I guess I am old fashioned.
Newly minted officers shouldn’t be doing chest bumps, fist bumps, and hugs with the Commander in Chief. A simple handshake and a salute is appropriate and shows the graduate to be an officer and a gentleman.
I understand the need to let loose after such a rigorous four years, but there needs to be a certain minimum level of decorum exercised at public events.
New graduates, happy and excited? Yes.
But they are officers, and they need to act like one.
I agree with you. A little decorum, no matter who the president is, would be appropriate when getting diploma’s.
Now after............
What makes me cringe in seeing the fist bumps and chest bumps with the CIC, is that the present CIC didn’t even have military service experience AND everything he’s doing is defeated the military’s purpose (dying/fighting for this country and freedom). ;(
I agree with you.
I was not an officer. I was active duty. I have never been to a graduation or awards ceremony where I saw this kind of behavior. Never.
If I had done any of these things at a ceremony, I would have been disciplined. It wouldn’t have been pretty, let me tell you.
But then again, I understand respect for the uniform and respect for myself.
I always though they taught Officers to have some class.
I guess it can’t be taught, you need to be born with it.
Disgraceful behavior by some of these young men.
A big affirmative on that observation. Accept the diploma, render a salute and, if offered, a handshake. Step back, about face and smartly leave the podium.
I’m 51 - don’t know if that makes me old, but I agree. I understand being happy to leave a military academy, but some behavior is inappropriate for an officer.
Of course, I only spent 25 years as an officer, so I probably don’t know much about these things.