Everyone has the right to express their opinions and post on this board. However, it is interesting to read the very extensive posts with detailed analysis, outright guessing, unproven generalizations, and varied opinions based on VERY LIMITED OR NO REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE IN THE ARMY, ROTC, OR WEST POINT. Having a son or daughter in ROTC, WP or the Army gives you a LITTLE insight but you must live that life to have a real gut feeling. It is like explaining to someone what it is like to be in combat, or have a baby – you must experience those events to understand them. The detailed analysis in these posts are food for thought, but in my view mostly an academic exercise and not very worthwhile. I sent some of this analysis to my son who is currently a West Point Cadet and he said he and his roommates had a good laugh. They felt that people were grossly “over-thinking” the issue.
The military and West Point in my view is a calling – just as being a teacher, religious leader, Doctor, etc are callings. You enter this career path because it is what you truly think you want to do with your life. I understand that young 17-18 year-old men and women do not yet have enough experience or information to be 100% sure about their life work, but they must have some “feeling in their gut” that West Point is what they really want. Based on my years experience in this process, I believe that most of our WP candidates have that feeling. If you are “on the fence” about West Point vs. AROTC – both of which are legitimate and honorable options-I suggest you take ROTC. Leave the West Point slots to those who have that great desire and motivation to be a West Pointer.
BOTTOM LINE: I am thankful that we have young men and women willing to serve their country.
I wish the best to all of our candidates no matter which path they choose.
The military and West Point in my view is a calling – just as being a teacher, religious leader, Doctor, etc are callings. You enter this career path because it is what you truly think you want to do with your life. I understand that young 17-18 year-old men and women do not yet have enough experience or information to be 100% sure about their life work, but they must have some “feeling in their gut” that West Point is what they really want. Based on my years experience in this process, I believe that most of our WP candidates have that feeling. If you are “on the fence” about West Point vs. AROTC – both of which are legitimate and honorable options-I suggest you take ROTC. Leave the West Point slots to those who have that great desire and motivation to be a West Pointer.
BOTTOM LINE: I am thankful that we have young men and women willing to serve their country.
I wish the best to all of our candidates no matter which path they choose.