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Do we want these officers in the Army? (Reference to West Point cadets injuring each other in weaponized pillow fights)
At the annual pillow fight at West Point, some of the cadets loaded pillow cases (helmets?!). Several injuries, including concussions, cheek bone fractures, etc.
My reaction to the story was that I don't want officers in my Army who clearly don't live up to the values we embody. What do you think?
The story: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/05/us/west-point-pillow-fight/
At the annual pillow fight at West Point, some of the cadets loaded pillow cases (helmets?!). Several injuries, including concussions, cheek bone fractures, etc.
My reaction to the story was that I don't want officers in my Army who clearly don't live up to the values we embody. What do you think?
The story: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/05/us/west-point-pillow-fight/
Posted in these groups: 
West Point
West Point
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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You would be surprised what goes on at West Point, this is pretty mild compared to some of the other things that happen. It is a college and they are college kids.
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CW2 (Join to see)
You're probably right CSM (Join to see). I suppose the only reason I'm aware of this is because it's on the news. I guess Army Values is something taught after graduation.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
CW2 (Join to see) - Army Values are taught (and expected to be lived by) at West Point.
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This did get out of hand and I challenge you, CW2 (Join to see), to think about this situation in another perspective.....this was a case of hazing the lower classmen by the upper classmen - the lesson these cadets learned will be brought with them into the Reserve and Active Components and will make them better leaders, better prepared to recognize hazing and stand up for what is right. As CSM (Join to see) stated, they are college kids. While this was not what we wanted to see, it was and is an opportunity for them to grow....and become better leaders.
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CW2 (Join to see)
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
Huh! Great perspective. I did not think of it that way. Hazing was rampant when I was a Scout (years ago, before it became a focus). I didn't recognize it as such back then, but looking back, it becomes pretty clear.
Thanks for that input. I enjoy it when my perception is expanded.
Huh! Great perspective. I did not think of it that way. Hazing was rampant when I was a Scout (years ago, before it became a focus). I didn't recognize it as such back then, but looking back, it becomes pretty clear.
Thanks for that input. I enjoy it when my perception is expanded.
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I see some good discussion. personally I have a couple of concerns. 1. Cadets were not engaging an enemy, they were engaging their fellow cadets. 2. have the ones who caused injury accepted their wrong or are they trying to hide? 3. What is the response of others who knew? I am thinking about the honor code here.
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Sgt Jim H.
Capt (Join to see) I mirror your concerns and add these: Were all those actively involved in the "pillow fighting" willing participants or were they coerced/ ordered to participate by upperclassmen. Will any legal action be pursued against anyone or will it be chalked up to typical college shenanigans by typical college kids. (I actually expect a lot more from these "kids".) As already posted in another thread, "Where does a cadet's rank fall among active duty Soldiers?" these Cadets actually outrank a Sergeant Major (just for thought on that one.)
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Capt (Join to see)
If anyone was ordered then the person issuing the order deserves instant dismissal.
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