We were now instructed in many things besides Squad Drill. For instance, we were informed that we would be reported for all delinquencies, that is, for all offenses committed against the Regulations, that the reports would be read out daily after parade, and be posted the next day in a certain place; that we must go there every day to see the list; that when there were reports against us we must copy the exact wording of each report and then write an explanation for it; that we must write as many explanations as there were reports against us, and further, that for all official communications we must use “Uniform Paper” (i. e., paper of a certain size) and no other.
New cadets are taught to use as few words as possible in their explanations. One evening at Dress Parade, a plebe raised his hand and of course he was reported for it, and the reason he gave in his explanation for raising his hand in ranks was, “Bug in ear.”
The following illustrates the character of the reports posted against cadets, to-wit:
Floor not properly swept at A. M. inspection.
Bedding not properly folded at police inspection.
Calling for articles of food in an unnecessarily loud tone of voice at supper.
Gloves in clothes-press not neatly arranged at morning inspection.
Appearing in Mathematical Section Room with shoes not properly polished.
Inattention in Mathematical Section Room.
Shoes at side of bed not dusted at A. M. inspection.
Absent from formation for gymnasium at 12 M.
Not seeing to it that a cadet who was late at breakfast was reported.
Coat not buttoned throughout at reveille.
The discipline is very strict, more so by far than in the Army, but the enforcement of penalties for reports is inflexible rather than severe. The reports are made by Army Officers, and by certain cadets themselves, such as file-closers and section-marchers, and the cadets make by far the greatest number of reports against one another, but no cadet ever reports another except when it is his duty to do so. If he fails to report a breach of discipline he himself is reported for the neglect. Cadets may write explanations for all reports against them, but they must write an explanation for absence from any duty or from quarters; for communicating at blackboard in section room; for neglect of study or duty; for disobedience of orders; for failure to register for a bath, and for failure to report departure or return on permit where such report is required.