<p>He/she is most likely the guidon bearer. The cadre will usually pick one of the basics, preferrably someone with stronger arms and shoulders, to carry the squadron guidon, which is a small flag that identifies which squadron the basics are from. </p>
<p>It has to be held a certain way that tires the arms and shoulders, and the guidon bearer has to know how to march in a special spot in front of the rest of the flight or squadron. They also have to know how to present the guidon in a pass and review at noon meal formation or in a parade.</p>
<p>In basic the guidon bearer for the flight is a basic cadet, but during the academic year, it is a sophomore who is the squadron guidon bearer. After Recognition, one or two freshmen will learn how to perform the duty (usually the same one or two from basic) so they can take over the next year.</p>
<p>There is also a minor position called “element chief” which means that a basic marches at the front of one of the four columns (this explains why a lot of times there is someone very short at the front even though the rest are sized from tall to short). Each flight is split into 4 elements of about 6-8 basics. The position doesn’t usually mean much, but it could contain leadership opportunity if the cadre decided to run feedback and training through the element chief. Some basic flights don’t even appoint the position, since it’s not really necessary with the small amount of basics per flight.</p>
<p>Some flights also appoint a “flight chief” which usually is an important position, as it is a sort of “class leader.” The flight chief could theoretically be called in to meet with the cadre once every few days or so to give feedback and ask how the morale is, etc. This is a sort of “practice” for the “class representative” position during the academic year, which is similar and carries much more responsibility and importance.</p>
<p>Hopefully I didn’t overwhelm anyone with all the info. :)</p>