- Joined
- Sep 18, 2008
- Messages
- 745
I think CGA lost 14 cadets to something similar (can't remember the drug involved) a few years ago.
In 2009, my cadre class (2012) had 9 members kicked out of the Academy for cocaine use during their freshman year. One member was accused of using it on campus. They less than affectionately became known as the "Cocaine Class." Fortunately, the class worked hard to get rid of that reputation and succeeded. http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/...demy-Kicks-Out-9-for-Drug-Use---53952032.html
In 2012, 14 cadets from 2013 and 2014 (my class) were kicked out for using Spice or synthetic marijuana. I vividly remember the next Formal Room and Wing Inspection involving drug dogs walking up and down the passageways of Chase Hall. http://www.theday.com/article/20120110/NWS09/301109912
The public needs to realize that, while Service Academies are hailed for accepting the "Best and the Brightest," cadets and midshipman are not perfect and make mistakes. It would be foolish to say that this incident, whatever it is, won't garner negative attention from the media but that attention will only last so long. But it would be just as foolish for potential candidates and their parents to judge the entire Corps and institution of West Point for the lack of judgment portrayed by a few cadets.
On the bright side, at least West Point isn't charged with training future officers who will engage in counter-narcotics missions. Oh, the irony.