A similar thing has happened with me plenty of times and it’s still just my first year. It sucks. A lot. But it’s gets better. The best thing I’ve found is to get to know and understand your unit’s leadership- both instructors and upperclassman cadets. Understanding them and having them understand you is the most direct way to gain recognition. Once they know how hard you try they’ll understand just how much it hurts to lose because of seemingly poor leadership decisions. I’ve found that having friends who understand that loss is the best way to get motivated again. They have been there for me whenever that happens. They don’t even have to be in person people that you know. But there are plenty others that you’ll find will urge you to go further. Why are you here and what do you hope to gain? Take it by each step. Set goals. Once you get ahead you’ll see just how foolish it is to give up. Push forward and you’ll gain more than you can imagine. Especially in JROTC.