FROM DRILL TO DECISION: UNDERSTANDING THE COGNITIVE PATTERNS OF NCC CADETS

Abstract

Leadership and Decision-making skills in youth are greatly influenced by the National Cadet Corps (NCC). The goal of this study is to understand NCC girl cadet’s approach to problem-solving, risk assessment and leadership under duress. It also attempts to investigate the cognitive decision-making styles that are common among them. During this study, standardized decision-making style inventory was used to gather data through purposive sampling from a representative sample of 50 NCC girl cadets and 50 college going girl students from the same colleges among  Army, Navy and Air NCC wings of Haryana. Considering discernible differences according to training level, the results show a high propensity for reliant and logical decision-making methods. More predisposition toward rational, spontaneous and intuitive decision-making styles was shown by cadets during training durations, indicating the beneficial cognitive effects of organized military-style training. The study comes to the conclusion that the NCC's hierarchical and disciplined environment greatly influences the thought processes involved in making decisions, which helps young people lead more effectively and responsibly. Both inside and outside of military youth organizations, these observations have wider ramifications for leadership development and educational initiatives.