I would like to comment on a few points made on this thread.
First, I agree completely with Olaf. WAY too much erroneous/bogus info gets disseminated in a wide variety of ways by disgruntled cadets who try to paint a much "gloomier" picture than what actually exists. Exactly why I come on this site from time to time to try and set the record straight.
Second, although previous Commandants used to deactivate outfits for a pattern of negative behavior, I do NOT like to do that. I would much rather "fix" a failing unit than disband it. Maybe a difference in philosophy, but having seen "bad" outfits in the Army, I always found that populating "bad" outfits with good leadership always made a BIG difference, and in virtually every case that I saw, turned the outfit around. So I follow the same philosophy with the Corps: don't disband a "bad" outfit - FIX it with good leadership.
As a follow-on to that philosophy, as we have grown the Corps the last 4 years, we have REACTIVATED 9 company sized units that had been deactivated in the past, 2 Battalion HQs units (Infantry and Artillery Band staffs), and 1 Major Unit (3rd Regiment). It has worked very well for the Corps, and has allowed us to expand the number of leadership opportunities for members of the Corps. If you haven't been to a Reactivation Ceremony, I recommend you try to make it to one. Its very rewarding to see the former members of the reactivated outfits in attendance, proud to see their guidon once again flying in the Corps. Its a real eye-opener for our cadets to see grown men crying because their outfit is finally back in the Corps. Really puts the Corps experience in perspective for them.
Olaf also had it right in that about 25-30% of the outfit COs/XOs/1SGs will come from other outfits - NOT the outfit that they are going to lead in. I've done this since I got here, and it has worked to help "fix" problem outfits, has helped to eliminate apathy and mediocrity in some outfits, and helped to infuse some outfits with some badly needed motivation and esprit. That said, the VAST majority of our outfit leadership is "home-grown" - the leaders come from the same outfit they "grew up" in. Again, I will do what needs to be done to "fix" problem outfits (whatever that problem may be), and sometimes that means infusing that outfit with new leadership from outside the organization. It has worked well thus far, and I will continue this policy as necessary. And by the way, it truly is a great way to prepare cadets for the "real world," where change in leadership from OUTSIDE the organization is commonplace, both in the military and in the private and public sectors.
I can't speak for what was done in the past, and won't try to. But I thought I would let you know what we do today in our Corps, and why. Again, it may just be a difference in philosophy, which is fine, but I'm a big believer in "fixing" a problem organization - NOT eliminating it if I don't absolutely have to.
And for what its worth, while I was not here during LTG Van Alstyne's tenure as Commandant, I do know that he's as fine a military officer as you'll ever meet. He's a professional, a leader, and public servant, and served his nation and his university extremely well for over 40 years. I respect him and his service greatly, and whether you agree with his tenure as Commandant or not, I hope you will too.
Thanks again to all of you for your love and support of our Corps! Best wishes to all of you and your families for a Happy and Prosperous 2015! Gig 'em!
