How Were Vietnam Veterans Treated When They Returned Home, Articles W

How dare enlisted swine preside over a command position? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The fully-funded four-year education stands out amongst top non-military universities, and is worth more than $225,000. Trump's Vacuous West Point Address and the Revolt Against It By Robin Wright June 15, 2020 President Trump has enraged the U.S. militaryfrom top to bottom. My first platoon leader was OCS, my other two were USMA. of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service . Your comment reeks of arrogance. Share mutual respect and work together is the name of the game. I request you review 600-20again. Indeed, a cadet assigned as a visitor to a regular unit on active duty would not be under disciplinary sanctions by his training command and institution if s/he were under sanctions the cadet would be disqualified from visiting. Read the regs CAREFULLY people, when you want to use them to make a point. This article reminded me of something that raised a question for me after I received my commission and that had to do with LTs saluting each other. Scott welcomes story ideas and feedback on his articles, and can be reached at, ts summertime, and for many cadets in the Armys ROTC programs and at West Point, that means . Something I wish I knew 50 years ago. It broke my heart when I found out that officers can not be snipers. This group helped liberate a huge swath of Syria. I have to admit that when he asked what I needed I probably got a little pleasure by responding: a cup of coffee. I was surprised at the gate when I was saluted by the gate personnel. You have to be a 1lt promotable to go as an officer. Seth Bodnar is the chief digital officer of GE Transportation. Superior to a mere cunning, lazy enlisted man. Medical issues can hold up the selection process for 1. Those choosing a civilian career have attained great success in different professionsas doctors, CEOs of major companies, and engineers - the possibilities are endless. The Cadet wr had wrote all of us NCOs that trained him, some. If you are a senior in high school, in college, or already in the Army, apply as soon as possible. Congressman or have a service-connected nomination, You must have competitive scores on either college entrance exam (ACT or SAT). which makes it pretty clear that West Point cadets do, in fact, outrank Army NCOs. I had another LT in one of the other shops stop me almost with tears in his eyes that I had just salutes 2 other 1LTs on the way into the building and while laughing explained me to that LTs did not salute each other. Your email address will not be published. However, images of U.S. Green Berets on horseback wearing pakols and various combinations of uniforms and shalwar kameez in late 2001 brought the issue back into public view. the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard), the commissioned corps Why hasn't a single one of you been taught that humility, respect and honor flows both ways but in different fashions? Its not so much AR, but UCMJ. Then we'd mow the guy down with an M4. So this cadet would already be embedded with the staff or command team or shadowing the Platoon Leader, and would most likely have some, albeit limited prior service. March 4th. Army command policy is clear the definition of terms. Does the cadet need to be regularly assigned to a Cadet billet? The Army isnt some pay your dues ol boys club anymore. Or a sergeant major for that matter. It should be. So when would a cadet actually be in charge? One of these ignorant academy types was my battalion XO at Fort Ord. The discussion shifts to Cold War Europe, and he addresses both the Cuban Missile Crisis and the later shift to Dtente. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders and as such know who and where you are able to receive the BEST mentorship and hands on experience. Hell, we even had SGMs who wouldnt butter bars and 1LTs, unless you earned it by being high speed and they knew it. Are we really saying an NCO could not do that? I was further saluted by all enlisted personnel I encountered on base. Somehow, the memo of shifting demographics of new Soldiers within the Infantry never reached West Point so there's a huge disconnect in reality. Officers, commissioned warrant officers, midshipmen, cadets, candidates are all affordedofficer status. . Wanneer u onze sites en apps gebruikt, gebruiken we, gebruikers authenticeren, veiligheidsmaatregelen toepassen en spam en misbruik voorkomen, en, gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content weergeven op basis van interesseprofielen, de effectiviteit meten van gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content, en, onze producten en services ontwikkelen en verbeteren. This information was not covered or taught. Classes and field activities at West Point hold Cadets to the highest standards. So let me get this straight a probably well connect cadet who memorize info given to them as well as staying nice and tidy, as yet to graduate or earn a degree yet some how thinks that they are officers. As corny as this will sound, the feelings related in the film An Officer and a Gentleman at the end were pretty accurate. indicating superior social status. A CSM outranks a SPC, but you never see the latter salute the former. Army-Navy Uniforms 2022: 1st Armored Division 2021: Special Forces Command 2020: 25th Infantry Division 2019: 1st Cavalry Division 2018: 1st Infantry Division 2017: 10th Mountain Division 2016: 82nd Airborne Division Go Army! I just wished the device had been turned on when he was