The Comm. and Hazing

wpmom2011 · 08-25-2008, 06:47 AM

Seems the new Comm. has done away with hazing altogether. Talked to my Yuk yesterday and she is not happy. She says that this batch of plebes are getting away with way too much and their lack of discipline is appalling.

Anyone else heard anything.

Ann · 08-25-2008, 07:00 AM

Yes, there have been some changes....However, I have faith that the Corps will work it out.

mom3boys · 08-25-2008, 07:58 AM

That's funny that she says that; I've heard other upperclassman state that this bunch of plebes is very "squared away." The comm does not want them being screamed at, but there still is yelling and plenty of pushups. I guess it depends on the company...my son is being "well-managed."

Ann · 08-25-2008, 09:36 AM

mom3boys: Yes, it is always a slippery slope when one makes broad generalizations. There will always be plebes who are squared away and those who have much to learn, those who are disciplined and those who are not.
The new comm has made a lot of changes with regard to "hazing" no doubt about it.

knightsdad · 08-25-2008, 10:44 AM

My Yuk tends to believe that the new comm is a bit soft on the plebes as well..... my understanding is that 5 cadet company commanders were relieved on day 1 of reorgy because of excess hazing.... Excess hazing with a definition of yelling at the plebes and dropping them in the barracks hallways..... New comm no longer allows dropping plebes indoors.....Extra monitors for laptops were an upperclass privelage, now plebes are issued extra monitors....Ha Ha, truly these terrible offenses against corpdom can only mean one thing.....The corp has truly gone to ......

frijoles · 08-25-2008, 10:46 AM

He has made many changes and there are many in the Corps who are not pleased. These people are working quite hard to find ways to train the Plebes in accordance with the Commandant's guidance. It has been very interesting to watch...

micahsmom · 08-25-2008, 10:47 AM

mom3boys...sorry to post this here~I sent you a private message, but your box is full.

JustAMomOf4 · 08-25-2008, 11:07 AM

It is funny to see the same "story" told and retold from different perspectives. The rumor mill is alive and well at West Point!
From a parent perspective it is rather humorous. I learned long ago to take my kids' grumblings with a grain of salt.

Keep in mind - the Commandant was very visible all summer. He has had an opportunity to "get to know" the plebe class and "bond" with them. He ran with them, rucked with them and rode in a Chinook with them. I get the impression that he will continue to remain very visible - perhaps he will "get to know" the upperclass and "bond" with them as well.

I am sure when the first class of plebes was issued laptops there was an outcry from the upperclass who had desktops. If it makes you feel any better they got printers but no cables for the printers. The cadet store did not have 1300 cables in stock. I am sure that if the plebe class next year is issued wireless printers there will be a similar outcry.

frijoles - Oh to be a fly on the wall!

aspen · 08-25-2008, 11:47 AM

I concur with justamomof4.

The same kinder, gentler, 'too soft on plebes' Commandant suddenly becomes the draconian Commandant who relieves five cadet CO's on the first day of Reorg. week (Pretty rough given that that's the first day of the cadet CO's duites). Guess he has a dual standard when it comes to the treatment of plebes and firsties.

For new parents, please don't react too strongly (positively or negatively) to posted rumors and 'absolutely, without a question, facts'. Cadets seldom have a fully informed, unbiased grasp on the events taking place within their cadet company, and an even less reliable view on events taking place outside their company.

Ann · 08-25-2008, 12:34 PM

The fact is that changes have been made. No rumour there. As it has in the past, the Corps will adapt to the changes and goals and standards will be met.
As for the Yuks being unhappy with the status quo - that is not surprising. Plebe parents be warned. Your cadets will feel the same way next year when changes are made

I have faith in the system - it has worked for over 200 years...

WAMom68 · 08-25-2008, 12:42 PM

Quote:

As for the Yuks being unhappy with the status quo - that is not surprising.

Comment from my yearling son on the phone this weekend...
"Now I know why we are yuks!"

USMA08Mom · 08-25-2008, 01:28 PM

I believe the full phrase is "bitter yuks"....

USNA69 · 08-25-2008, 01:40 PM

In the combined almost 400 year history of the two Academies, there has never been a single yuk/youngster who did not think the following plebe class got off easier than they.

knightsdad · 08-25-2008, 02:21 PM

Justamom and aspen.... do not get all upset.... my previous post was made in jest and not as a criticism of the new comm - more of an attempt to make light of my own son's very yearling like attitude.... My personal observations of the new comm is that he is energetic and very involved....He is also concentrating on leadership principles and away from the haze for haze and tradition sake.....Having said that...the plebe experience is somewhat different than last years class' experience just as all previous classes have had their own experience.... Probably not as physically demanding but probably way more professional in style and attitude....The Cadre seems to have completed their duty very well. The current plebe class had a remarkably high retention rate through beast.

frijoles · 08-25-2008, 04:53 PM

From what I have seen for the most part though it is not the yuks who are angry over the changes..