I just got put as our Foxtrot Flight Commander. Needless to say, the class has around 30 Cadets, one Junior, two Sophmores, and the rest freshmen. Do any of you all have any suggestions about teaching them how to march, wear the uniform, learn the chain of command, etc?

C/2nd Lt. Moffeit
TX-9410

Since you are an officer, it is your job to lead by example. The best way for them to learn anything is to see how it is done the correct way first, and then mimic it to the best of their abilities.

The Chain of Command is pure memorization. Give them a sheet with all the information needed on it and they should do fine. I've never had a problem with the CoC.

Drilling is also easy (at least for me, being on the drill team and all). Teach them the basic moves. From what I recall, the hardest moves in our final drill exam are column right/lefts. With a little patience and a lot of practice, they can nail down the turns and become a crisp drilling machine.

Uniforms should also be easy. Since you are an officer, you should know a thing or two about how to put on a uniform. If you have time during class, bring in blank uniform pieces and some random uniform attachments and just teach them how to put it on. Chords, name tags, ribbons, medals, and ranks. That is about it. I don't know if you have a "Cadet Guide" like my unit has, but if you do you should find a lot of the specs in it about uniform placement. Luckily for me, I'm an officer so when I don't wear the jacket I can just use the epaulet ranks.

Hope this helps.
C/Capt. Ayaz
FL-20061 "Silver Bears"

quote:

Uniforms should also be easy. Since you are an officer, you

I was commander of 1 class, and co-commander of another since we have a small school.

SaucyX is right, lead by example. Just as a little boy mimics his dad, your flight will mimic you. Act professional.

Keep your attitude in check. Be calm but firm in giving orders; don't automatically bark at them for the smallest things. They are just getting used to your command, save being harsh for when it's needed. There is a major difference between respect and fear; and when fear is gone, theres no respect left for the commander.

As for uniforms, SaucyX already gave you enough info on that.

Good Luck with your New Position.
A1C Altmix USAF
Former C/Capt FL-943 "Trojans"