Future service academy graduates/going into war

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Oct 22, 2014
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With the recent development of the ISIL situation in Jordan there has been a push towards the president for military involvement in Jordan, do you guys believe potentially upcoming service academy graduates may find themselves in the midst of a war with ISIL, whether within the next two years or five?
 
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Anything is possible for anyone in the military. I commissioned in peacetime and spent most of my time in war. One month you could be doing hurricane relief in a country and another month be in the Middle East. We all know where there are hot spots, that isn't a mystery. Anything is possible.
 
Do you think we will fight islamic terrorists who aspire to a global caliphate and the destruction of western democracies?
...begin the Jeopardy theme.
 
Im sure that some of the aviators bombing Iraq/Syria are academy grads... so they already are fighting and have been fighting IS
 
In all seriousness, you should do some reading on the subject.

The US and UK have had a close relationship with Jordan for decades. The King's mother was British and he attended Deerfield Academy and the UK's West Point. Jordan has been a member of the coalition, which includes the US, striking ISIS. One of Jordan's pilots was shot down, captured and murdered by ISIS, presumably in the border area of Syria and Northern Iraq which ISIS controls.

We are already engaged militarily in Jordan in the form of generous foreign aid, much of which returns to the US in the form of military equipment purchases. It has been a reliable ally other than in the first Gulf War, which they sat out, in deference to its huge Palestinian population. The PLO was a vocal supporter of Sadaam Hussein. Jordan is one of only two Arab governments to recognize the state of Israel.

If there is a need to become more militarily engaged in Jordan, then our problems are much worse than they already appear to be.
 
I speak from a civilian's perspective, but I am almost certain there is not a military man or woman in the United States who is not totally disgusted by ISIS's actions, and I am sure the majority of the American military would not have a problem going to war with this evil terrorist group. As the most powerful nation in the free world, it is our obligation not just to protect our own interests but to stand up for what is morally right and take out the people who do what is morally wrong (like burning a man alive), no matter what turbulent corner of the world they wreak their havoc in.

Also, Jordan has been a strong ally in the region, and I am personally of the opinion that the United States should stand up for its allies, especially if it means avenging the death of their fallen servicemen (and a few of our civilians have been killed as well so that is further reason to help Jordan in its fight against ISIS).

As for the cadets/mids at the SAs, I again cannot speak for them because I am a civvie, but I plan to apply so that someday I can serve my country and the world in a conflict like this in which it is a matter of defending not just America but the common good around the world. I am sure that if some SA grads are called upon to go to war against a group like ISIS, they will serve in that mission without any hesitation. I sure would if I find myself in a position like that someday.

That's just my two cents, take it with a grain of salt if you want, I'm sure there are many very different opinions out there. War really is a last resort and should be avoided at all costs, but in this case there is no other option if the United States and its allies such as Jordan are to remain safe from the unspeakable acts ISIS has been doing.
 
To our OP, I always wonder about questions like this. If someone wants his/her whole life (as we do read here on occasion) to be a fighter pilot, or to go to USAFA (USNA, USMA, ETC), but bows out at the first thought of war, it seems the dream was to fly the plane only. I don't think there are too many grads out there who think they just signed on to work during peacetime, or only during wartime either, for that matter.
 
FM - it could be taken either way - bowing out or naive' anticipation. Not sure how the OP meant it actually.
 
As the most powerful nation in the free world, it is our obligation not just to protect our own interests but to stand up for what is morally right and take out the people who do what is morally wrong (like burning a man alive), no matter what turbulent corner of the world they wreak their havoc in.

Can't fault you on your idealism, but don't be so generous with someone's wife/husband, father/mother, brother/sister, and son/daughter. Standing up for what is morally right can result in soldiers getting killed, maimed, and/or broken. I am not afraid to die for my country, but that doesn't mean I am in any hurry or for any reason.
 
To our OP, I always wonder about questions like this. If someone wants his/her whole life (as we do read here on occasion) to be a fighter pilot, or to go to USAFA (USNA, USMA, ETC), but bows out at the first thought of war, it seems the dream was to fly the plane only. I don't think there are too many grads out there who think they just signed on to work during peacetime, or only during wartime either, for that matter.

