Are Cadets really respected as true Soldiers ?

2014-11-24T18:09:03-05:00

How many deployed or Senior soldiers really respect their Cadets out of curiosity has anyone called the Cadidiots?? Not saying I havent. Not out of disrespect but more jokingly and never to a Cadet who would find offense in it. But back to my original statement, who really respects a Cadet who's in ROTC who's never seen basic or any real military lifestyle?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 24 at 2014 6:11 PM

2014-11-24T18:11:19-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member They're on the path, but respect is earned never given.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 6:19 PM

2014-11-24T18:19:34-05:00

Well having the enlisted experience i got while going to ROTC, i understand what you mean but lets not forget one day we were all "boots" or "motards" whatever you want to call it. For the guys who have never marched in our boots, guide them...that is your job as an NCO. Guide these cadets so they make mistakes now and not later. On another note, respect and courtesy is two different things. Give them the proper courtesies and respect must be MUTUAL! If nobody gives it then nobody will recieve it...mic drop

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 7:07 PM

2014-11-24T19:07:06-05:00

A cadet is a 2LT in training. The new 2LT is seen as an inexperienced young leader who needs guidance. They're nominally in charge, but their first leadership assignment is a massive learning experience. As said, the cadet is a 2LT in training. I give them the full respect as soon-to-be officers but I also know that they often have less military experience than an E-2 Private.

Response by SSG James Doherty made Nov 24 at 2014 8:47 PM

2014-11-24T20:47:24-05:00

Cadets are not soldiers yet. Their entire contact is based upon successful completion of their training and school. If you leave the program you pay back their money but do not have to serve in the military. All that being said remember your cadet may one day be your commander, treat them well. (At least well enough they won't remember you)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 11:45 PM

2014-11-24T23:45:02-05:00

"who really respects a Cadet who's in ROTC who's never seen basic or any real military lifestyle?"

You could just as easily say "who really respects a 2LT who just a couple months ago was in ROTC who's never seen basic or any real military lifestyle? "

My point is, while some amount of respect is certainly earned, treating future officers with due respect goes a long way towards, not only establishing a good positive relationship between the student and the troops he/she will soon be working with, but also sets the tone that should be fostered by soldiers towards officers.

I don't say this lightly. I have had the pleasure of interacting with thousands of cadets as an instructor and yes, there are some boneheads, just as there are bonehead privates and bonehead NCOs. But, there are many who either by virtue of prior service or by some aspect of their social upbringing who really seem to take the leadership reigns quickly. Good leadership should be respected and nurtured while these future officers are learning the ropes.

Response by SSG John Erny made Nov 25 at 2014 11:30 AM

2014-11-25T11:30:52-05:00

If they have never been to basic training and are not prior service treat them like and E-1 They have to learn the ropes just the same as every one else

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Feb 22 at 2015 1:34 AM

2015-02-22T01:34:31-05:00

When I was a cadet doing "cadet troop leading training" in Korea, most of the soldiers called me "sir" but some called me "sir-to-be"

I took in stride and really enjoyed learning. The important thing is to be humble and come with an attitude of learning. If you don't do that, then I can see them being "cadidiots."

Cadets aren't officers yet because they haven't finished the requirements to be commissioned, but at the same time, they are soldiers.

We did similar training in our beast barracks at West Point that privates do in their boot camp. We should really look to mentor and train cadets so that they become the best officers once they get commissioned

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 1:49 AM

2015-02-22T01:49:35-05:00

Some cadets have already been in enlisted; active or reserve. Some have been deployed. However, everyone has to start somewhere. I respect anyone who wants to come in and serve. It sounds like your referring to SMP cadets in reserve units (or those on a summer leaderhip training with an active Army Unit). Those people have train in leadership with actual soldiers unit the unit. As look as they listen to to their NCOs (espcecially those who've been in combat) and practice team-building that utilizes the soldiers skills, (s)he deserves all the respect of any soldier!

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Feb 22 at 2015 1:55 AM

2015-02-22T01:55:38-05:00

I respected them as people and their desire to become leaders of the American Army. Most of the cadets I worked with were passionate about the Army and eager to learn. Asked questions and was receptive to mentorship.
I didn't respect them as true Soldiers because, frankly, they were not Soldiers at the time. They were trainees, and trainees earn respect with performance/actions. It wasn't given freely solely based on being a cadet

Response by PO1 Jason Taylor made Mar 26 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-03-26T18:34:20-04:00

Response by MSG William Weatherell made Mar 26 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-03-26T18:42:26-04:00

You mean Third Lieutenants? Some deserve some don't. I was drafted and in my day these guys were mostly going to college to not have to go on active duty. Some were there to pay for their college. Some do some don't.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-06-01T12:08:28-04:00

All human beings, in my opinion, deserve a basic level of respect (i.e. They don't deserve to be berated on the spot for no reason, slapped around etc.)

As human beings, cadets deserved to be treated decently (outside of training scenarios).

So, in that sense, yes they deserve respect.

Can they command respect for their status? Only from other cadets. A cadet's rank is lower than that of the lowest enlisted rank.

Response by SFC Ronnie Seaton Jr made Jun 2 at 2015 12:11 AM

2015-06-02T00:11:20-04:00

It doesn't matter, they are they future leaders and they should be molded and mentored to become a strong leader. Not embarrassed and treated like a private. The first impression is the lasting one. If you and I mean whoever the boot fits, if you are not taking the time to sponsor and mentor that new leader, you are setting them and the troops they eventually will lead up for failure. Don't leave a bad impression on that soldier. The worst job in the world is the one you wake up hating. Now go out and do great things.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 31 at 2015 11:03 AM

2015-07-31T11:03:12-04:00

I had the distinct pleasure of a front row seat to my Platoon Sergeant lighting up this cadet who was tagging along one of our 6 week NIEs. This kid was running around trying to bark orders and generally operating under some General Patton mentality (or delusion). Platoon Daddy fixed him quick, fast and in a hurry!

Made us wonder what these knot-heads are being taught about the Army and about their place in it.

Response by SPC George Grimm made Jul 31 at 2015 11:11 AM

2015-07-31T11:11:58-04:00

I worked with a few of them while in ft Irwin and we were told to treat them as if they were privates! That being said it really depends on how they reacted to us! Some assumed that they were going to be treated as officers already and others just went with the flow! All depends on what they wanted to get out of the experience!