<p>Whistle Pig said:
</p>
<p>I think you might have misunderstood my characterization of squaring meals as “nonsense.” I’m all far the military-type of indoctrination that is typically employed at boot camps and during Plebe Summer.</p>
<p>Certain pressures have to be placed on the Plebes - in addition to meticulous unquestioning attention to a myriad of details. That is part of the process and it helps in expediting the transition from civilian to military.</p>
<p>But, over the years, the trend at the Naval Academy has been to direct that “pressure” and “attention” into more instructional areas.</p>
<p>I think they did away with squaring meals decades ago at the academy in favor of enforcing stringent eating manners. I.e. sit up straight … use only the last 3-inches of your chair … keep your eyes in the bottom … do not take too big of bites … don’t talk with food in your mouth … put down your utensil when being addressed … request permission to “shove off.”</p>
<p>It’s been decided that awkwardly squaring your meals does not really add to the already uncomfortable (by design) eating experience.</p>
<p>Even the rating of Plebes has trended in the more practical direction. In my day (and days prior), Plebes were subjected to a continuing barrage of trivial questions like:</p>
<p>Why didn’t you say sir? (to which you had to respond with a memorized, lengthy, tongue-twister)</p>
<p>Who was Moaning Maggie?</p>
<p>How’s the cow? </p>
<p>What time is it? </p>
<p>How many panes of glass are in the skylight in Memorial Hall?</p>
<hr>
<p>I believe many (if not all) of these are still in Reef Points, but they seldom get asked. In fact, historically, meals were the worst part of a Plebe’s day (as far as rates were concerned). That’s when you got the most severe grilling. You never went to a meal not knowing your rates cold. Not anymore. Now, for the most part, Plebes get to eat in relative peace. And they’re certainly not squaring their meals.</p>
<p>'79 grad</p>