Leave Base Disadvantages

The second proposal is to grant cadets the ability to leave base freely, barring mandatory events. Arguably, there are several reasons restrictions are placed on cadets: to teach discipline, mental toughness, and the ability to persevere through hard times, to name a few. First of all, by signing up to enter a military academy, one acknowledges the restrictive lifestyle they will be subject to. After all, they are joining the profession of arms; arguably, the main focus is on their duties and their service, not on their own personal desires. Also, earning the ability to leave base under the current system can be used as an incentive to perform well, as well as the opportunity to earn the respect and trust one needs as a future officer by upholding

In the operational Air Force, officers, as well as most enlisted positions, are given the ability to leave base freely when their job or shift is complete, with the exception of a severe punishment or hostile surrounding environment (Quinn, Rosenberg). Giving cadets this ability will prepare them for when they become leaders and have to make decisions for themselves, as well as other people. They will learn to take care of themselves and gain the ability to be self-sufficient. After all, how can they take care of other people if they do not have the ability to take care of themselves? The Academy admits cadets based on being the most competent, confident leaders among their peers, yet more parts of their lives are more restricted, including the senior cadets, and micromanaged than most other areas of the military. In fact, from personal experience, a significant portion of cadets complain about “feeling imprisoned”, or “being treated like a child”, another contributor towards cynicism. On the other hand, allowing cadets the ability to leave base freely will instill within them a sense of personal freedom and an internal locus of control. An excerpt from Work Futures, a community which explores the science of work, explains the benefits of

Once people know how to make self-directed choices into a habit, motivation becomes more automatic (Gill).

Cadets will, inevitably, make mistakes. The consequences of these mistakes, however, will allow cadets to mature and grow more than any confined setting could. Cadets will feel more trusted and have a more positive attitude toward work, since it will become a more flexible environment In short, allowing cadets the ability to leave base freely will increase morale and reduce cynicism. The impact these changes would have on the cadets could be immense. Imagine cadets showing up to mandatory events because they have a strong sense of duty. By trusting the cadets that they will attend class and do what is required of them, this more trustful attitude will filter down from the top and promote optimism. This enhanced personal freedom will allow cadets to have a more well-rounded lifestyle and healthier relationships with people, inside and outside of work (Haaff). When they show up to class, they will be locked in and ready to learn from their natural curiosity and passion for the subject, focusing on the results and being better than they were yesterday. This new, open environment would encourage cadets to think innovatively and creatively, the kind of thinking which is invaluable for our future leaders (Hoque). Honor violations due to cheating would become