messing with the ground strap. One of the biggest reasons to pursue Officership through USMA at West Point is free tuition, including an annual stipend of more than $10,000. They've shown great patience, respected my process, and I am grateful for these SFCs, MSGs, and SGMs. Shiver me timbers he pooped on the deck. 18A Special Forces officer is NOT a selection for branches on graduating from West Point. Tired of all the "barracks lawyers" looking for some sort of designated, assigned, or "official" trappings of respect; absent the need to EARN that respect. Tom has spent time working at various levels of local government as an intern for both the 27th legislative district in Arizona as well as the office of Arizona governor Doug Ducey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Major Sam Wilkins is an active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces officer. Until then, do not worry about your future assignments. Training emphasized task organization, mission analysis and planning, property accountability, negotiation skills, emotional intelligence, small unit tactics proficiency, advisor skills, navigating. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. CTLT happens in all kinds of units, both in the US and OCONUS. Milley Speaks at West Point GraduationWEST POINT, NY, UNITED STATES05.21.2022Defense Flash News - May 2022https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgt2lndbOCnZHPMh. It is not necessary to rescind the announcement designating an acting commander to assume duties of the commander during the temporary absence of the regularly assigned commander if the announcement gives the time element involved. Even the 3 week crawls into the hide. I practice it for all things because that was my mom golden rule from childhood to yesterday (dementia stole her from me). Then, when you are a senior 1st Lt apply for the part of the Special Operations community you want (Rangers, Special Forces, Delta etc). Am forwarding this to my son. How would a cadet be regularly assigned? Interesting because WO1s are appointed by SecDef on behalf of the CinC. It was advanced pay so to speak. You're right, Sergeant, a West Point cadet DOES . Sorry- from a legal perspective there is a lot not discussed. If you're not an Infantry Officer then to us you're an NPC because you lack skills and experience. We get people whose ideals are from left field and seem to think the Army is their play ground. 4 I once had a young cadet who was walking with his girlfriend , loudly address me saying , you do not salute Officers ? How does one get involved with special forces after West Point? Everybody read it. They are everywhere and plugged into everything. Yet, still burdened with the unsocial characteristic of the enlisted class. You earn everything in the Army. Tom Katsenes is currently a junior at the United States Military Academy at West Point, majoring in American politics. I have heard the saying "Stop being an arrogant officer?" Only W1's, lacking a commission, are excepted from Art. Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. And yet, the UCMJ does hold all commissioned officers, including CW2-CW5, accountable for their behavior, as they are subject to Article 133, Conduct Unbecoming and Officer and Gentlemen. 2-8. Because according to the Army, they outrank me, sir.. The NCO referred me to AR 600-20, Army Command Policy, which makes it pretty clear that West Point cadets do, in fact, outrank Army NCOs. How does one get involved with special forces after West Point? Allow them to lead you too! We are all us. I was one of Cohens blue to gold mustangs in the 90s. Within the cadet corps there was a rank structure and cadets saluted other cadets with rank above theirs. In 2003 we never went slower than 55, usually 60 MPH and we never lost anyone. I can't speak for the Air Force, but the Navy certainly does. In this case he/she is regularly assigned, potentially in an E3, E4, E5, or what have you spot. Thread Special Forces. Even if that enlisted man is the Sgt Maj of the Army. Arborry Hill Road Company, LLC Copyright 2006-2023, Service Academy Forums is a registered trademark of Arborry Hill Road Company, LLC. Cadets are never saluted. Short answer: no, you can't enter immediately. It sits along the historic Hudson River in New York state. When I was an O-3, I regularly saluted SGM's first depending on who saw whom first and the nature of the encounter. Treat the Cadets with respect. | Est. USMA at West Point creates the leaders of tomorrow through world-class leadership skills training; physical, ethical, and moral development, and top-tier science, engineering, and math education. Abigail earned a master of arts in international relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS, concentrating in strategic studies and international economics, and a bachelor of arts, majoring in geology, anthropology, and archaeology, from Washington and Lee University. A very interesting thread. Each job is as important as the rest. Transition from civilian life to military life with Basic Training, Introduction to Warfighting, and academic courses including English, math, military science, and more. Airborne to jump master to Ranger then a tour. Commit to service as an Army Officer after graduation. All Army personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled to the salute. In addition to working with allied Special Forces units, he paints . The cadet would still have to be "Regularly Assigned". He holds a master of public policy degree from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. of Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04. And you'll have to deal with the reality that there are better men out there and you may be in over your head but don't blame others for your shortcomings. The Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) is one of the requirements for admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Scotts writing focuses largely on veterans issues, but he is also a big proponent of Constitutional rights and has a deep interest in politics. Paras 2-9 and 2-10, AR 600-20 further reinforce Scott Faiths important points here. One might argue that a cadet who is SMP, simultaneous membership program, would be regularly assigned. 