Has anyone run into spotlight rangers?

CPT Kyle Schembechler — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 14:17:41 -0400

As I get ready to go to LDAC on the 27th I keep hearing my friends tell me about all the spotlight rangers and good idea fairies they are stuck with. These are the people who always try to, sometimes even with the best intentions, step on their leaders toes and blue falcon their peers in order to gain the attention of the TACs. Personally, these kind of people REALLY grind my gears and I was wondering if anyone had any funny stories about instances or individuals like these.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 2:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 14:41:42 -0400

Regardless of where you go, there will always be the "look at me" personnel. The best thing to do is just to ignore the. If you are a supervisor or senior to them then you can take them aside and mentor them on their behavior. Sometimes it takes a kick in their 4th point of contact for someone to get it.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 17 at 2014 4:45 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 16:45:18 -0400

Don't sweat it. If you can see them for what they are, rest assured that leadership will as well. Yours is but one class, and the majority of your instructors have seen these types over and over, cycle after cycle. Just do your part, and do it to the best of your ability.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Jun 17 at 2014 4:58 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 16:58:33 -0400

From my experience in attending LDAC and many other military schools, the people who are attempting to get the attention of the TACs feel that their performance is not up to par or needs to be specially evaluated. You are there to complete your training and come back to your senior year of ROTC as prepared to commission and graduate.

Concentrate on yourself and concentrate on accomplishing your tasks. If someone calls out your mistakes, take that as an opportunity to learn and remember that the TACs will likely see that for the Blue Falconing it is, which generally hurts those trying to throw you under the bus more than it would hurt you.

Just do the best job you can and come back to your last year of college and have fun with it.

Have you figured out what you want to branch? Active or reserve? Etc?

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 17 at 2014 5:21 PM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 17:21:33 -0400

Yes from time to time !

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 9:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 21:28:09 -0400

Every unit I have been in had one.

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Aug 3 at 2016 3:33 AM

COL Lee Flemming — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 03:33:07 -0400

It and they happen. The only thing that you can control over your long or even short career is your own discipline in dealing with them. Funny story, yep countless -- for another time though!