for them.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who responded. And, Absolutely American was one of the books I had read, along with several others. Of course, I also considered the fact that some cadets would FEEL singled out, even if it would turn out to be untrue. </p>
<p>When one reads the fiction, and even some of the books which claim to be non-fiction, one must always take into account the p.o.v. of the author, too.</p>
<p>BTW - Absolutely American is Non-Fiction. all of it. The author lived at West Point for 4 years writing the book.</p>
<p>The above is a very interesting and informative discussion - thanks to all.</p>