This from a NON USMA type. First, Scout was dead on accurate I thought.
Second...here's an example from "long ago." I'm a "firstie" at USAFA...and in a "dreaded" class: Physics 411, the final physics class and one known to destroy cadets.
My instructor? A USMA graduate who is, as he puts it, an "expert in the fine art of killing America's enemies on the ground: US Army Infantry." During our semester, it was NOT uncommon for him to bring in "toys" for us to learn about: claymore mines, grenades of various types, LAW rockets, etc...etc...and while teaching us like a bunch of newbie Army types, he would explain the physics involved in a "shaped charge" and how the energy was transfered and why a smaller amount would actually achieve a better result, etc...etc...etc...
IT WAS FASCINATING!!!
OH, why was a USMA type at USAFA? Because as he put it "you can't just play in the mud as an army officer, you need to better yourself in your career. Even you USAF types will learn this eventually." (Yeah, we had to deal with that for a semester)
But he was correct! So on his own (although knowing what I do now, it's probable the army at least paid for his education) he went a got a Masters of Physics, not something I'd initially think would be of great value to a "ground grunt." Now as an older officer/grad/experienced in life person, I know better.
And then he came to USAFA.
FYI...he was a superb instructor, really impressed all of us, and was a GREAT sport when we completely and totally utilized the ARMY technique of overwhelming ground superiority when we ambushed him just prior to the Army v Air Force Football game!
Of course, it was a bit disconcerting when taking the final for the class to see a Soviet T-62 tank silhouette and the "targeting picture" of an M72 LAW and the question: "You are XXX meters from this...where do you place the shot to disable the vehicle?" Or words to that effect...and there were a BUNCH of those type questions!!!
And I still passed the class!
And by passing that class, I graduated with my class! UNTIL that final, I wasn't scheduled...but that's another story!
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83