I agree with almost everything in this thread, what a great one
I was recently somewhere that I got to experience all of this to a degree and it's pretty bang-on. I love the air-cadet know-it-all's, haha! My whole family was in this and not once did I mention my previous experience as a cadet. I knew better. But it's great sitting back and watching 'the show' as it happens to others. Am I sadistic?
My question is, when I go to basic -- how long do you *not* say anything to these people? (By *these people*, I don't mean just old cadets... I mean anyone who thinks they are a know-it-all or are always RIGHT) Or, do you say anything to them? Obviously as a 'team' member, you need to help 'em out, right? Or, do you let them flounder? Take it case-by-case? What would the instructor prefer us to do? Other than taking someone 'out back' -- or as we say where I'm from, out to the back forty? *ahem* Help them out? Do they appreciate that? We had a few on recent outing that were 'quite the characters' and I'm just wondering how to deal with that kind of personality on course. Personally -- unless someone is under threat or danger of getting injured -- I'd normally just let them learn from their mistakes. But the military world is a different world... you know, that whole 'team-work' thing they push.
I also had learned that no matter how much work you put into getting ready for your inspection, it never WILL be good enough... not until the end anyways. Fortunately I knew the 'game' before I went so it never bothered me but it was fascinating to see how people crumble over time of this happening continuously. Kits flying, tears streaming, fits of rage/anger/defeatism. So, I really love the fact you tell people to chill.
Finally, I loved the part where someone said, stick to your guns when you give an answer. Don't waffle. If you're wrong, they'll give you (usually) a chance to admit it (or learn from it) and I'm suspecting something like that is looked up to, as opposed to trying to cover-up mistakes. Also, trust your insticts overall. Don't always follow the crowd (especially in drill). Most of the time when I messed up, was because I went with the flow and ended up following the mistake of someone who was clueless. If I had followed my instincts (ie, used my freakin' brain, listened, focused) I would have been fine.
When I go to basic? I'm going to pretty much pretend I know nothing of this...(drill, uniforms, education, etc.) ... No, I won't let myself look like an idiot but would prefer to be the 'the greyman/ghost'....
