This message is for all adults involved in cadet programs. It’s time to take a hard look at ourselves and confront some uncomfortable truths.
I know there are incredibly dedicated adult servant leaders in every youth program. I interact with them almost daily, answering questions and providing guidance to those who strive to be the best for their units.
However, I also hear from frustrated cadets who seek advice on dealing with the ultra-arrogant adults who insist on doing things “their way.”
The Basis
Drill and Ceremonies (D&C) is our foundation. Everything is built on it in the military and cadet programs are no different. Accepting this fact is crucial for everyone. Refusal to acknowledge this or to merely assume D&C should be relegated to history and that precision in this area is unimportant is to fail those you work with. Precision in D&C is not just about following orders; it instills essential qualities for effective training and overall success for the individual with an impact on the entire program.
When we lack accuracy in D&C, the affects are felt everywhere else, and the program suffers considerably because discipline is not there.
D&C creates a structure of standards and expectations essential for anyone wearing the service’s uniform. This is mandatory for military service and a fundamental requirement for all cadet programs. Please see my white paper that I turned into a series of six articles, Understanding the Types Purpose and Benefits of Military Drill, for a complete explanation.
- Training Methods: I am emphasizing the importance of D&C as the foundation of cadet programs. Some may argue that a more flexible and adaptive approach to training could be more effective in addressing the diverse needs and learning styles of cadets. Allow me to quash that insipid argument right here. Teaching D&C can take longer for some cadets and that is just fine, but D&C is taught one way with patience and understanding of cadet needs.
The Problem – The “Cadet-Run” Program
While I support cadets taking on as much responsibility as possible, I cannot condone cadets running training situations into the ground due to a lack of proper guidance. From the start, cadets are taught incorrectly because knowledgeable adults are not involved. They are subjected to wrong commands, made-up commands, and improper execution. When they return to their units, there is often no one to correct these issues.
Cadets come to me with poorly taught training that I have to fix. Every training cycle I spend time correcting mistakes in my course and in battalion/Wing formation when I could be teaching new material. A culture shift is necessary, even if it is unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
- The Value of Cadet-Run Programs: Cadet-run programs are essential for developing leadership skills and independence among cadets. Allowing cadets to take on responsibilities, even if they make mistakes, can be a valuable learning experience. The involvement of knowledgeable adults should be balanced to avoid stifling cadet initiative and growth.
The Problem – Adults
“I’m here for all the cadets.” This self-serving statement, delivered with a sense of superiority, was frustrating. It was told to me by an adult who retired from the Navy, implying that I am selfish and only care about myself and what I can get out of my time spent training cadets. These tired accusations have been thrown at me for years by those who dislike what I do or how I do it.
Why do these attacks take place? There’s a saying from WWII bomber pilots: “You take the most flak directly over the target.” That target is the woeful training cadets have been receiving for the last 30+ years.
My methods, honed over decades of learning and teaching D&C, are not always appreciated by everyone. While dissenting opinions are irrelevant, there are times when those individuals hold significant influence over cadet training, often imposing restrictive measures. This leads to less effective training sessions, as they prioritize their version of “training” over proper instruction.
- Consensus and Collaboration: I am criticizing the bureaucratic processes and the need for consensus. One could argue that collaboration and consensus-building are crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Ensuring that all voices are heard and considered can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions and I am all for that – in meetings, not in the field.
- Subject matter experts: Let the subject matter experts do their job. Scuba certified people teach scuba and drone teachers teach drone tactics. These are a given. The scuba instructor cannot walk around an evening colors formation and correct an individual or formation on their improper use of their equipment. That would only happen in class. However, the D&C instructor can and should make those spot corrections in and outside of class because every aspect of the training day is built around drill and ceremonies: formations, morning and evening colors, and marching to classes..
- Communication is necessary: Adults need to ensure they are communicating at evening meetings. Lack of communication causes problems that no one needs.
The Solution
People are either part of the problem or part of the solution. You see me as part of the problem because I refuse to play the game of seeking consensus on every detail. That is bureaucracy, and no one has time for that.
Few understand D&C like I do, yet I am restricted by bureaucratic processes that waste time.
- Corrections need to be made quickly, on the spot, not after forming committees to ensure everyone’s feelings are considered.
- Initial training for cadet programs needs to be revitalized with knowledgeable adults overseeing cadets in training positions as they teach cadets new to the program how to stand at Attention, execute facing movements, and march.
I need to be very clear. I am not the solution. I am part of it, but I am in no way suggesting that only I have the answers. In fact, the answer has always been right in front of us, appropriate and accurate training at Basic Training, Boot Camp, and the similar initial training for cadet programs. Let’s get back to that.