I think they are some young men and women caught in a very difficult place, trying to make it through. I don't think this whole fiasco predicts how they will react in the future when the real SHTF. People surprise you.
A few comments from the Army board:
*** "I get it, it looks fucking stupid that all these cadets seem to be cooperating with their CoC with little resistance. However, it should be noted that any little dumb infraction in cadet land can result in the dis-enrollment of a cadet if the PMS feels like it. It seems like no one ITT understands what the consequences are of being dis-enrolled by a PMS. A cadet with an SMP contract with the guard/reserve is still obligated and has to go to basic/ait if he/she hasn't done so as the rank originally enlisted as. Meaning, after they graduate with their new four-year degree, they're still going to basic as a PVT/PV2 if they joined early on during school. They still have to play summer camp with other privates every drill weekend and mop the floors the officers hang out in their desk chairs on. It fucking sucks. If there's any cadets ITT who want to leave the program with a contract, I fucking beg you not to do it. You don't want to be stuck with some shitty MOS you got from what was left in the guard that doesn't give you any job skills and playing private at drill/daycare mopping floors with your four-year degree."
*** "Its exactly why I put up with that bullshit. There's literally nothing you can do but suck it the fuck up and realize that the grass is totally fucking greener on the other side. You'll be infinitely more happier in the Force/AR/NG than you ever will be in ROTC*
*Unless you're the brown noser in your program.
Lots of interesting cadet comments here:
http://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/337cb1/ok_who_put_the_cadets_up_to_this/
Essentially, I view anyone who enters the ROTC or U.S. military directly in the current circumstances with the current CIC as an enemy combatant and they get what they deserve either way (stay in or get out).