Week 5

A1. By recognizing and discussing the 6 primary stressors in modern military units (Isolation, Ambiguity, Powerlessness, Boredom, Danger, Workload) and how they impact the individual and the team.

Q2: What are the most important formal norms at USNA?  What are some informal norms?  What are the sanctions if you break formal norms?  Informal?  Which are more influential to your behavior, formal or informal norms? (NL110)

A2: Formal norms are written down, such as laws and regulations.  MIDREGs and Uniform Regulations are some easy answers, as well as syllabus and academic course policy.  Informal norms are generally agreed upon ways of behaving but aren’t necessarily written down.  They include things such as not stepping on the seal, not wearing a raincoat or using an umbrella, and a myriad of other things.  Sanctions for breaking formal norms generally come in the form of an official rebuke, ranging from a negative counseling to separation from the Academy.  Sanctions for breaking informal norms include teasing from peers but can also lead to full on ostracism.  Often the need to fit in with peers can make informal norms more influential than formal norms.