We are always praising those that apply to and get accepted to the academies. We mention their patriotism, maturity, selflessness, etc... And rightfully so. While all cadets and mids are young adults; not all young adults can be cadets or mids. There is an immediate expectation of these young adults that is quite well known to them. An expectation not required of a civilian 18-22 year old. Ignorance is definitely no excuse with a cadet. They know 100% what the rules are.
There is no sympathy whatsoever on my part for a cadet who gets caught doing drugs. None at all. Matter of fact; if they get caught doing anything illegal, I have no sympathy. Will young adults make mistakes? Most certainly. But there are a lot of mistakes they can and will make doing LEGAL things. There's no reason or excuse for them doing illegal things. Cadets are expecting, and we are giving our trust to these young adults. We're trusting them with multi-million dollar equipment as well as the lives of our other sons and daughters. If a cadet/mid is going to do illegal activities like drugs, assault, rape, etc...; then they don't have my respect or trust. Sorry to be a piss ant. But if the allegations are true; (I ALWAYS say IF; because I rarely ever trust or believe the news media); then this cadet deserves everything that comes to him. No one forced him to be there, and he was free to leave at any time. later... mike....