Posted on May 24, 2016
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Noticed this in the local daily this morning. USMA cadets marching to graduation while one of them is recorded texting while marching enroute. What's yr take on this not-to-be-proud-of moment? Symbolic of what West Point has devolved into?
Video showing West Point cadet texting during graduation march...
Posted from statesman.com
USMA
Professionalism
Unit Pride
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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This obviously a rehearsal. For the final formation, they were not even allowed to wear watches. Those pants and jackets don't have pockets to put phones so no one can put hands or anything in pockets. I think I recognize the background and I know where the picture was taken. They were probably in route step since it is an extremely high hill. Talking and movement are permitted as long as dress, cover, interval, and distance are maintained. You are not required to remain in step.
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No I don't think that this is what West point has devolved into Capt Tom Brown.
When I was a cadet we used slide rules until calculators were introduced in the 1970s. We did not have computers or phones and relied on writing in those days to communicate or speaking directly to others.
I know that computers were introduced some time ago at the service academies and smart phones followed later. I think based on the uniform they are wearing they are marching to or from a ceremony of parade. Since some of the Firsties are wearing sabers at their sides I suspect a parade.
This particular Firstie SGT who is holding what appears to be an electronic device may or may not have been violating the rules. Certainly within a standing formation at attention or passing in review I expect cell phone any other distraction is prohibited. However I don't think that cell phone use is expressly forbidden in public while in uniform.
What do you think about this issue my friends? COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Capt Seid Waddell CW5 (Join to see) CW5 Charlie Poulton SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SSgt (Join to see) TSgt Joe C. SGT (Join to see) SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT Forrest Stewart SGT Robert Hawks SPC (Join to see) SrA Christopher Wright
When I was a cadet we used slide rules until calculators were introduced in the 1970s. We did not have computers or phones and relied on writing in those days to communicate or speaking directly to others.
I know that computers were introduced some time ago at the service academies and smart phones followed later. I think based on the uniform they are wearing they are marching to or from a ceremony of parade. Since some of the Firsties are wearing sabers at their sides I suspect a parade.
This particular Firstie SGT who is holding what appears to be an electronic device may or may not have been violating the rules. Certainly within a standing formation at attention or passing in review I expect cell phone any other distraction is prohibited. However I don't think that cell phone use is expressly forbidden in public while in uniform.
What do you think about this issue my friends? COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Capt Seid Waddell CW5 (Join to see) CW5 Charlie Poulton SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SSgt (Join to see) TSgt Joe C. SGT (Join to see) SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT Forrest Stewart SGT Robert Hawks SPC (Join to see) SrA Christopher Wright
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I can't see any proper use for a cell phone or any other electronic device while in formation ever ! That is not the proper place for it and as distraction for what that Cadet should be doing.
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SSgt Robert Marx
I retired as an enlisted member of the US Air Force in 2012 and at that point no electronic devices would be allowed in formation. Whether the cadets were going to chow or a lecture makes no difference especially as the platoon is marching somewhere.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen F., I really can't look at this from an unbiased perspective, I'm afraid. I can only view this as a Tactical Officer at OCS would view the actions of an officer candidate (even one with senior status).
Regardless, of what the regulations state or allow, regardless of what the USMA SOP might allow, were this my platoon as a Tac Officer, I would take a rather dim view of such behavior. I would also say that any excuses offered by the officer candidate would be perceived by me as quibbling, which would only exacerbate the situation.
The results would be a counseling session that the OC would not forget any time in the near future.
Hard line and old school, I know, but that's the way I see it.
Regardless, of what the regulations state or allow, regardless of what the USMA SOP might allow, were this my platoon as a Tac Officer, I would take a rather dim view of such behavior. I would also say that any excuses offered by the officer candidate would be perceived by me as quibbling, which would only exacerbate the situation.
The results would be a counseling session that the OC would not forget any time in the near future.
Hard line and old school, I know, but that's the way I see it.
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Give her a break. It looked to me like she was using the calculator function on her phone to determine the cadence and try and keep in step. I give her points for trying.
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