thinking about leaving

[trackandfield08]

Going back to the OP, I agree with LITS. To me, leaving the Academy because you realize that the service is just not for you is honorable. The people you would theoretically be leading aren't going to want leaders who are miserable and are doing it because they didn't want to be seen as quitters. I don't consider you a quitter for wanting to leave. I see you as someone who is mature and brave enough to realize what it is you truly want in life. If that's not the Navy or the Marine Corps, that's fine. Leaving the Academy does not mean you won't be very successful elsewhere. That being said, really talk to your chain of command and a chaplain/counselor. Be 100% sure that the decision is right for you before you finalize it.

As for taking up slots, that's crap. The OP earned his spot, the same as everyone else who is currently a part of 2016 at all the SAs. No one knows how they are going to feel about an SA or the stress involved until they go through it. To belittle people because they make the right decision for themselves is immature and unnecessary. The OP obviously came to this forum for support and to get his questions answered, not to have his character or actions questioned.

No offense to your DS's cadre icarus, but I find it disgusting that they would do that, and in the presence of the people they are training. In my opinion, that is not a reflection of good leadership. That mindset exists because that is the example some people in positions of authority set. As someone who just had their cadre experience, I sat with many trainees who wanted to leave. I would talk to them and ask if they were sure. If they were, the trainee was sent to talk to our Company Chief and then went through outprocessing as a part of Zulu platoon. I never once had any hard feelings towards any of them. I still talk to some of them today, making sure they're moving on with their lives in a positive way. I'm glad they figured it out earlier, rather than later.


Good luck with your decision rhaley9!

 

[Hurricane12]

During BCT my DS's two room mates quit and outprocessed. It was just a matter of days.
My DS sent me broken name plates from their rooms and explained that it was stomped on by the cadre for wasting slots that could have been filled by countless worthy applicants who were turned away. My DS instructed me to mail him back the shattered name plates when and if he mentions anything about leaving to remind him how they felt about those who signed up and quit. Hopefully as motivation to not do the same.
The application process is long and tedious. It's not a snap decision to enter any SA. To change one's mind because of whatever reason they just thought of now is just plainly a waste of time of the academy and everyone else that facilitated the acceptance.
At any rate, it's better to decide to quit now than later. Good luck to you and your hopefully your making the right decision that you won't regret later.

I'm sorry, but that's complete BS. I'm sure there were applicants who were turned away who could have been successful...were also applicants turned away who would have dropped out. The admissions board doesn't have some crystal ball that says who's going to drop out and who's going to make O-10.

Fun fact: out of the three kids from my class & company who didn't graduate (out of 41 to start), you would have pegged at least two (and probably the third, but I don't know a whole lot about his background) of them as "deserving" to be there based on their high school records. Some of the kids who stay or leave surprise you but at the end of the day, all of them earned their spot and it was theirs to keep or lose. Assuming anything else is self-righteous speculation.

 

[icarus]

I'm sorry, but that's complete BS. I'm sure there were applicants who were turned away who could have been successful...were also applicants turned away who would have dropped out. The admissions board doesn't have some crystal ball that says who's going to drop out and who's going to make O-10.

Fun fact: out of the three kids from my class & company who didn't graduate (out of 41 to start), you would have pegged at least two (and probably the third, but I don't know a whole lot about his background) of them as "deserving" to be there based on their high school records. Some of the kids who stay or leave surprise you but at the end of the day, all of them earned their spot and it was theirs to keep or lose. Assuming anything else is self-righteous speculation.

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. You may think it's complete BS and that's your prerogative. There are upperclassmen that think otherwise. I just thought of sharing what little experience I've had about how easy it is to outprocess and that if any phlebe/doolie really wanted to, it's does'nt take too long. It may even serve as fair warning to future applicants who are trying to get in for the wrong reasons.
Good luck to your future endeavors rhaley9.

 

[karendeters]

I'm sorry you feel that way. I guess I'm wondering; however, how you could have possibly, in good conscience, applied without the desire to serve. You took a slot someone with that desire could have been given.

 

[GoSox]

I'm sorry you feel that way. I guess I'm wondering; however, how you could have possibly, in good conscience, applied without the desire to serve. You took a slot someone with that desire could have been given.

Give it a rest. As others have said, the reality of military life causes some people to re-examine their motivation, goals, and life path. Attrition is built into the system. How does your post trying to guilt trip the kid and/or attack his/her character help matters?

 

[MMMom]

I don't know what your situation is at home, but if you were my child I would hope you would come to me and discuss the situation and your feelings about staying vs. leaving. I would probably ask you to stick it out for the first year and after that year let you make the decision you feel was best for you. You will be in a much more equipped to make an informed decision after you have been there longer, and you will also then have a year of college under your belt to take with you, as well as some good and bad memories, and hopefully a few new friends. I'm sure it wouldn't be the most fun year of your life, but I DO think it would put you in a better position to either stay or walk away without regrets. And for the record, I would give the same advice if you were at a civilian school... Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

 

[LineInTheSand]

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. You may think it's complete BS and that's your prerogative. There are upperclassmen that think otherwise.

They wouldn't be the first upperclassmen to be wrong.

My opinion, having been an underclassman, upperclassman and officer.... breaking nametags is unprofessional (as well as destruction of govt. property.)

 

[LineInTheSand]

I'm sorry you feel that way. I guess I'm wondering; however, how you could have possibly, in good conscience, applied without the desire to serve. You took a slot someone with that desire could have been given.

I have no patience for the "you took someone's slot".


If that someone had done better through their high school days, that slot would be theirs. They have no one to blame but themselves (or others who are just superior to them) for being "second string" in the selection process.

 

[usna1985]

Folks,

This thread because has turned into a debate about whether the OP should or shouldn't leave and the views of various posters about individuals who decide to leave a SA.

Please remember, the OP wanted to know HOW he should go about separating -- and that has been answered. The OP did NOT ask our opinions on his decision. Nonetheless, he has received more than sufficient views on the subject and I don't see that continuing this discussion benefits him or anyone else. Thus, I've decided to close the thread.

As always, if someone wants to start a separate thread about the pros and cons of leaving a SA, etc., you are free to do so.

Thank you.