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.
“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.”
I was there. Much of what went on at the USNA graduation was merely youthful exuberance. This was not graduation after 6-10 weeks of basic training: these young men and women have spent four very long, very difficult, and very demanding years at one of the most elite military academies in the world. The jumping for joy and holding their diplomas over their heads is SOP at a Navy graduation.
President Obama slapped some graduates on the back, embraced others, and shook hands with all.
All the young men and women were respectful, although I did see the fist-bump, and felt that it came perilously close to crossing the line of decorum, but it was a mutual act between the CIC and a junior officer. If the CIC thought it okay, who are we to object?
I do object to your insinuation that these Ensigns and 2nd Lt’s lack class or don’t respect the uniform. I have known very, very many of them over the years, and I can assure you that their commitment to the uniform and the Constitution is second to none. As for class, class does not dictate that a military officer lack personality or act like an automaton.
There is a time and a place for everything, and at a Navy graduation/commissioning, a little celebration is quite appropriate.
(father of a USNA graduate, now a USMC helo pilot)
Thank you for your perspective as an ex-military person.
And thank you for your service to America.
I think that you were taught well.