The point is, that some parents need to realize that they didn't just "Drop their Kid off at College". There is no difference than the 17-18 year old who went down to San Antonio, Texas and went through basic training and became "Enlisted". Well, actually, there is 1 difference. The "Cadet" can QUIT at any time up until the start of their 3rd academic year.
But the point is; Mommy and Daddy can't just come over to Little Johnny or Jannie's room whenever they want or have a meeting with the college advisers because of some concern they have.
Some don't realize that if there was some major modern conflict, the academy and military could "SUSPEND COLLEGE" and make every one of those "Cadets" go off to war if need be. Is that likely? No. Is it allowed? Yes. Why? Because these cadets are "IN THE MILITARY". They aren't just "Off to college".
God only knows that you have dealt with parents who have been way out of line and have stuck their noses where it doesn't belong. Speaking for myself, under no circumstantial would I
ever give the AFA advice by calling, writing, or visiting. IMHO, that is completely out of line. I cannot think of one situation (for myself) to ever get
personally involved. My advice would come from the sidelines only when I was asked for help.
I cut that 1st apron string in about 9th grade. I refused to give advice to high school teachers, schools, coaches, etc. Sometimes it was tough but it was the right decision. I might talk with other parents but not the school or coaches. I advised my son on how to interact with people in authority early on. From the best I can tell, he has adapted well at the AFA. The only thing that I can offer now is some occasional advice and encouragement. There is only a couple of topics left where I can add value.
No choice in life is going to be perfect. 100% of any major decision will result in policies put forth by others that you don't agree with. That said, just because I have an opinion doesn't mean I am intervening. Truth be told, I don't think it's a big deal to restrict refrigerators, golf clubs in the room etc. But that doesn't mean I don't understand why others have that opinion.
Who knows, maybe Wing77 has the same philosophy as I do. The way I read your tone is you are put him/her in the same box as "Mommy and Daddy" intervening. If so, I don't think it is productive to assume.
That said, I don't think the Academy has a "none of your business" philosophy. If they did, why bother with Parents weekend (going to their classroom and chatting with instructors), hiring a Parents’ Liaison at the Academy, encouraging parents group, etc? I suspect the Academy realizes there is a transition even if they are in the military. They also know that parents who are on-board (as I am) help with the end mission of training our future leaders.
So while I think academics should be
the focus of the Academy (while balancing the military discipline and sports team work), that doesn't mean I'm intervening just because I just posted these words. It simply means I have an opinion and I am discussing it with like minded people.