Last spring, Utah Military Academy proudly recognized two juniors who made a commitment to their country by enlisting in the Army National Guard. Cadets Mallorie Andersen and Douglas McFarland went to basic training at different times during the summer; both cadets began the school year a little late but with a new service rank.
During school, UMA had two cadets come home from basic training this year. They both agreed that they were ready to return to UMA after they did basic training. The school welcomes back Cadet Mallorie Anderson and Cadet Douglas McFarland. These two Cadets came home with pride and success from Basic Training.
The two were interviewed about what their experience was like at Basic Training. Cadet Andersen said, “I loved it.” While Cadet McFarland said, “I had fun.”
Since Cadet McFarland has been back in school, he said, “The way I see UMA now is odd, seeing people acting like they are an individual. The rules and regs are set out, given to us, but still many refuse to follow them, and there’s nothing to motivate them to wear it with pride. Most see it as a punishment.”
McFarland remembered, “When I got home from basic, there were still so many things I had to do for the Army before i could even think to relax from my return from basic training. On top of that, there was the start of my senior year in high school which I had missed.”
McFarland had lots of different things that have changed in his life. He said, “The hardest change in my lifestyle was finally having to think. At training you get told what to do, where to be, what you’re wearing, at what time. You are told what you are required to have on you. You get told how things should look in the bay, where we lived. When I got home, it did change how I had to think, because I never really had to in training.”
Malorie Andersen had similiar reactions and comments upon her return in late September.”Unsurprisingly, I have a very different view on UMA now that I have gone through Basic [training]. Honestly I have a more strict view on uniform wear and respect for the uniform. I really have a strong dislike for actions that are disrespectful towards those around them, including disrespect towards the uniforms. I also see a lot of organizational or communication problems which we are currently trying to resolve in my capacity as SBO president.”
Both McFarland and Andersen were ready to chill and relax once they returned home. We are glad they are back as well. 🙂
