gCaptain?

HopefulKP'20

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Oct 21, 2015
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Hey all,
I just wanted some opinions on the truth of some of the things that are said about USMMA on the gCaptain forum. I am still reading about and trying to find out as much as possible about the Academy, and some of the things said on gCaptain seem to severely contrast what I have been reading here. Just wondering about your opinions on what gCaptain has write and wrong about Kings Point.
 
I actually registered just to reply to you. I typed a long answer, but then deleted it in favor of this shorter one. I wouldn't put too much stock in what you read there. I liken it to the cab drivers and barbers who knows everything that is wrong with the city but are too busy driving taxis and cutting hair to fix it. If you have a sincere desire for a career in the maritime industry and the physical/mental mettle for Academy life, keep pursuing it. If you have specific questions about something you read there, I'd suggest you ask you an Academy admissions rep.
 
The rate of message posting relative to the USMMA on GCaptain has dropped of considerably due to the uninformed, misleading and sarcastic comments by a couple of individuals who apparently have little to do but issue uninformed comments on the Academy, its students, its applicants, its faculty, its band, etc. I suspect the comment are by former applicants or students who did not measure up.
 
I would not take much on GCaptain as gospel as it relates to KP. You have a few very loud voices and then a large number of sycophants hoping to have those same loud voices pat them on the head and say "good boy".

There are a lot of opinions, most of which can be summed up as "Not enough graduates do a full career at sea to justify the tax dollars spent on KP". That is an opinion, not a fact so fair enough ... as many people can entertain that opinion should they so choose.
 
There will always be some sort of anti KP or anti Academy of any kind bias onboard ship. It is just human nature. . . . hell, it even comes up in the historic propaganda movie (that once was and may still be required Plebe Year viewing) Action on the North Atlantic. Seasoned mates wondering how all that "book learnin'" is going to make a good officer. . . . Nothing to it. . . just go out there and work during sea year and the same once you get out. I made it a challenge when I was sailing. Most didn't know that I went to KP and some were surprised to find out if I told them. . . Take gCaptain for what it is. . . both good and bad.
 
On Ship or on Shore. Daughter never wore her ring. Colonel introduces her to the company at formal introductions after a few months and stated that she was USNA graduate. Sgt Major says "that explains everything" with a big laugh from those gathered. She worked her a$$ off as ADJ and Company Commander and the Sgt Major did present her with the Company Guidon when she was transferred . They are not all ring knockers but most do work like crazy. At graduation from KP don't you have to do a minimum time in merchant Marine or USNR?
 
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On Ship or on Shore. Daughter never wore her ring. Colonel introduces her to the company at formal introductions after a few months and stated that she was USNA graduate. Sgt Major says "that explains everything" with a big laugh from those gathered. She worked her a$$ off as ADJ and Company Commander and the Sgt Major did present her with the Company Guidon when she was transferred .
That Sgt Major should have been removed from his position by the Colonel that same day. How can he possibly consider himself to be any kind of leader when he publicly undermines his/their boss in public like that. Senior NCOs have their opinions and their entitled to them but they have an obligation to keep it to themselves ... rant over

At graduation from KP don't you have to do a minimum time in merchant Marine or USNR?
And, not or. Commitment is for service in the maritime industry AND Navy Reserve.
 
Sgt. Major was a great friend of my Daughter and a great leader on his own. She relied on him a lot. Met him when down at PI "Great Guy". Comment was done as a joke and everyone laughed since they did not know she was USNA Graduate but was an A+ personality. Since he did present her with the Guidon upon transfer I think he liked her. Company Headquarter formations with senior NCO's and Officers are a little more informal than you think they might be. It was not in front of the enlisted company contigent.
 
Forums are only as good as the people who participate on them. This one has mods who do a great job of keeping discussions on track and relevant to the subject matter. I have consistently found this to be the best forum relative to the subjects being discussed.

No adult in real life I know of thinks highly of someone who goes around bashing others or acting like they alone are the center of all knowledge and wisdom. Why some anonymous people behaving that way online think that gives them more credibility baffles me. If you see a few individuals on any forum bashing whatever the topic is, those aren't people I would look to as providing accurate/objective input.

General college forums are also not a good place for academy related information as it seems like a lot of h.s. students pride themselves on flinging out opinions on whatever the topic of the day is, regardless of whether or not they have any knowledge of the subject.
 
I'm glad I came across this post. I have been on this site for awhile, every since my son expressed interest in the USMMA. I have gotten tons of info from here and I thank all of you for it. The last couple of weeks I came across some of the gcaptian post on their forum and being a parent I was concerned for my son and his decision. I have always been confident of the academy, but they can sure be relentless (at gcaptian) over there. I believe as far as the options that the graduates can have after attending there are amazing and I hope I am right. My son did work hard to get accepted and is very proud of his accomplishments, so am I. If all goes well he will be a member of the class of 2020.
Again thank you all for your help here on this forum.
 
I'm glad I came across this post. I have been on this site for awhile, every since my son expressed interest in the USMMA. I have gotten tons of info from here and I thank all of you for it. The last couple of weeks I came across some of the gcaptian post on their forum and being a parent I was concerned for my son and his decision. I have always been confident of the academy, but they can sure be relentless (at gcaptian) over there. I believe as far as the options that the graduates can have after attending there are amazing and I hope I am right. My son did work hard to get accepted and is very proud of his accomplishments, so am I. If all goes well he will be a member of the class of 2020.
Again thank you all for your help here on this forum.

Often the most vocal anti Academy/KP voices over on gCaptain are limited to a small vocal group. To be fair, often newly minted mates and engineers can also be their own worst enemies. Oftentimes, once out of school, the first few jobs will be with seasoned crew members and officers. Certainly in that situation, it helps to keep somewhat of a low profile until experience is gained. . . did I? Well. . . . some lessons are easier than others. . . I can say that Cadet shipping is where that training starts. . . . but don't worry, Mom and Dad. . . I don't think that a Cadet has been really put in to any danger at sea that they did not create. . .
 
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