On Feb 28, 1998 04:29pm, TOM RIGHTMER wrote to RICH GRIEBEL:
 RG>> I just got back from three days at the Academy.  While there I got to
 RG>> observe about 25 new recruits going through some basic training before
 RG>> their sent to field assignments as Cadets.  Either I'm getting old and
 RG>> cynical or they're getting younger, lack common sense and good
 RG>> judgement.  I only hope we can beat it into them in the field before
 RG>> they go on to the Academy for Trooper training.
 TR> Rich, try to recall your youth and immaturity when you started. If you
 TR> have trouble remembering some of the things you did which lacked common
 TR> sense, call one of your retired supervisors and ask them.  This is
 TR> why a follow-up Field Training Program is so important. Rich, I just
 TR> thought back to the beginning of my career, and I really don't wish to
 TR> repeat some of the bone-headed mistakes I made.  Thank heavens for
 TR> Field Training Officers.
I started at 34, by that time I'd been in Corporate Management, and decided I
didn't care for it.  Three piece suits and sitting in offices wasn't for me.
The retrospective at the Academy started with an old instructor of mine from 
my
original days.  He said that the discipline that they used to be able to 
elve
out, can no longer be applied.  There's a reason for it, not a Trooper 
xists,
or CVE for that matter, that doesn't address a citizen as sir or ma'am.  You
stand straight in public, wear your uniform with pride, and always look well
kept.
It's the best way to insure your line officers will treat the public with
respect.
Unfortunately the courts have decided such treatment is un called for and 
as,
for the most part, brought to an end.  This group of Cadets will go through 
the
"real" Trooper Academy in about 8 months, and they will be in for a shock to
their system.  Although the Academy is nothing like it was when I first 
started
(6 weeks straight without a weekend off) it still requires a certain amount 
f
discipline, more then most of these Cadets showed.
Maybe I am getting crotchety in my old age....
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