Does this happen a lot?
This subject comes up quite a bit. I assume you are a current mid, so I'm curious as to what you and your fellow midshipmen think about that.
Admissions departments have to get people excited about their schools. I understand that, but over-selling the commissioning aspect does seem to have the potential to attract guys who see it as back-up alternative to USNA or USAFA or whatever. Is it really that big of a problem, or does it just sometimes seem that way on SAF?
I could write a small book with my opinions on this, but I'll just do the quick and dirty.
1. I agree there are that there are a whole host of reasons don't make it to graduation.
2. I don't think it is just a cause and effect thing, just because you want to go active duty doesn't mean you'll drop out, however a lot of the drop outs and set backs want to go active duty. Does that make sense?
3. KP is great prep for a LOT of military gigs like surface warfare and drug interdiction, and for those folks, they can apply what they learn to what they want to do, people that want to fly are perhaps less interested in courses like seamanship.
4. As a whole, especially with the difficulty of the job market I think the regiment is pretty warm to going active duty.
What I really want my point to be is that people going here who have a passion for sailing typically find it easier and more interesting, everything they learn is applicable. People show up on day one wanting to fly the X-35 can and have made it through, but they just have to be tougher, smarter, and more determined. They're taking a hit, in learning about something they're not interested in, so that they can get to their chosen destination. The passion will carry those who want to sail, smarts and toughness have to carry the others. It's hard enough to make it through the 4 years, and some people don't have that toughness, the passion though, is I think a little easier to come by.
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