133. However, if you leave USMA before your junior year, you dont have a service commitment. This is more or less the Armys summer intern program, where young future officers get hands-on experience as a kind of third lieutenant, under the tutelage of a commissioned officer for three or four weeks. *This post originally appeard The Havok Journal*, U.S. Army photo by: Mike Strasser/ USMA Public Affairs, Scott Faithis a veteran of a half-dozen combat deployments and has served in several different Special Operations units over the course of his Army career. Nobody reads your comments past the first four lines. Cadets were not entitled to receive salutes from enlisted personnel. They always forgot to take the safety bail/pin out of the RPG fuze and the round would just bounce off our Bradleys, lol. And get to know your PBO very well! Sam served as a Special Forces Detachment Commander from 2016-2019, including deployments to Somalia and Nigeria. Through conversations, we get better LT's coming out of ROTC or NCO's newly converted to O grade.. Holds the MOH, four Silver Stars, ten combat ribbons, CIB, is airborne qualified and ex special forces. I always say Semper Fi or Airborne when I return salute. Very nice endorsements. Gold - Gold as in the Class Rings received cadet's senior year, or like the plentiful Brass found on the cadet uniform and the rank/insignia patches worn by upperclassmen designating their cadet rank and position. Warrant Officers are formally addressed as "Mister." Life 101. I think that it would be a huge step in the right direction for the ROTC BNs to send their CDTs to their gaining units with an LOI/MOU pinned to their chest (Im sure ROTC has probably published guidance along those lines, but Ive never seen it) so that those commanders will have some idea what to do with those CDTs when they get there. Nope. Most of us own our own firearms and body armor because we assume nothing but pray for the best. . Correction The lugnut comment was in reference to comment 11 from Toga, not the author. United States Military Academy, byname West Point Academy, institution of higher education for the training of commissioned officers for the United States Army. Imagine that, good ol Top didnt read the entire regulation, only the part that suited his narrativeshocked. 99.9% waiting, 0.1% trigger pulling. the leadership essentially passed off their job.. but i ythink it is good these future officers learn from those entrusted to prepare the sustenance.. instead of those that havent actually been in thr kitchen for a couple years. "(3) Senior regularly assigned Army Soldier refers (in order of priority) to officers, WOs, cadets, NCOs, specialists, or privates present for duty unless they are ineligible under paragraphs 2-15 or 2-16." They are top of the line and I always set my goals as high as I can. Mainly because I do belive the new generation of officers are a bunch of participation trophy recieving, never held accountable, privileged, idiots who can't handle that all that academy training and degree mean jack shit but to stroke their since of superiority over others. I see that USMA had a proud communist recently graduate, he might as well spit in my face and all other better warriors than myself before me. The Modern War Institute does not screen articles to fit a particular editorial agenda, nor endorse or advocate material that is published. They act only under the auspices of their supervising physician. Not only do NCO's get shit on by their LT's but sometimes the LT is getting shit on by his Company Commander. I'm an Eagle Scout and attended West Point as a recruited collegiate athlete. So as indicated by mil/regs a 17 year old snot nosed cadet is indeed an enlisted social/moral/intellectual/ and just plain all around great american hero. He describes his training techniques for a Special Forces Battalion and working with other nations, including the Greeks, French, British, and Iran in 1976. When a cadet has to leave the USAFA before graduation, he is assigned to a reserve unit with the rank of Airman 2C. 2021 Next Gen National Security Fellow. Only the pay grade the cadet holds. The best way to train cadets to be officers that their soldiers will look up to and their NCOs will respect is to treat them the way you want them to act. We are officers in training and when we get a chanve at a leadership role with the guidance of the NCOs it will ensure our success as officers. My NCOs treated me with respect while I was a midshipman, but taught me what it meant. It's hilarious when reality trumps the entitlement issues of a newly hatched fetus. He was commissioned as an infantry officer from the US Military Academy at West Point in 2008 and began Special Forces training in 2012. His research interests include irregular warfare, surrogate warfare, and insurgency. And yes the officer corps views your spouse as just a "wife.". Now by chance he.be in a billet at some hq and psperwork comes in front of him about