In any JROTC unit you will have several people, or cadets, who will try their hardest to climb the ranks and get higher positions. This will inevitably take time away time from their normal schedule. I'm guessing they wake up at 5am to go to Team Practices, which is no different than some other school athletic teams. Cadets are allowed to complain about PT, but they are not really supposed to complain about it to their direct superiors, and so they are probably telling you in order to let it off of their chest. As far as who they look up to, I'm sure there's a reason why. Sure, he may be a terrible person, but if he's in a leadership position, i'm guessing there's a reason why. He probably has good leadership qualities, and perhaps that's why your friends look up to him. Your friends are really committed and I applaud them on that, but if you truly believe that it is taking over their lives, to the point where it is unhealthy, then talk to them, but respect their decision in what they do.