Everyone struggles with what societal group they will be a part of, where they fit into this interconnected society. Future leaders, combat ribbons and heroes are what comes to mind when you think about our military servicemembers, but something we fail to realize is that they are regular folks just like us with the same societal and personal issues everyone deals with on a daily basis. ROTC Cadets, on the other hand, are a whole different species altogether. Just like the jungle we called middle school, everyone is trying to figure who they want to be going through phases in life. Most cadets are in this awkward stage of figuring out who they are, and while we have a shoddy reputation, many of us are perfectly normal, but not perfect. Nobody is. Cadets can be generalized into five main groups: The Creep, The Operator, The Socialite, The Idiot and The Drinker. Remember this is a generalization and many cadets are just like every other college student, other than aspirations for that butter bar.
1. The Creep
This cadet is known by almost all the freshman girls for his antics and borderline Title IX actions. Unfortunately the Corps does not have a psych screening before admission and we as a community suffers. It gives all cadets a bad reputation because of the actions of a few, with most girls have this stigma that all cadets act in this manner scaring away all potentials from genuinely nice guys. The Creep is universally disliked among the populous and is an unfortunate piece of society.
2. The Operator
(Disclaimer SSG Fletcher does not fall into this group)
Unlike many others on this list, you can spot an Operator a mile out by the way this Cadet is dressed. The starter pack for a being Operator includes: Tactical pants/jeans, boots, hat with patch, unnecessary miscellaneous tactical gear (knives, flashlights...), dog tags and you cannot forget the Oakley Flak 2s. Generally pretty uptight and only talks about tactical stuff that they will never implement in their lifetime. Many Operators first come out of hiding at the sight of the first civis day (When cadets are allowed be out of uniform for a school day), showing up to first call in their BCT shirt tucked into jeans and tan combat boots. While they are mostly harmless, they receive a lot of flak.
3. The Socialite
Just like the popular kid in high school The Socialite know anyone and everyone on campus in/out of the corps. This cadet always seems to get out to trouble regardless of rank due to connections that span the whole chain of command. Generally this cadet is normal with a hint of promiscuity, but is overall liked by most of his peers. If there is a party this cadet is there and cannot walk to class without a healthy amount of fist bumps and greetings.
4. The Nice Guy
This Cadet is a blessing to the Corps of Cadets, with actions and appearances being perfectly normal and you would not even assume they were in the Corps. Being easy to talk to and always being there is some of the characteristics of such a Cadet. The Nice Guy is someone you want to work on a project with or room with because they will always pull their own weight. You will find them having hearts to hearts, sitting with lonely people at the dining hall and overall a well rounded individual.
5. The Drinker