ration counts for personnel and what the job description calls for for a 3m Senior Cook requisition.. for his order.. what its called these days) hell be sble to understand better what the job description says. (1) If a commander of an Army element, other than a commander of a headquarters and headquarters element, dies, becomes disabled, retires, is reassigned, or is temporarily absent, the senior regularly assigned Army Soldier will assume command. Thanks for your disgustingly pointless article. It is very physically and mentally challenging because its meant to help you reach your highest potential as a future Army Officer and leader. They are legally considered E-5 equivalent, and aren't Branch qualified. West Point Admissions Requirements and Deadlines. Speed is your friend in a convoy, never drive slower than the rest of the civilian traffic, that way when a bad guy is trying to catch up to your convoy, he sticks out big time and the rear vehicle can easily engage him. I felt honored to have him there. Sam is currently a Master of Arts student at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in preparation for a teaching . Scotts writing focuses largely on veterans issues, but he is also a big proponent of Constitutional rights and has a deep interest in politics. Now, based on personal experience, I cannot say I was comfortable at all with the USMA grad who came into Iraq (2004-06). Except for USNA kids. This would be wiser than placing a WP Year 1 cadet in charge of it. Appreciate your reply. I am acting PL of my platoon because we dont have a 2LT. Hey brother. You do your best, and if they see enough that they like, they may SELECT you. Now, that is a perfect resolution. Scott Faithis a veteran of a half-dozen combat deployments and has served in several different Special Operations units over the course of his Army career. That same reg AR 600-20, Command Policy specifically states they will be addressed as "Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms./Cadet" not Sir or Mam. I never saluted another LT after that as an LT. Night Light Snowshoe. 7:30 pm - 10 pm. but after I had earned my keep so to speak he spent a lot of time teaching and mentoring this Dot head and when I was commissioned he took time off from his civilian job to come to the commissioning ceremony to congratulate me. Cream only. Does anyone know why officers can't be snipers? Define "Duty", you know as opposed to "Education/Training". Also, how many years of experience is required before even being considered into SF school? Thus, I suspect a warrant officer's wife is addressed a "wifady" (wife/lady.) Youre right, Sergeant, a West Point cadet DOES outrank you. First off the reg says regularly assigned personnel, which the Cadets are not. And I declined two Bronze Stars because some senior Officer decided to dispense them for every Officer and Senior NCO in theater! Practice ought to comport with policy. Sorry, I wrote that on the go from a mobile device, and can't edit it. In the military, XO refers to a second-in-command officer, or more generally, an executive officer.The XO typically reports to the commanding officer, who also goes by the names the first lieutenant and the number one. We're also the one demographic that gives the socialist/communists nightmares because they know they can't take us head on in any manner so they go through the younger people to reach their aims. If you run a command climate where you relegate your NCOs to small picture things, you will be a small picture unit and your good NCOs will find their way out of your unit and you will be left with small picture, tunnel vision type folks such as those that you describe. I know it's possible in theory but I'm more or less wondering if anyone knows whether or not it is plausible and/or has already been done. Incorrect. Prior to his service in Special Forces, Sam served as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon Leader, including one deployment to Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Most cadets understand and respect the NCOs within their unit. Some points I wanted to make sure I hit are: -No, you don't have to call them sir/ma'am or salute them, but you absolutely should show them the respect you would like to receive. Dont take it as a sign of disrespect however. During my time in the regulars, I encountered a couple of West Point Grads who, in my opinion had amused contempt for enlisted personnel below the rank of E5. When I was a 2LT, I always took the fact that Vietnam vets 4-10 years older than I was were saluting me as an obligation to do my best to earn that salute. In fact, based on my experience there are some West Pointers out there who never learned that. Yes I already googled it. Jesus.. The invested money for the cadet wasted. If you salute a cadet, who is not a commissioned officer you would be making the entire "First Salute" ceremony asinine if cadets had been entitled to salutes the entire time. The wear of civilian clothes and non-standard uniforms by soldiers was not a new development in 2002. Mids rank between W-1 and W-2 last time I had occasion to check. So you are incorrect when you say that Cadets outrank me. However, I don't see the wisdom of placing a SNCO in command of a company ahead of a cadet. Be sure you join us as Colonel SHERMAN L. FLEEK will talk about fellow New Yorker, graduate of West Point Class of 1860, one of the boy wonders of the North, and future Superintendent of the Point--"WESLEY MERRITT." I respect ALL Personnel of the US ARMED FORCES and Civilians appointed over me. Sunday, Mar 12, 2023 | 12:00 PM Eastern. He is a