Im really happy to hear from grads/students. As a parent it makes my wonder about having my son go there. That article only intensified our efforts to redirect away from West Point. A WP grad at my church only has very good things to say about the academy. We r feeling better about the academies now.
I wonder is an academy grad at a disadvantage in the job market after finishing his/her commitment? He is in the application process at WP and Annapolis. He is being actively recruited for football at the IVYs but he is really interested in WP/Navy. Thoughts?
Apologies in advance for the long post. But since we were in similar position a year ago, I'll comment.
Please don't take this wrong, I don't mean to sound harsh.
But your comments sound it a bit like you are shopping schools. And that's the wrong way to view it. With the service academies you are really shopping careers. Or at least initial job.
Likewise, if you truly feel your son would be better positioned careerwise playing football for an Ivy than USMA or USNA, then the academies are likely not for them. And vice versa.
And there is a pretty big difference between the Army/Navy/Marine careers. Not in perqs, etc. But ultimately, can your son see himself in the Army, Navy, or Marine mission? Most when pinned down will admit preferences for one or the other.
Based on my son's short experience at USMA, I can tell you he feels he's exactly where he needs to be. With people he respects, from the Comm down to his squadmates. There are exceptions, but they are rare. (Blue Falcon's is the nickname for them). But his Yuk team leader, his first Sargent, his Platoon leader, his CO, his professors, with very rare exceptions, has nothing but good to say.
This is not an academic, or lifestyle preference. It's that he feels the USMA *method* is how he wants to prepare to be the best officer he can. And that his peers are the people he wants to serve with.
Are there differences between USMA & USNA? Sure. Some fairly large. But not anything that "perspective" article is current on. But both are almost identical when compared to civvy schools. That difference is huge.
DS had preferences after SLS & NASS. But was open to either, somewhat undecided. As parents we were leaning USNA. But it was his career, his choice. But overnights at both really cemented his decision. And as our parallel visits as parents completed, we saw differences ourselves and changed our views.
I still think if you want to do a 5 & dive to enter a technical career, USNA probably offers the strongest combination of academics and job experience. But if you plan to go career, or are looking for leadership, USMA cannot be beat. (My opionion only, of course)
It's the USMA method, largely referred to as the '98 changes which made upperclassman vested and responsible in the development of their subordinates. Kept and retooled traditions that made cadets better leaders. Reduced/eliminated those which did not. Huge difference.
So what was the difference we saw?? At USNA overnight visits plebes hid from upperclassman, and this was confirmed in discussions we had as parents with USNA new mids. Feared, not respected. At USMA, DS's experience on visits and as a plebe, was that they respect the upperclassmen and want to emulate them. This is not accidental, it's the USMA Method.
I have no doubt that in the '60/70's USMA plebes also feared the uppers. And that's the era the guy's article refers to. Even stories late 70's grads tell make my hair stand on end.
I also think USNA graduates good leaders, I know several. But I'm convinced USMA has the edge here. They made the right call in '98, no matter how many "the corps has" condescending comments heard from old grads.
OK, so you are interested and want to help guide your son. Read "Absolutely American" and "Duty First". You will get more insight into current USMA strengths and weaknesses. Even some of that has changed. But the variances are more from individual Commandant & company decisions, the policy and method are largely accurate.
Then visit both schools. Talk with Cadets, both plebes and Firsties. Explore careers. Visit the parents clubs for both in your state. Talk to parents of cadets. You'll find many parents of grads are still involved. Get their input on how the svc academy has positioned their kid. Talk with old grads. Skip the war stories, look for balance, poise, personal success at what they chose to do post military. These will tell you more than any forum post or web tell all ever will. (mine included)
I'll wrap up with this- if your son/daughter is not 100% convinced they want to be an Army/Navy officer, and that a service academy is the best route to do so, then make that decision early. The only thing worse than not getting in, is to get in and be miserable. Too much hard work, passion, and energy involved.
I have a son at a private civvy college. And one plebe at USMA. We are convinced both are where they are meant to be. Neither would do well at the other's school, or career choice. It would be doing them a disservice to push them one way or the other.
One last story- DS was walking down the sidewalk today on a duty errand. Ended up passing the Comm's house. Right as he passed, a mini-van pulled up, and out dashed a man in a suit to get in. DS realized it was the Comm, and saluted out of habit. As he was getting in, the Comm turned and asked where he was going. DS replied. Comm said "get in". Turned out they were headed the same place. As they entered the building, DS started up the stairs. Comm headed for the elevator, but then turned to DS and said "You are with me, take the elevator". And proceeded to give him pointers on presenting a speech someone else wrote. Then bid DS good morning, and went to his commitment.
All that said... does that act alone make USMA the place to be? No. But it's not a single act. This type of thing happens every day, at many levels. The mutual respect is intrinsic. The same Comm two star general will happily read cadets (and RA officers) the riot act when needed. DS has seen that from a distance as well.
