Yet, speaking to a minor whom is going through the application process doesn't require "tough love" or a "wake up call" or even a "cyber slap". If and when Future Marine gets to the USMMA, I'm sure many DI's will happily give him tough love, a wake up call, and many other things! Then, and only then, is that appropriate.
.... Jasperdog can get his last slam on me...
I only hope that in the future, adults on this sight understand who they are talking to. If you are explaining something to a parent, that's one thing. If you are speaking to a minor, that's another. Name calling like a few people did here "ie. cyber slap, troll, wake up calls, or even tough love" TO that minor is not necessary and is counterproductive. In my words, it's "rude". The tone and behavior of a few of the "old timers" has been very disappointing. Jasperdog can get his last slam on me.. not sure why that was necessary, I wasn't the one attacking a 17 year old kid. This was never a conversation between parents or alumni, it was a high school kid's ? that took of in a direction that was abusive and mean.
FutureMarine,
I don't get why you say it's too late to apply to the Naval Academy... because it's not. You can open a file, apply for a nomination, and do everything you need to do to get in. It is a much more fitting route to the Marine Corps. Do you feel that you can't get into the Naval Academy or that maybe you wouldn't be able to get a marine billet from USNA? Those are the only logical reasons that could imagine for you not going to USNA.
May I also ask, is the only reason you're applying to USMMA because it's "too late" for USNA?
I'm in complete agreement with you, aooga15. The journey to an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy is extremely daunting and complicated. I commend any 17 year old who takes on this task independently. Please know that there are NO stupid questions and there will always be someone on these forums who will answer your questions as best as they can with the understanding that many are starting "from the ground up". Please excuse and ignore any biting and sarcastic responses and kudos to you for both asking questions and attempting this process on your own.
I'm in complete agreement with you, aooga15. The journey to an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy is extremely daunting and complicated. I commend any 17 year old who takes on this task independently. Please know that there are NO stupid questions and there will always be someone on these forums who will answer your questions as best as they can with the understanding that many are starting "from the ground up". Please excuse and ignore any biting and sarcastic responses and kudos to you for both asking questions and attempting this process on your own.
Thankyou all again and no, that is definitely not my only reason for joining the USMMA. I wish to attend the USMMA more than the Naval Academy
Make that three of us. Looks like we are in the minority, but, we are not alone in our thoughts on this.
If you want to be a Marine, join the Marines.
This sort of attitude is so ridiculous. ...
I hate to break it to you, but if it wasn't for the active duty option, the argument to keep KP around is pretty weak. There are 5 other maritime schools in the country, and they charge for tuition. Some people really don't like the fact that our education is paid for, and in return we get jobs that pay up to 90K a year right out of college.
... And for anyone that's concerned, I sailed as a 3/M on foreign flag LNG ships before I became an Army helicopter pilot, so I feel that I can comment on both sides of the issue.
The bottom line is the mission of the academy: "Educate and graduate merchant marine officers and leaders of honor and integrity who serve the maritime industry and armed forces and contribute to the economic, defense, and homeland security interests of the United States." You can't knock someone for wanting to come to KP and serve the mission of the academy, no matter what they do when they graduate.
With that being said, the 30% or so per year that go active duty in various branches play a pivotal role in legitimizing reasons to keep KP around.