This is an extension of yesterday’s article and is geared for cadets.
“It Doesn’t Say We Can’t” Is Not a Rule
One of the most common statements heard in cadet drill discussions is:
“It doesn’t say we can’t do it.”
While that reasoning may sound logical, it is often doctrinally incorrect, depending on which service a cadet program is aligned with. Understanding how regulations are meant to be read is just as important as knowing what they say.
Two Ways Regulations Are Interpreted
U.S. military services do not all treat silence in regulations the same way. Cadet programs inherit the interpretive model of their parent service.
Prescriptive Doctrine
“If it is not stated, it is not authorized.”
This model applies to cadet programs aligned with:
- Army
- Air Force
- Space Force
- Marine Corps
In these programs:
- Regulations are written to define what is authorized
- Silence does not grant permission
- New equipment, positions, or techniques must be explicitly described or clearly implied
If a regulation does not cover an item or practice, the correct response is not to improvise, but to default to what is clearly authorized.
Permissive Doctrine
“If it is not prohibited, it may be allowed.”
This model applies to cadet programs aligned with:
- Navy
- Coast Guard
In these programs:
- Regulations define boundaries rather than every acceptable option
- Command discretion plays a larger role
- Variations may be permitted if they do not violate tradition, dignity, or safety
Importantly, this permissive logic does not transfer to prescriptive-service cadet units.
Why This Matters: The Flag Spreader Example
A frequent source of debate is the use of flag spreaders.
Some cadets argue:
- “The Army removed the rule that said they weren’t authorized”
- “The manual doesn’t say we can’t use them”
- “Other services allow them”
For prescriptive-service cadet programs, this reasoning is flawed.
Removing a prohibition does not mean something is now authorized. Authorization requires affirmative inclusion, not silence.
By contrast, a Navy- or Coast Guard–aligned cadet unit may reasonably conclude that flag spreaders are permissible if not restricted and approved by command.
The same silence leads to different conclusions because the authority models are different.
The Marine Corps Clarification
Although administratively part of the Department of the Navy, the Marine Corps follows a prescriptive doctrinal model for drill and ceremonies.
For Marine Corps–aligned cadet programs:
- Silence does not equal permission
- Equipment and practices must be doctrinally supported
- Navy precedent does not establish Marine Corps authority
This distinction is often misunderstood and is a frequent source of incorrect justifications.
What Cadets and Instructors Should Do
Cadet programs should:
- Follow the authority model of their sponsoring service
- Avoid importing practices from other services without authorization
- Reject “it doesn’t say we can’t” reasoning in prescriptive systems
- Teach cadets how to read regulations, not just memorize movements
Understanding doctrinal reasoning builds credibility, consistency, and professionalism—far beyond a single drill move or piece of equipment.
Bottom Line
Silence in regulation does not have a universal meaning. Cadet programs must interpret doctrine through the lens of their parent service. When that lens is wrong, standards erode—even when intentions are good.