I know the OP, he just wanted to start a conversation. He is not looking to bow out or have naive anticipation. Lets be sure to not make certain assumptions. I in particular enjoyed everyone's perspective. In my opinion I agree with MemberLG. I have no problem dying for my country, but lives are lives and we should wait for the right time.
 
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I know the OP, he just wanted to start a conversation. He is not looking to bow out or have naive anticipation. Lets be sure to not make certain assumptions. I in particular enjoyed everyone's perspective.

There is no magic pill or eduation that will suddenly make candidates to SA become mature or more thoughtful.

A simple reminder is good to make some of them realize that the world we live in is not as simple or black and white as they think. Of course, I have been many candidates taking offense to these simple reminders.
 
With the recent development of the ISIL situation in Jordan there has been a push towards the president for military involvement in Jordan, do you guys believe potentially upcoming service academy graduates may find themselves in the midst of a war with ISIL, whether within the next two years or five?

What ISIL situation in Jordan are you referring to? Do you mean the fact that a Jordanian Air Force pilot was sadistically murdered in Syria? Who has been pushing the President for military involvement in Jordan? I've heard no such suggestion.

When you ask about "potentially upcoming service academy graduates" do you mean current applicants to the academies? If so, there is virtually zero possibility that they will find themselves in the midst of a war with ISIL five years from today.
 
What ISIL situation in Jordan are you referring to? Do you mean the fact that a Jordanian Air Force pilot was sadistically murdered in Syria? Who has been pushing the President for military involvement in Jordan? I've heard no such suggestion.

When you ask about "potentially upcoming service academy graduates" do you mean current applicants to the academies? If so, there is virtually zero possibility that they will find themselves in the midst of a war with ISIL five years from today.
Why is that? It is possible they could still be around then (God forbid)


2019 WestPoint class appointee

Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.
 
Why is that? It is possible they could still be around then (God forbid)

Rock math in your future?

Think about the timeline to graduation of a current applicant. Add 6-9 mths for training post grad. Then their future units deployment status. Zero odds they will be fighting 5 yrs from now. (5.5 to 6 >5)

And only a few percent will receive appts. And even less in combat roles after grad.

Put another way, DS applied at close to the peak of Iraq and A'stan. Since then, those wars were declared "won", troops pulled back. Cold war declared dead, Russia a friend. Spending cut, forces reduced.

And now they are quietly ramping back up, plus we are dealing with threats unheard of at the time in Iraq, Jordan, Yemen and Africa. And somewhat in eastern Europe. Russia buzzing UK, Norway, Finland, and Poland. Tanks being shipped back to germany pulled back 3 yes ago
 
Rock math in your future?

Think about the timeline to graduation of a current applicant. Add 6-9 mths for training post grad. Then their future units deployment status. Zero odds they will be fighting 5 yrs from now. (5.5 to 6 >5)

And only a few percent will receive appts. And even less in combat roles after grad.

Put another way, DS applied at close to the peak of Iraq and A'stan. Since then, those wars were declared "won", troops pulled back. Cold war declared dead, Russia a friend. Spending cut, forces reduced.

And now they are quietly ramping back up, plus we are dealing with threats unheard of at the time in Iraq, Jordan, Yemen and Africa. And somewhat in eastern Europe. Russia buzzing UK, Norway, Finland, and Poland. Tanks being shipped back to germany pulled back 3 yes ago
I mean those who are already appointed not applying. Many of which will be combat roles. I'm just thinking that since Afghanistan took so long for what amounted to tribes of armed men, that possibly something as big as what's occurring now could take 2 years to reach its "peak", and possibly lead to WestPoint graduates or marines fighting directly. The president already has permission from congress to use force, even though he probably won't, I think it may be a possibility that me or my fellow classmates will end up in a war. I say that but I also realize they have so much opposition they may be destroyed in the next month for all I know.


2019 WestPoint class appointee

Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.
 
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