<p>P.S. Apologies if the tone of this post came across as angry. I think we'd all like to put this behind us.</p>
<p>A couple points,</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Much of the problem here is miscommunication. I have seen many instances where the intent/magnitude of a rule has not been properly communicated. This often leads to what is deemed an overreaction. Other times, the specifics and/or reasoning behind policies are not distributed beyond the decision-makers. This also leads to a multitude of problems and resentment. Unfortunately, this is not something with a simple solution. I doubt anyone would have messed with the model if it had been made clear exactly how serious this was. Rumor has it, the individual "most" responsible will lose their position, get 6mo of conduct probation, and a 50/50/y. Based on the level of information put out beforehand, I never would have guessed CW was that stressed about it...which is why many cadets think this was a total overreaction. On the other hand, many on wing and group staff feel the punishment is generally appropriate. I'm guessing this is because they had more information on the importance of the issue.</p></li>
<li><p>Group punishment must be used extremely carefully, as it usually carries severe unintended consequences. I'm not sure how the PTB/wing see this...again, a communication gap exists/is expanding, IMO.</p></li>
<li><p>The move toward holding superiors responsible for any misstep by their subordinates started before this semester. I noticed this occuring more and more last year. It probably started before that. Unfortunately, the policies I have heard discussed leave little room for considering circumstances. Many proposals would punish superiors 4 and 5 rungs up the chain of command, whether or not the superiors had any direct influence or had previously tried to correct/prevent the action. Accountability is a good thing, but it must be instituted in a focused and fair manner...things I feel many of these plans lack.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I think this is far too much information to be divulging on the forums. I have grave disagreements with you, mainly because I think you've been fed incorrect information or just haven't been given information, as is the case for most. If you want to hear all the facts as we've been told and I've been able to get from the AFCW/CV and other senior leadership, I'd be more than happy to fill you in.</p>
<p>
They aren't going to ban everything, just destructive activity. That message is a direct contradiction to the policy sent down. So which is it?
</p>
<p>For a limited period, everything is off since the guidance given couldn't be followed. They'll come back as things get back under control. Again, wouldn't have been an issue had destructive spirit missions not been done. Paint was UNauthorized.</p>
<p>I'm sure that lack of communication has contributed to all this. If you could forward the relevant info to myself and the others on this forum, I'd greatly appreciate it. We could then correct what fallacies we hear and quench the rumors from the ground up, which would be a logical first step in dispelling some of the tension in the Wing right now.</p>
<p>I'll work on a long write out to send out, please let me know (cadets only) who wants it. I got raimius and PETKO on the list.</p>
<p>Hornet is right a lot is being said here that probably shouldn't. I know my first concern last night was for a couple of personal friends. One that I thought might be involved, and another that has been impacted directly. You are all beleive it or not the leaders that will make a difference in this. Healing the wounds and moving forward. Learn from it and make it better.</p>
<p>"You are all believe it or not the leaders that will make a difference in this."</p>
<p>From an outsider's point of view ds is absolutely right. The Wing is designed to be a leadership lab, it's not meant to be perfect. These ups and downs are molding you into the leaders that you'll become without realizing it.</p>
<p>Things I have learned along the way...1. you can't over communicate, getting everyone on the same page as you, even at the squad level, is tough, and...2. even a servant or advocacy leadership style doesn't spare you periodic disappointment, sometimes bitter disappointment, when those who you advocate for fail. This real world experience is something your peers at civilian colleges will not get until they graduate, but your parents are living everyday.</p>
<p>My squad consists of about a hundred employees charged with providing specialized care to over 2 million people. In the end, all "operational failures" eg. access, outcomes, budget, and personnel are mine. I alone answer to the executive VP or CEO.</p>
<p>My read of this forum gives me optimism, as the evolution of future leaders is clearly evident on these pages. I know it's tough living in the forest but the trees look pretty good from here.</p>
<p>wow. that was a lot of info i missed out on not having internet the past couple days.</p>
<p>just some quick things that jumped out at me:</p>
<p>1) rumors are rumors, and they mean nothing unless proven true</p>
<p>2) numerous people were arrested this week at Navy, and spirit missions were basically banned the entire week (hence why you saw nothing from us zoomies over here right now)</p>
<p>3) that 3 dig, whether he sent it directly to the vice wing king or not, was way out of line. i was amazed when i read that e-mail and heard reactions of how proud people were of him. i was ashamed someone at USAFA would respond in that disrespectful tone, again regardless of whether it was sent directly to him or not</p>
<p>Now, I ask these questions as an outsider, so hopefully they aren't stupid or really obvious. </p>
<p>1) How common do situations like these happen at the Academy? I know its multi-layered, but it really (to me at least) seems like it started as fun but with the right ingredients this could turn into a class power struggle. An example was that this was a "testbed" of leadership. I think that makes a lot of sense. So does that testbed go through choppy waters frequently?</p>
<p>2) Is this really a strong enough issue to truly "divide" classes. I guess what I'm asking is, is this a hot-button issue that this is more than just "something to talk about" to where people are getting strongly opinionated?</p>
<p>3) Now, this answer could really depend on where things go from here. But what does this mean for the future? Would they really crack down on spirit missions in the long run to try and prevent things like moving the F-35? Or do you think this will blow over and everything will return to where it was?</p>
<p>Well everything as far as spirit missions has returned to normal. We have the all clear to conduct spirit missions, they just have to be approved. I will think that the CW will be less forgiving then last time though.</p>
<p>All of 18 is restricted until Thanksgiving, and C3C X almost got kicked out, but for the most part, things have blown over. Prog was definitely the main focus today (how'd that go for everybody?).</p>
<p>I got a 3.5! but that is also with missing 1 week because of surgery, and still not having my brain connected until about a week ago. I'm still on vicodin, so my head isn't completely where it should be! but, hey, i'll take it!</p>
<p>i got a 3.46.. much higher than expected! but my goal is to somehow pull a 3.5 by the end of the semester</p>
<p>3.2, I was surprised.</p>
<p>I think the more important question is air force or navy. The aspects of the academies (like campus, etc) should not be a deciding factor. Each academy is temporary, you are really joining a branch of service. Therefore your decision should reflect which one you think you most fit into or would like to work in (class of 2012 by the way at USAFA).</p>