Hey cadet. I bet you're tired of hearing that word. Or maybe not. Maybe the thrill of being a part of an elite group, with its rituals and honorifics, is sort of growing on you -- the assholes, brats, and unloving officer notwithstanding. I'm happy for you. I'm curious, too. I'm told that the cadets make a pledge to never lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do. I always wondered what a culture might be like that codified such values. I've met people before that were living embodiments of virtues that seemed too abstract to ever be personified. Those people are always the most impressive. But they were once 18, too. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You'll be more than a few steps in when you get these messages, just know that there are scores of Internet friends cheering you on.