Budget Cuts and Opportunties at West Point

christiano241

christiano241

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2013
Messages
26
Rumors have been circulating and I'm in need of clarity. Questions:

1. What's being cut? Is it SLS or study abroad or IADs or all of the above?

2. How severe are the cuts? Will they seriously hinder the attractive opportunities that West Point has always had?

3. Are the cuts worth considering before going to West Point? I have a friend who left, in part, because, "Training was being cut, study abroad is gone, a lot of the big things that make West Point special are being removed." Is anybody else worried that a West Point experience today will lack the study abroad, training, internships, opportunities that others have enjoyed? And will this affect anybody else's decision?
 
christiano241 said:
Rumors have been circulating and I'm in need of clarity. Questions:

1. What's being cut? Is it SLS or study abroad or IADs or all of the above?

2. How severe are the cuts? Will they seriously hinder the attractive opportunities that West Point has always had?

3. Are the cuts worth considering before going to West Point? I have a friend who left, in part, because, "Training was being cut, study abroad is gone, a lot of the big things that make West Point special are being removed." Is anybody else worried that a West Point experience today will lack the study abroad, training, internships, opportunities that others have enjoyed? And will this affect anybody else's decision?
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1. All of the above + more.

2. The cuts are severe enough that we run out of hot water frequently, we have little-no water pressure in our sinks to do anything, you can't print stuff in the library anymore, the mess hall ran out of the main meal 30 minutes early twice last week for dinner, all of the WPRs (academic tests) are going paperless, which is annoying due to internet problems/connectivity/slow server. These are the ones that effect us on a daily basis.

3. Is it to take in consideration? Well you're still getting a prestigious ~$300,000 education with cuts or without. I don't think this is the place for you unless you put your nation (to include its debts) before your own problems. Sure it is a bummer, but that is what pushing through despite the little things is for. I don't mean to insult your friend, but that is probably not the full story (they are cutting people for deficiencies).

Personally, I have never been happier in my life. This truly is a fine institution with plenty of opportunities left. While hands on training (the fun, expensive stuff) may partly be cut, they make up for it in other ways such as rearranging the syllabus in the military science classes to better train and prepare us as officers. I'm impressed with the training they are giving us (both military and academically).
 
christiano241 said:
I have a friend who left, in part, because, "Training was being cut, study abroad is gone, a lot of the big things that make West Point special are being removed."
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I'm sorry, but this seems overly dramatic. I would ask the friend why he really left......

3. Is it to take in consideration? Well you're still getting a prestigious ~$300,000 education with cuts or without. I don't think this is the place for you unless you put your nation (to include its debts) before your own problems. Sure it is a bummer, but that is what pushing through despite the little things is for. I don't mean to insult your friend, but that is probably not the full story (they are cutting people for deficiencies).
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Perfectly said, Sawndog.
 
That's reassuring. And you are right! My Field Force Rep mentioned someone from our district being cut for the grades--it appears budget cuts weren't the main factor involved prompting my friend's exit.

So, study abroad opportunities are still there? Will I be able to have at least one study abroad experience during my four years (for a likely international relations major)? I'd personally be willing to contribute/pay for some of these amazing additions to the West Point experience.
 
christiano241 said:
That's reassuring. And you are right! My Field Force Rep mentioned someone from our district being cut for the grades--it appears budget cuts weren't the main factor involved prompting my friend's exit.

So, study abroad opportunities are still there? Will I be able to have at least one study abroad experience during my four years (for a likely international relations major)? I'd personally be willing to contribute/pay for some of these amazing additions to the West Point experience.
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Yes, study abroad opportunities are still there. I can't answer if you will be able to, I'm sure that will depend on how you cope with the academic year, the relationships with your academic department and teachers, and many other factors.
 
christiano241 said:
That's reassuring. And you are right! My Field Force Rep mentioned someone from our district being cut for the grades--it appears budget cuts weren't the main factor involved prompting my friend's exit.

So, study abroad opportunities are still there? Will I be able to have at least one study abroad experience during my four years (for a likely international relations major)? I'd personally be willing to contribute/pay for some of these amazing additions to the West Point experience.
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There is quite a bit more to leaving West Point than just announcing that you're getting out because the budget cuts don't suit you.

christiano241, you're worrying me. Why exactly do you want to attend West Point? Is it the "freebies?'
 
