Recent content by MidCakePa

Carry on!

Happy day to all the SAF mothers out there! DS and DD -- one an officer and the other an officer-to-be -- are where they are because of their mama. We were fortunate and blessed that she could devote her days to helping them grow up. She passed on a professional career in her working prime, and...

Sounds like a great question for Cadet Command and the leadership cadre at U of I. They'll give you the straight scoop on what's possible and how it'll be perceived. Have you asked either one? The exception you're asking about is military related, so it's not like the cadet-to-be is slacking...

There's already a thread about this. Use the search function above to find it. Much speculation and discussion and argumentation already happening there.

SIGH.

Are you the holder of an ROTC scholarship? If so, the expectation is that you’ll graduate in four years. There can be exceptions, such as someone majoring in engineering at a school where classes are hard to come by. But I believe those exceptions are decided at the unit level by the leadership...

Freudian slip? Perhaps not. 😳

+100 to this. You should get to see their room and meet their detainers, if for no other reason than to get their phone back. Engage with the detailers -- they're an impressive and hard-working bunch with a good feel for your mid. But don't push too hard on the Bancroft lunch. Your mid wants...

The SA summer sessions are primarily outreach and marketing programs. No one here, unless they're in SA admissions, knows the exact criteria. What we can gather based on anecdotes posted on SAF over the years is that the criteria is a mix of merit (academics, athletics, leadership) and...

Can't offer perspective on the NROTC approach, but can share our experience with labrum surgery. DS suffered a severe tear playing hockey. Had surgery done by one of the best sports-medicine practitioners around. Recovery was long, with much physical therapy. He wasn't cleared to play contact...

I believe some trading occurs. DD scored an extra ticket, which allowed her to also invite her sponsor parents, who deserved the honor. It was nice to enjoy the Supe's reception with them alongside. It was so gratifying to engage with the AD personnel who mentor, nurture, guide and train our...

God bless those recruits! What they endure is amazing. I get teary-eyed watching videos of them receiving their EG&A at the end of boot camp. If you're a regular on SAF, you may know the USNA version of this "phone call." 😉🤭🤣 1. This is Midshipman _____. I have arrived safely at plebe summer...

I believe great leaders live for moments like this. I think it's the opportunity to lead through a crisis, to mobilize the organization, and to leave it in a better place than before is what motivates people like Adm. Carter. He was Supe when DD was on the Yard, so of course I researched his...

Sounds like you see a better long-term future by going USAFA, and the main thing holding you back is the possibility of not becoming a pilot. Your gut seems to tell you, “Try it for a year or two. If it’s not right for you, leave without any obligation.” And at that point, you can always go...

DD during Commissioning Week of firstie year: "Dad, you know how Marines are different? We're the ones who get more excited about watching the Silent Drill Team than the Blue Angels." Indeed. The BA brought out the crowds on a sunny afternoon, spread across the Yard and Naptown vicinity. The...