Stories

The Alark Clock

The young Cadet's Special was for being less than 15 minutes late to class.  She answered the Special, "Correct, but wish to Explain."  On the flip side, she wrote, "The alarm clock was not set properly."  Signed, Cadet Smith.

At VMI, the Blue Book rules cadet life.  It is a strict and adversarial document with more rules than the Mosaic Law.  It is impossible follow this book perfectly, so the school has an honor code which is easier to follow.  A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tollerate those who do.

VMI's Honor Code is single-sanctioned, with no second chances.

Both systems build or enforce integrity, character, and personal responsibility in Cadets.  Good behavior brings no reward; that is duty.

Cadets caught breaking a Blue Book rule receive a series of graduated penalties.  Serious infractions receive more severe penalties.  Cadets accrue Demerits, Confinement, and Penalty Tours.  One Hundred Demerits in a semester may result in suspension from school.  Confinement keeps the Cadet on Post for an assigned period of weeks and sometimes months.  Breaking Confinement may result in Suspension or Dismissal.  Cadets march Penalty Tours in circles in front of barracks, 50 minutes for one tour.

It is part of the VMI System of Leadership to break Blue Book rules.  The goal is - Don't Get Caught!  This system teaches audacity, risk-taking, and risk management, all good life skills.

However, the Honor Code rules!  When Caught in a Blue Book infraction, Cadets accept their punishment, but they will never sacrifice their Honor. VMI graduates are valuable because they will not lie to you, cheat you, or steal from you, nor will they tolerate such things in their business, unit, or life.

Once caught, the Commandant's Staff sends the Cadet a Special Report.  Specials must be answered in person, in dress uniform, within twenty-four hours.  Cadets may answer their Special, "Correct" (guilty a charged), "Incorrect as Stands" (not guilty), or "Correct, but Wish to Explain" (for mitigating or extenuating circumstances).  A Commandant Staff member adjudicates the Special, scratching those marked incorrect or awarding a penalty listed in the Blue Book. They may modify penalties depending on the circumstances.

This Cadet, a track athlete, was late to class by fifteen minutes, which earns a penalty of 5 Demerits, 1 Week Confinement, and 5 Penalty Tours, called a "5-1-5."

She brought it to me, the new guy.

Her answer, written in her handwriting on the back and signed, wasn't a lie, but it was a not-so-veiled attempt to show she was not at fault.  She thought I would scratch the special.  The way she worded it irritated the shit out of me. 

The conversation went like this:

So, Cadet Smith, you were late for class?  Yes, Sergeant Major.

More than 10 Minutes?  Yes, Sergeant Major.

Whose clock is it?  Mine, Sergeant Major.

Who set the clock?  I did Sergeant Major, but

Stop.  Why am I asking you all these questions?  I don't know, Sergeant Major.

Well, I can't tell what happened because you have written your answer in what we call Passive Voice.  Let's rewrite this in Active Voice, which shows responsibility.  Help me out.

Who set the clock?  I did.

"Ok.  I set."

Whose clock is it?  Mine.

OK.  "I set my clock."

When you set your clock, did you set it properly?  No, Sergeant Major.

OK, Then.  "I set my clock incorrectly."  Does that sound right?  Yes, Sergeant Major.

When you set your clock incorrectly, did you do that intentionally?  No, Sergeant Major.

OK.  Now, sign right here.  5-1-5.  Good Day.

She was not happy.