What will you do after?

[Gray Hog]

Tom's advice is very sound.

I went to West Point certain that I wanted to be an Infantry officer and left as an Aviator. Your perceptions and interests change as you learn and grow.

I know it is hard to get your head around now, but as you make branch/assignment decisions, you should also consider not only life after West Point, but also life after the Army. Even if you make a career of the Army and retire at 20 (or more) years, you will need to start a second career at a fairly young age. It can come as a rude awakening for some who have had very successful Army careers as combat arms officers that much of what they did in the military is not particularly valuable on a civilian resume.

Don't misunderstand me, a USMA diploma is quite valuable and opens a lot of doors. However, that education only goes so far. Being an officer demonstrates leadership and managerial skills, but companies are also looking for experience that directly relates to their industry. I had no interest in acquisition while I was a company-grade officer and I would have found the notion of pursuing such a path absolutely laughable (if not shameful) as a cadet. However, the SA grads I have seen step out of the military directly into high-paying defense industry jobs are those who worked acquisition in the building. Those with purely "field" assignments often have to start much further down the ladder and spend years trying to catch up.

Believe it or not, one day, you too will be concerned about paying for your own children's college educations, weddings, and a comfortable retirement. "Hooah" is great when you are young and single and thinking near-term, but it doesn't go very far when you are more mature, with family responsibilities, and looking long-term.

 

[2012Cadet]

OK, here goes:

Your

Your is the second person possessive adjective, used to describe something as belonging to you. Your is nearly always followed by a noun.

What is your name?

Is this your pen?

Your book is on the table.

This is your chair and this is mine.

What happened to your dog?

Your being here is causing some problems.​

You're

You're is the contraction of "you are" and is often followed by the present participle (verb form ending in -ing).

You're going to be late.

Is that what you're wearing?

I think you're lying.

If you're ready, we can go.

I can't believe you're a doctor!

When you're my age, you'll understand.​

The Bottom Line

The confusion between your and you're occurs because the two words are pronounced pretty much the same.

The ironclad rule - no exceptions - is that if you're able to replace the word with "you are," you're saying you're. Otherwise, your only choice is your.

If you want to be technical and point minute stuff out, then right back at you.

"OK, here goes:" is not a complete sentence and does not use correct grammar.

"OK, here we go" would be the proper English to use.

When to use "goes":

Example: He goes to the park.




So please...don't be a smart allex. That is all.

 

[2012Cadet]

Cadet2012 - someday you will "get it". For now, just go along with the kind advice you are given here.

No, really...please enlighten me. I'd love to see what's wrong with what I'm saying.

 

[2012Cadet]

Ok i'd first like to thank Scout pilot and AF (given he's still a cadet) for their service!!! Both of your posts have been informative and beneficial. and again, Thank you.

For the record. There are no such things as "apparent veterans". You are or your not, and Scout is.

2012 - I used to be alot like you and thought I knew a whole lot. Trust me from personal experience, your world will get rocked. I dont know if your going to SLS or not, but even that is not even a glimpse of what reality at the academy is like, much less even the military. The special ops world that your interested in is quite a place, and if you can make it there, bravo. But its not a movie like BHD or Tears of the sun, or like a Tom Clancy book. MY ADVICE, just as you get closer and closer, use your ears more than your mouth (in this case your fingers!) and you will be surprised at what you will take in. Dont take this offensively, but advice is always good


As for me, after graduating in 2014, I'd like to get a posting with the 173rd Airborne over in Italy.

I never stated "I knew a whole lot" or anything like it. I am simply inquiring as to why they think what I'm saying is so bad. Anyways, nothing you addressed me with is new news to me (no offense).

 

[SeaMars]

"OK, here goes:" is not a complete sentence and does not use correct grammar.

Sorry - Luigi is correct.
Answer: Implied subjects function in the same way overt subjects do.

- has been said throughout = implies the subject of "it" (what has been said.)
- behooves a man of his age = overtly refers to "a man of his age"
- As (it) <--(you do not need "it" in this as-clause) has been pointed out
See Strunk and White, Elements of Style.

"Anyways" is also poor grammar.

Here's what it is that's wrong:
AF, a current cadet with experience and very little spare time, tried to explain that making your "reach for the moon" ambitions public would be more likely to make you and your unit a target for the cadre.
In return, you offered a personal insult.

A posting thread in which you publicly chastised a naval admissions officer with twenty years' experience was removed.
You have been disrespectful to a number of current experienced people who are trying to help you and offer advice for which you have asked; in return, on a number of threads, you get defensive, or attack.
You have also posted a great deal of personal information about yourself; not a wise combination.

I, for one, plan to use the "ignore" button.

 

[Gray Hog]

I am simply inquiring as to why they think what I'm saying is so bad.

The mere fact that you can't see it speaks volumes about you.

Even taking into account your very young age, I can tell you that I do not see the level of maturity and bearing I would expect from a prospective SA candidate. In fact, I see someone who has a LOT of growing up to do if he hopes to have any chance at all of even securing a nomination, let alone surviving Plebe year.

From what I have read, you have been cut a LOT of slack here, but people seem to be tiring of the juvenile and disrespectful responses. You are treading a fine line with people you do not want to be against you. You may actually be worsening your chances at a nomination with every additional ill-advised keystroke.