member of the Army mens golf team, the Domestic Affairs Forum, and the Honor Committee. West Point graduates are highly sought after. His operational experience includes deployments to Somalia, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. (U.S. Army football) ANNAPOLIS, Md. OK, fine. Good Grunts care less for their next promotion beyond making sure our records are correct. The CFA is a test of strength, agility, speed and endurance. Cadets are still learning and everyone in the unit should help mentor them and show the value of NCOs. They're all going to be SEALS. But short of that, cadets can end up in just about anywhere. I wore the Cadet rank insignia of 2LT. Future leader in some position in our AF. I am a cadet and am military police and drill with them as well. They are a group formed in 2015 to combine other groups in eastern Syria that were fighting ISIS, including the Kurdish People's Protection Units. It would have sent enough juice thru the not yet graduate nor commissioned idiots heart to stop. We need not be concerned about the proviso of either 2-15 or 2-16 as each applies to a Soldier under certain sanctions of discipline. As that was a long time ago, my memories of the experience were that it was the best and the worst of both worlds. Sure I went through some hazing ( Sir, could you go to the motor pool and ask the motor sergeant for a left thermal heat reticle calibration tool? I was sent all over the place until I finally caught on.) Cadets saluted officers of all United States uniformed services. Always seek the minority view of any situation or story! I was wondering if I would have to make mention of the fact that until they are COMMISSIONED Officers, they will remain nothing more than a glorified E-5 NCO pay scale while in USMA. Oh please. (I was going through a few operations connected to wound recovery). Has the. This item is part of Wartime Military Memorabilia Auction. I'm not a regular progression cadet so this is a better look at the situation. While being true you must also realize there is a need for Commissioned Officers as well as Non Commissioned Officers. Somebody at USMA needs to ensure cadets are informed about their precedence in the order of ranks and teach them that while they are at AOT/CLTC, etc. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I retired ten years ago as an 11B SNCO with 26 years in service and a star on my CIB. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. THAT is the reason why the Army is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on you to be educated there. But only a complete cadidiot would get his or her cadet rank confused with an NCOs authority and influence. Cadets should know that they must earn respect. (Tribune News Service) Army West Point football players will honor the special forces soldiers who helped liberate Afghanistan from Al-Qaeda with the. Very interesting. Now it was said in good humor. Gain the Advantage With a Full-Tuition Scholarship. This gives cadets going into their final years of pre-commissioning training the opportunity to experience life in an active duty unit. Let me explain: Its summertime, and for many cadets in the Armys ROTC programs and at West Point, that means Cadet Troop Leader Training or CTLT. Military Academy - USMA Special Forces after West Point Art.Perea Feb 26, 2012 1 2 Next A Art.Perea 5-Year Member Joined Nov 21, 2011 Messages 175 Feb 26, 2012 #1 I going to join special forces, hopefully Delta, and I was wondering if West Point can put you on that path immediately after graduation. The definition is enhanced further by stating Soldiers "present for duty." Visiting West Point Alma Mater/Songs Army-Air Force Series Army-Navy Star Series presented by USAA The Patriot League Take sniping. No Salute should be required or rendered. Getting a college degree in a military environment allows the cadets to graduate as Army Officers who meet the highest mental, physical, and military standards. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. And if you think islam is a warm and fuzzy religion, you're way off! My friend confirmed that Navy Aviation Cadets rated salutes by enlisted personnel, at least they did at that time. As he worked in our platoon, we all quietly covered for him, especially when he got misoriented now and then (analog land nav isn't simple, especially when mounted) after a few months he was squared away and we taught him our secrets and he never betrayed us. The United States Military Academy (USMA), also known metonymically as West Point or simply as Army, is a United States service academy in West Point, New York.It was originally established as a fort, since it sits on strategic high ground overlooking the Hudson River with a scenic view, 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City. Seriously get over yourselves West Point you produce officers like any other university and they are no better or worse than anyone else. From the senior officer perspective we were largely ignored. Cadet you are not a cadet when in you ng or reserve unit. They're all going to be SEALs. So yes, a West Point cadet DOES outrank a sergeant. The rank of a cadet is for protocol issues alone such as where to stand in a receiving line or where to sit at a formal dinner. We want to mold a new Officer to become a great leader we can always remember but there's a limit to what we're willing to do. It made it very difficult to operate as an NCO under his command. Knights lifted their helmet to recognize they friends from enemy. I respect them all but I just wonder what makes them "Elite" as you say? Elite only in their mind.