#let1

Hey there, cadet!So glad to hear from you! You’ve come to the right place and i’m sorry for the delay on responding to this if it’s been a couple of days; I’ve been so busy studying for my midterm exams that are coming in the next couple of weeks and have deleted the mobile app from my phone so I have less distractions. );I don’t know what you’re competing in specifically, so i’ll just hammer down everything that I can possibly think of in a general sense.Thank you for messaging me!-C/SSGT Julia Pasette

1) Listen to the commander (no matter what)

Even if you think you know what is going to come next, your commander might make a mistake. You must follow the commander’s calls just in case they do something that is different from the sheet; you need to keep in mind that this isn’t a performance but it’s actually a demonstration. In a performance, one would correct themselves by doing what they are expected to do (or, by what is scripted). In a demonstration, if a mistake is made, you need to run with it. 

For example, if the commander calls a “left face” and you know that by the command sheet it is a “right face” since you’ve just practiced it so much, just go left. Please. You don’t want to be the only one facing the wrong direction or doing the wrong thing. Pay attention, don’t zone out, be cool.

2) Nothing is funny about the inspector’s forehead or neck

Inspection is hard. You must take everything they say to you and about you with a grain of salt and you need to respond to the inspectors as calmly and with as much poise as you possibly can. Here’s the deal:

- study your inspection sheets (know your knowledge!) - sound off and answer with confidence- don’t stress because bearing* counts- if you don’t know the answer, you should respond well regardless- do not look into their eyes or around; look at their neck or forehead instead- refer to the inspector by their rank after everything you say- do not laugh at the inspector’s jokes, they aren’t that funny

My recommendation is, if you really don’t know the answer, you should say “this cadet does not know the answer to this question at this time, (rank).”

*It also doesn’t matter if you like the answer to the question or not. Say it like you mean it and for the good of the team. For example, you might not like who was just elected President. You must say ‘the honorable’ because it is their title, whether you think them worthy of such a high title or not. Get over it.

3) Be prepared to be put into any competition event at short notice

There are many competition events and so little time that some may overlap. You may need to fill in someone’s spot so that the show can go on and the competition can end at some reasonable hour if your drill team is on the smaller side like mine is right now. Prepare for that by studying, watching the other groups practice if possible, and by being proficient in many areas. 

- Competition Color Guard- Armed Squad- Armed Platoon- Armed Inspection- Armed Exhibition- Unarmed Squad- Unarmed Platoon- Unarmed Inspection- Unarmed Exhibition- Other (Duel Expo, Solo Expo, etc.)I compete whether i’m commanding or not in every event except two, usually. So be familiar with everything before the day of competition especially since there are so many events - listed above - to become familiar with. 

Also, a lot of really good friends and close family members often make homophobic comments, and I feel REALLY bad, and my motivation to come out drops. Yesterday, we had to do an essay about LGBT rights for our Portuguese class, and one of my homophobic friends told me that "it was really hard for her to do this essay since she didn't want anyone to think she's prejudiced, so she had to pretend she is okay with same-sex couples" and I almost cried. How am I supposed to come out? + - let1 anon

No one will support me. And I want to live as who I really am, but I'm so afraid! I need to open up with someone so badly! I get really anxious because of this. I used to do therapy, but I don't anymore because it was exepensive. Do you think I should go back? Thanks for the advice! (let1 anon)

Hi there,

I’m really sorry that you have to put up with the homophobic comments from the people around you. I’ve been through similar situations and I know how hard it is to hear those things, especially from people who are close to you. 

If you do want to come out, maybe you can start with people who you know are accepting of LGBT+ people. That way, you know you’re going to get a good response and won’t have to worry as much about homophobic comments. Is there anyone that you can think of who you might be able to come out to who will be accepting? 

When it comes to the people who you know are homophobic, it’s hard to say what the best plan of action would be. I always warn people that if you think someone may become violent when you come out, it might be best to wait until you’re in a safe environment. I don’t want to scare you with that, but it’s always important to keep your safety in mind, which also includes your mental health. You could try testing the waters a little with people who you’re not sure about by hinting that you’re bi and see what they say. If it goes well, you can come out to them. If not, you can decide what would be the best in that situation.

It is important to note that you can still come out, even if you know that there will be people who disapprove. There may be people who don’t like your sexuality, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still live your life however you feel like living it. We can’t please everyone! While it can be frustrating and hurtful to know that there are people who disapprove, it hurts just as much to stay in the closet and deny who you are.

If you’d like more information on coming out, check out our sexuality and gender page. There are some tips on coming out and some resources that you might find useful!

As far as therapy goes, if you think it will help, then maybe you should consider going back. You know yourself best and if going back crosses your mind, it might be what you need.

Good luck!

Hey, sweet cheeks. Ain't found a cute European to replace me with yet? I'm shocked. I expected more of those good look of yours.