Competition

[kmac]

Michael has brought up an interesting point about competition. But my question is not directed toward him. For all of the others on this board who have not started ocs/primary what do you think the atmosphere will be like? Michael mentioned that the Navy seems to be fixated on competiveness (24/7 comment). I know many others have been told this as well. Is that coming solely from the recruiters? I remember mine doing the same thing. Now are they just talking about the application process (which leads to the GPA and PRT comments) or beyond that (such as what school is like)? What are your opinions?

 

[kmac]

Nice dig Matt. However I do know what ocs, api, and primary are like. I'm just trying to get a feel for what the "gouge" is out there about it. Since this board is full of good and bad gouge I was curious as to see what the latest thoughts were as far as how competitive ocs/api/flight school from those that have not yet been there. How about competition in the rag? What has your experience been? It just seems to me that the attitude of self-advancement without teamwork is prevalent from some of those not yet in the program. Of course, this board is a great example of how several people can help each other out in trying to reach the same goal. Any comments?

 

[Shepherd]

This is a subject of much discussion, I am sure. My personal opinion is that competitiveness only makes for a more advantageous learning environment. Nobody likes being second best, so the ideal is for everyone to work hard to best everyone else. This improves the whole group's performance. However, the integrety of the whole process is governed only by those involved. If the participants are holding to the "self-advancement without teamwork" attitude, the ideal cannot be reached. The contributing factors to failure are probably endless. I would imagine this is the goal the recruiters/Navy shoot for when searching for that competitive person.

A posteriori