| GR-71: Merely The Best
To new and returning GR-71 cadets:
I speak on behalf of GR-71 when I say "welcome" to yet another school year! As is with every new year, GR-71 is lucky enough to receive copious amounts of 1st year cadets, either from the middle schools, from our own high school, and cadets moving to Germany from other areas. I'd like to take this chance to remind the Staff to have patience with the new 1st years. Teach them right, so that we will have Leaders ready to fill the positions that will be left by outgoing seniors as well as our upper level cadets transferring to other schools. Some 1st years are embarassed to ask what they deem "dumb" questions. You may not be flight commanders, but as higher ranking cadets, you are viewed as leaders at all times. Be patient, losing your temper won't get you anywhere. And although it may get boring, set the right example by paying attention in class and asking questions while Sgt. Foote and Col. Tilghman go over rules and procedures, even though you may have heard it 3 times before.
The same goes with drill in the gym. Seeing upper levels rolling their eyes or moving around in formation while the Flight Commanders and Sergeants teach the newcomers the basics of drill will not be tolerated. You guys are leaders, like it or not, and the 1st years will mimick your behavior. Yes, for some of us this is the fourth year we've gone through the routine, but judging by what I've seen, some of you could use the refresher. Do not belittle the cadets that are having a hard time comprehending the drill movements. It's sad if you find a 1st year having trouble with his or her about faces funny. Just remember - you were just like that at one point.
Flight Commanders and Flight Sergeants - don't let the cadets get into the habit of not following correct AFJROTC Classroom procedures. Habits stick and we don't want cadets coming in and sitting down or talking during instruction. It makes the flight look bad, and it makes you look bad as Flight Commander because it appears that you don't have control over your flight.
To the cadets who will be Flight Commanders and Sergeants for the first time this year: pay attention to those who go before you and always remember the basics of being a good leader: punish fairly; praise in public, punish in private and do not play favorites with your friends and always do what is right or expected of you. Sometimes it's not always popular. Remember the flight will look to you for guidance, don't let them down. Respect all cadets with respect and treat them well. Praise them when they deserve it. Tell them they had a great inspection and they look great in uniform. Tell them their marching is superb. Or be honest and in the last couple minutes of class tell them "Hey, guys, we need to work on this a little more."
That's it for now, hopefully this will be a great year. We have very dedicated cadets in their respective positions who are always willing to help out the new leaders in our Corp whenever needed. Come to us for advice, don't feel embarassed, we want to help.
-C/Capt. Thomas Gluth |
