Pssst - I went through Cornwallis in 88 - that was the norm then. You had to earn the cornflake in 4th week by passing your saluting test and were given a buy until then if you gibbled up saluting an officer...if however you had a cornflake and screwed up saluting an officer, you were done like dinner.
Making someone earn their cornflake was one of those things to give them a sense of personal accomplishment as they went through recruit training. Not sure what things are like now, but as a rule, we were generally confined to barracks/base for 4-5 weeks minimun anyway - we wouldn't be allowed out wearing no cornflake, as we'd be in a public place out of dress...in fact if you made it to 5th week and not earned it, you were recoursed and would likely remain CB'd until you unfrigged yourself. Not sure how far back this went, but friends of mine that went through in earlier 80's were the same.
As for saluting first day of basic, most people can't come to attention, much less get a grip on saluting on the march, their first day :nod: - my dad was an apprentice gunner many moons ago, and all they were told to do until they were formally taught at whatever drill class at whatever time frame their training sched had them learn saluting, was either to stand to attention or check arms and give an eyes left or right.
For me, I think earning your first badge, then getting to toss it when you get your trade badge, should be considered one of those little milestones in your military life - a big baby step as it were.
:2c:
MM
Edited for speeling