Here's a BIG factor that will make or break you at LDAC, but your cadre won't tell you because, well, you'll know why when I tell you:
Do NOT offer to help ANYONE when you're at LDAC.
It sounds messed up, I know, but it's the way it has to be. By me saying this, I don't mean be a Blue Falcon and refuse to help anyone. What I mean is don't OFFER. You'll be (incorrectly) viewed as a Blue Falcon if you do.
Why is this the case? Because cadets are stupid. Yes, it's true. Everyone at LDAC is so high strung about their evals that they will perceive any attempt at help that is unwarranted as a sign you're trying to screw them.
It's the wrong attitude and it's horrible, but it's the way things are. I have a problem with this. I know my stuff and I like helping people. For example, one of my squad members was Squad Leader for a STX lane. We had to locate a weapons cache and hold it. We arrive at the cache, begin our assault, and then one of the OPFOR (opposing forces) took off and ran into the woods. Immediately our SL decided to round us up and go after him. I had been on a STX lane at my university where this exact thing had happened, and the SL at the time got gigged for going after the OPFOR. His mission was to hold the cache, not get the guy. So here is my SL about to make the same mistake. Quietly, and off to the side, not in front of everyone, I spoke to him softly and said "Hey dude, I was on a STX lane just like this one before, and the guy got gigged for not staying on mission. It's up to you, but I've seen it happen, and I think we should stay here." It was simple. I was trying to give advice on a situation I was knowledgeable about. He flipped out on me, on the spot, saying how I needed to shut my mouth and stay in my lane and all this good stuff. (By the way, he got gigged for going off mission and looking for the OPFOR...but that's just between you and me).
I watched it happen time and time again over the course of LDAC. Don't offer any advice or help unless you're asked for it first. Unfortunately, because (as I said) cadets are stupid, you can't do the right thing and help a buddy out. You actually have to watch them fail and do something wrong even if you know you can fix it with a simple suggestion off to the side. It's hard for me to do, and if you're a good person, it will be hard for you too, but please restrain yourself.
If you see something jacked up, let it happen. It seems counterintuitive, but just let it go. If asked for help, don't be a Blue Falcon and do all you can to help your buddy. Just don't offer what is not asked for.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Things Your Cadre Won't Tell You About LDAC
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3 comments:
Hey, I think you still have the incorrect attitude there bud. I respect what you're saying, I've been through the same shit. However if we are not constantly attempting to better ourselves or our surroundings, then what is the point? I guess as long as you can look yourself in the mirror when the day is through...
I know it seems like the wrong attitude. If you see something going wrong and your buddy about to make a mistake, you HAVE to help him, right? Wrong. In the real world and in the real Army, yes, that is the right attitude, but at LDAC, it won't fly. Try to help someone out if it's unsolicited and see what happens. It's messed up, but it's the way things are. Now, if you're asked for your opinion, give it. And always put 100% into what your peer leaders tell you, even if you think it's wrong, because good leadership is also good followership. You may have a dialogue about the situation later with your buddy and discuss what went wrong, but at the time of the event, let it be. They won't appreciate the help and it WILL create bad blood unnecessarily. Again, it's wrong but cadets at LDAC will be cadets at LDAC. Everyone is so high strung and worried about their evals they lose sight of the bigger picture.
I'm pretty sure I read your post about air assault last summer and now I'm reading about LDAC this year. Just wanted to say thanks!
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