School Politics and the Army

[centermass]

OK.

I'm not getting this.

You attend Basic, but you're 17, still in HS and working on a diploma?

You're located at or near Ft. Meade, but you're in AFJROTC?

Most MS's in college if they've never been, usually don't attend (Basic) until between their sophmore or junior year, although that's generally the rule and not cast in concrete.

As for wear of the uniform, there are regs set forth and established that your instructors I'm sure are aware of that set forth criteria when and where wearing of the uniform is appropriate.

And though I'd like to say the same dialogue as the "fuck em" route, if it's not within the regs or becoming an issue, your MAI/DAI/SAI needs to work it at their level with the administration (Principal) to establish some resolution.

And although, this is echelons above you and not within the scope of your abilities, you need to keep your CoC informed as to who exactly it is that's giving you grief about it, that is, if you're within the regs of wearing the uniform at those times and locations.

While all of this is possible, call me Paul Harvey - I'm interested in hearing the rest of the story.........

[ANGRYCivilian]

Just put your civies back on and finish fucking highschool. Stop wearing your uniform when you're not authorized to. You look like one of those strage fuckers that wear their pt shirt tucked into jeans and combat boots to the godamn mall!

If it makes you feel better, pretend you're under cover, like Hoot from Blackhawk Down, when he was in the market wearing civies with the Trek bike.

[42L5V]

Ranger Centermass - the NG has a split-option program. They attend basic training between junior and senior year of high school. That way they can drill, and have it count for time and pay during their senior year. After high school graduation, they report to AIT to complete their training. That's why summer cycles are so difficult on Drill Sergeants. 50% of the company is split-ops, they're only 17 years old (sometimes immature, prone to injury, etc.) and they all have a manditory release date, so they can return to school - whether they've completed graduation requirements or not. Of course, in the eyes of the NG, if they don't complete everything that bad old Drill Sergeant is just being a prick. So, if they report back to their NG unit as a non-graduate for say, failing the APFT, their unit has the option to "certify" that all graduation requirements are met - and POOF!! instant Soldier. It's also damn near impossible to kick them out of basic training for disciplinary reasons. You see, they're rounding out the numbers for the NG. The state doesn't like their numbers cut - hurts their funding. Each installation has a NG liaison to represent the state.

I'm not saying that's the situation with this young man - but I saw it happen way too often as a Drill. There were also squared away 17 year olds whose unit actually taught them things before arrival, and they could PT a little.

Kid - because of your experiences in basic training, your thoughts and ideas are now more focused and more noble than the average citizen concerning duty, patriotism, etc. That's what we have here - you're proud of serving your country, and rightly so. However, not everyone shares your experiences or your patriotism. You will find this all through life. Wait until you've returned from a combat tour and discover the differences in your perceptions from the average Joe. Things like, people talking during the National Anthem will make you want to go into 'roid rage.

Ours is a quiet profession. The solemn pride that you feel is shared by a brotherhood and sisterhood. I used to get pissed off by ignorant, liberal assholes - until I figured out that I'm the one who allows them to act that way. "Freedom, to those who fought for it, has a flavor the protected will never know."

Your haircut, physical fitness, discipline and bearing is evidence enough to those around you what you experienced through basic training. Allow your maturity to be on display - not your stubborness. Your teachers and classmates know what you've done. Let them try to figure it out, instead of you explaining it.

Besides - you can always wear that snazzy PT uniform.

[Flesh Thorn]

Some of my teachers have decided that they don't want me wearing my Army uniform to their classes. However, I've been denied entry into class because they say it violates the school uniform policy.

So do they hold a gun to your head and tell you to fuck off ?

What does the school uniform policy state ? Please provide a quote from your student handbook. Maybe the teachers have a valid point and maybe not.

[Steadfast]

My JROTC instructor is happy that I'm wearing my uniform. He says it sets a good example for the other cadets and has personally tried to get my teachers to reconsider. My chain of command were the first to encourage me to wear my uniform to school. However I do agree that it is my main priority to graduate with the highest GPA possible. I thank all of you Rangers for your advice.

has personally tried to get my teachers to reconsider

When your JROTC gets permission granted would be the proper protection for you. All you are doing is pounding your chest to exact a favor from teacher(s) while missing class(es) hurting your own educational record. Your records won't say why you failed a particular class just that you failed. Therefore you lose. Be a winner while you are still in school, excell to be the best you can be. Obey the rules in school as you would your military cadre on active duty. As you graduate/move on this will all be a small blur in your life as you step into your future shoes.