According to me Chemistry instructor, the current situation is pretty much just rolling back West Point to a couple of decades ago. In other words, what we might be going through in the near-future is just how the USMA was a few years ago - fewer IADs, paperless everything... It just seems bad in comparison to the last few years. But it's no different to how it was a little longer ago.

+ USMA guarantees Active Duty once you graduate... for me, that is pretty good incentive.
 
Dixieland, I thought his "Mt. St. Mattress" remark on the dating thread said all we need to know about this future cadet. Realistically, w/ sequestration, there will be far more limited opportunities for exchange/semesters abroad - you should go elsewhere.
 
Yeah, I found that remark troubling when I first read it some time ago. I chose to think of it as his immature way of referring to an all girls school. If he does attend they'll straighten him out quick enough and knock some of the ego off of him.
 
another13mom said:
Dixieland, I thought his "Mt. St. Mattress" remark on the dating thread said all we need to know about this future cadet. Realistically, w/ sequestration, there will be far more limited opportunities for exchange/semesters abroad - you should go elsewhere.
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And what kind of cadet do you think I will be? I'm only repeating alleged rumors and such that I have read on this forum. I guess inquiry is frowned upon.

"christiano241, you're worrying me. Why exactly do you want to attend West Point? Is it the "freebies?'"

I'm a little shocked that a mere question received this^^ reply.

I don't want freebies; I want the best education and preparation for leading I can receive. Exposure to other cultures is certainly a component that I want, whether funded by West Point or out of my own pocket. I'd like to major in International Relations, most likely. So studying abroad or traveling or anything of that nature is something I'm interested in. I'm glad my friend's comment was an exaggeration.
 
Respectful inquiry is fine - asking about the dating scene is fine; repeating something offensive is not fine - just because someone else uses a disrespectful phrase first doesn't make it right for you to use it second or fourth or even twentieth.
 
kinnem said:
Yeah, I found that remark troubling when I first read it some time ago. I chose to think of it as his immature way of referring to an all girls school. If he does attend they'll straighten him out quick enough and knock some of the ego off of him.
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To be honest, that's the name that was used on this forum to describe the school. I'm not like that. But I love how assumptions are made online.
 
Well, if it's not you, you should perhaps consider posting an apology for repeating an offensive post as your own, rather than arrogantly defending your misstep. Own up to making an immature mistake and move on graciously.
 
another13mom said:
Well, if it's not you, you should perhaps consider posting an apology for repeating an offensive post as your own, rather than arrogantly defending your misstep. Own up to making an immature mistake and move on graciously.
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I'm sorry I offended you or anyone else by repeating something that was (apparently) offensive. I'm new here and didn't know it was a phrase that elicited so much disdain. I am sorry.

I feel like I just got bullied in an apology while being falsely accused of poor integrity, a large ego, and an arrogant attitude. But, nevermind, no need to hold the same standard for yourself.
 
^That was not an apology. Not even close. I do hope you mature quickly. If you can't see the "apparent" disrespect in a phrase "Mount St Mattress" in 2013, well, you have a lot of learning/growing up to do. I'm sure it will start for you on R-Day.
 
Looks Moms, (if I'm understanding what Mt. St. Mattress means).... putting our fingers in our ears and humming won't make some of what goes on at a service academy go away (that is, unless I just mis-read this since we never had that term at CGA....)

That said.... this is ALSO why some parents have to be willing to see how the sausage is made... because sometimes it aint pretty.
 
christiano241 said:
I'm sorry I offended you or anyone else by repeating something that was (apparently) offensive. I'm new here and didn't know it was a phrase that elicited so much disdain. I am sorry.
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Good!


I feel like I just got bullied in an apology while being falsely accused of poor integrity, a large ego, and an arrogant attitude. But, nevermind, no need to hold the same standard for yourself.
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Bad! Why did you even write these two sentences? They were uncalled for.
 
another13mom said:
^That was not an apology. Not even close. I do hope you mature quickly. If you can't see the "apparent" disrespect in a phrase "Mount St Mattress" in 2013, well, you have a lot of learning/growing up to do. I'm sure it will start for you on R-Day.
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You do realize that you have insulted my character and I take that way more seriously than a silly repeated phrase.

Thank you LineInTheSand.
 
christiano241 said:
Thank you LineInTheSand.
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Don't thank me. I have plenty of stories mothers don't want to hear. I don't tell them those stories. No one does. They also don't want to hear them. I don't particularly want to tell. No one really does. They know stuff happens. Doesn't mean you have to talk about it.
 
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