MichaelUSMA
New Member
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2015
- Messages
- 2
A current 3rd year cadet is being separated from the Academy as a result of having self- reported their prior use of Marijuana on several occasions during a winter break away from West Point. The offenses took place during the second academic year. The event came to light when the cadet was in the process of making application for a summer AIAD which required a security clearance. When completing this application, the cadet truthfully, and courageously, self-reported the prior use of Marijuana. The cadet is an excellent student with no other negatives on their record. Cadet has many exemplary letters of recommendation asking for leniency. The initial Regimental Board recommended that cadet be given suspended separation along with a boat load of walking hours. This was over ruled by Commandant and reaffirmed by Superintendent. As a parent, not of the cadet, I am having difficulty reconciling this decision for a number of reasons; Aside from the present national trend towards ending prohibition of the drug, it is still illegal in the eyes of the Federal government and as such, cadets are required to abide by the law or face stiff consequences. However, it is also illegal to drink alcohol under the age of 21 in all 50 States. We all are aware that underage drinking is the cause of many injuries and fatalities every year in this country. However, West Point chooses to handle each case differently. Certainly, all students caught drinking under age are not separated even though they are fully aware that the cadet has broken the law.
Cadets are the future leaders of our military but like every one of us, they are not perfect. A good leader has many traits and certainly courage and honesty must be near the top. In this particular case it took a lot of both for this cadet to tell the truth. Especially, when it was so easy to just lie. Who would ever have known the truth, except for him? This is a teachable moment and in my mind, the leaders of the academy ant missing an opportunity to lead. Instead, they are propagating a culture which continues to encourage dishonesty for self-preservation.
I know that there is an appeal process, but I really doubt that the cadet will be successful in staving off his separation from West Point. If anyone on here has any thoughts, suggestions or other opinions, I would like to hear from you.
Cadets are the future leaders of our military but like every one of us, they are not perfect. A good leader has many traits and certainly courage and honesty must be near the top. In this particular case it took a lot of both for this cadet to tell the truth. Especially, when it was so easy to just lie. Who would ever have known the truth, except for him? This is a teachable moment and in my mind, the leaders of the academy ant missing an opportunity to lead. Instead, they are propagating a culture which continues to encourage dishonesty for self-preservation.
I know that there is an appeal process, but I really doubt that the cadet will be successful in staving off his separation from West Point. If anyone on here has any thoughts, suggestions or other opinions, I would like to hear from you.