How to Survive in a Military School

Be aware that you will be living in a barracks or dormitory room. Keep your valuables at home so they don't get lost, stolen, or even confiscated.

Never disobey orders. Squad leaders can make it difficult for you, unless you do as ordered. This is not a regular public school. You are here to learn and to become a leader. Show respect, even if you do not feel it. These people are professionals, and their job is to train you in respect, obedience, and military protocol, and they know how to do so.

Become friendly with your TAC (tactical officers). Just show them that you are there to learn and you are sincere, and they will not harass you.

Get to know your roommate(s) early on so you'll know whether or not you get along with them. If you are assigned a room, you may not be allowed to choose your own roommates, so you may have to make the best of it.

Focus on your future during and after school. This will make you more positive, and motivate you to do your best. You are here for a reason, so do not forget what it was.

Go with the flow. Wearing uniforms are a way of promoting camaraderie and equality, as well as learning how to listen and obey orders. Marching is there to help you be part of the group, and to promote teamwork and coordination.

Keep your personal hygiene, clothes, and sleeping area clean and neat at all times. Each person in a room is individually inspected instead of the entire room itself. This way, each cadet is responsible for keeping their own area clean and neat.

Look forward to war games. You are incredibly lucky to get to participate in these because they are considered rewards. Don't skip out on them. Enjoy them when they come around. If your school doesn't hold war games, suggest them about once a month.

Be able to prepare yourself for a discipline review committee, even if you are innocent or just a witness. You need to be honest and truthful - especially if you face court-martial.

Get out by doing one of the following things:

• You'll need special written permission from your superiors to go off-campus for various reasons.
• Behave and stay out of trouble as much as possible.
• Ask questions about anything you don't understand.
• Offer to help when necessary.
• Prepare for graduation.

Think about WHY your parents sent you to military school in the first place. It could be because you wouldn't stop behaving badly. Very often when parents can't "control" their children, they'll turn them over to someone who can.

Be aware that some people hate being at military school. You can ask them why, but focus on improving yourself.

Assume responsibility as this is an easy way to get promoted. Being given privileges and special treatment.

Find out what branch of military the school is emulating. If it's a Marine school or the Tactical officers (TACs) are mostly Marines, learn Marine Corps traditions and find out how to build rapport with them. Find out what those TACs did in the service and discuss it with them, especially if you feel that you want to join the military. Remember that the Marine Corps is the most elite of all US military branches, and Marine instructors will be the hardest to impress.