You know; sometimes there is no proper response to some people's bias' and ignorance. The bias of course is against the military. Not everyone in the country is as patriotic or pro-military as our children who apply to the academies; or those that come in through ROTC, OTS, or enlisted. Many of these people are plain mean with their opinions. There is no proper response. The same 1st amendment rights that your military children will swear to protect and defend, is the same freedom of speech right that allows some people to have opinions about the military that is hateful. We (Military Personnel) do not get to choose which rights to defend. We defend the rights of all Americans. Even if we disagree with the speech that they are exercising. Just know in your heart that these same people, who express such mean comments, wouldn't be allowed to have such freedom of speech if it wasn't for people like your son/daughter who applied to the academy, ROTC, OTS, or enlisted.
As for the "Idiots" who think "Your son/daughter is so smart. Why aren't they going to College instead of the Military". Well, just like defending a person's right to free speech, we also protect and ensure that everyone has the RIGHT to be an IDIOT too; if they choose. For these people, it's usually just adequate to tell these people: "The military is SENDING him to COLLEGE FIRST, before he starts serving in the military". This works for both the academy, ROTC, and even Enlisted. (Enlisted Tech School in most branches, "Definitely in the Air Force", earns College credits). If they ask "What College", just say his/her "College is in Colorado/New York/Maryland/etc." or wherever. If they want more details, you can get specific.
Of course, there are some who are a little of BOTH. They are Biased against the military, and at the same time STUPID, and don't understand anything about the academies. Unfortunately, one of my son's High School teachers fell into this category. When this teacher found out my son was accepted to the air force academy, he actually told my son; to his face; that he was "Wasting his Life/Future". He said as someone so smart, ranked #1 in his class, going into the military was a total waste of talent and potential. These people..... you just have to blow off. Don't try to explain it to them. Don't try and convince them. The funny thing about this particular teacher and his opinions....... My son, at 25 years old; got his bachelor's from the Academy at 22; got his Master's from RAND at 23; and Finished his PhD from RAND at 25. He has surpassed his 40 year old HS teacher in education and future earning potential, and has done it all while serving his country and having $0.00 in student loans or debt. Unfortunately, the biased and ignorant won't recognize or accept these truths.
So; the Biased, just let them know that they wouldn't even be able to have their biased opinion if not for our sons/daughters/moms/dads/etc who served/serving/will serve in the military. For the ignorant; just explain the military is sending your kid to COLLEGE BEFORE they start serving. Technically; it's the truth. For the combined Biased/Ignorant..... Just blow them off and don't waste your time on them. They don't want to learn; they won't admit they are wrong; and they won't listen to a word you say anyway. They aren't worth your time.