I suggest that, before you type another word, you ask a parent or other responsible adult whose opinion you trust to read this thread from start to finish with you and have that person offer you their perspective on how you come across. Perhaps they will have some constructive feedback, which you will actually heed.

 

[2012Cadet]

The mere fact that you can't see it speaks volumes about you.

Even taking into account your very young age, I can tell you that I do not see the level of maturity and bearing I would expect from a prospective SA candidate. In fact, I see someone who has a LOT of growing up to do if he hopes to have any chance at all of even securing a nomination, let alone surviving Plebe year.

From what I have read, you have been cut a LOT of slack here, but people seem to be tiring of the juvenile and disrespectful responses. You are treading a fine line with people you do not want to be against you. You may actually be worsening your chances at a nomination with every additional ill-advised keystroke.

I suggest that, before you type another word, you ask a parent or other responsible adult whose opinion you trust to read this thread from start to finish with you and have that person offer you their perspective on how you come across. Perhaps they will have some constructive feedback, which you will actually heed.

And yet you've still failed to say "why". The reason: you have none. "Juvenile and disrespectful." Please point out as to where you see this...the only thing I have done so far is respond to nonsense posts from poeple like you who think they "scare" me. Your post, in fact, speaks volumes about you.

 

[Szpieg]

Why has this turned into a grammar lesson...=[

Gray Hog, if I get accepted into West Point, I would love to do Aviation. Can you enlighten me on how it is?

 

[2012Cadet]

Sorry - Luigi is correct. [/B]
Answer: Implied subjects function in the same way overt subjects do.

- has been said throughout = implies the subject of "it" (what has been said.)
- behooves a man of his age = overtly refers to "a man of his age"
- As (it) <--(you do not need "it" in this as-clause) has been pointed out
See Strunk and White, Elements of Style.

"Anyways" is also poor grammar.

Here's what it is that's wrong:
AF, a current cadet with experience and very little spare time, tried to explain that making your "reach for the moon" ambitions public would be more likely to make you and your unit a target for the cadre.
In return, you offered a personal insult.

A posting thread in which you publicly chastised a naval admissions officer with twenty years' experience was removed.
You have been disrespectful to a number of current experienced people who are trying to help you and offer advice for which you have asked; in return, on a number ofthreads, you get defensive, or attack.
You have also posted a great deal of personal information about yourself; not a wise combination.

I, for one, plan to use the "ignore" button.

So, what would I do...lie if a cadre asked me my ambitions and compromise honesty, a core military value? Really, now...

I see no personal information you speak of, and if I were you, I would suggest finding a new hobby other than stalking strangers to figure out their names are.

 

[Gray Hog]

And yet you've still failed to say "why". The reason: you have none. "Juvenile and disrespectful." Please point out as to where you see this...the only thing I have done so far is respond to nonsense posts from poeple like you who think they "scare" me. Your post, in fact, speaks volumes about you.

Son, I am not interested in trying to scare you; I was merely giving you some very sound advice. I bet your Mom or Dad would agree with me. Why don't you ask one of them what they think?

 

[2012Cadet]

Why has this turned into a grammar lesson...=[

Because people are mad at me for questioning them, and when one feels the need to because of anger or other emotions of the like, they naturally point out whatever flaws, however minute, they can find.

 

[sturner11]

So, what would I do...lie if a cadre asked me my ambitions and compromise honesty, a core military value? Really, now...

I see no personal information you speak of, and if I were you, I would suggest finding a new hobby other than stalking strangers to figure out their names are.

Why do you think you know more about the Military than those actually in it? You should probably forget about trying to join the military if you are this arrogant.

 

[Gray Hog]

Why has this turned into a grammar lesson...=[

Gray Hog, if I get accepted into West Point, I would love to do Aviation. Can you enlighten me on how it is?

I would be very happy to offer you my insights regarding the Aviation branch. However, may I ask that you start a new thread on that topic? I believe I am done with this thread.

 

[SeaMars]

Good advice on all points, Gray Hog. Agreed.

 

[goldfarb1]

Wow 8 pages of this...

I think we all get the point.

1. Nothing is wrong with wanting to do super cool, super secret military stuff for your career (heck, someones gotta do it!), just keep it quiet.
2. Career plans change. May go in wanting to do X but leave with Y.
3. Once a point is made, end of discussion.
4. Let's not get defensive when given advice. If you don't like advice given to you, don't ask for it in the first place.
5. Respect your elders. I agree, we don't need to get all technical with grammar here as these are just forums for free-flowing conversation but responding to luigi59 like that was uncalled for.
6. The military is all about rep. Look into astronaut girl/guy at USAFA (i think?) and you'll understand. Heck, just today I looked at something in the off-topic section where an ensign demanded to be called by her title to a senior officer. Email ended up getting spread to everyone and their mother.

/End of thread

 

[2012Cadet]

I would like to clarify illusions of what has happened on this thread.

First, I reply to the question of the post by saying this:

hey, that's awesome, man...me:

Infantry-->ranger school-->green beret-->delta-->?

aiming for the moon...

In response, AF posts this:

This is exactly the type of brutal stuff you want to keep to yourself...It's basically one of the top things you will get attention for and the cadre look for on facebook. The typical brutal "fresh out of high school I want to be a super delta ranger force guy and kick #$*" because of what they see in movies but have no idea what its really like.

In reply to AF, to try and clarify that I am not a "fresh out of high school I want to be a super delta ranger force guy and kick #$*" type person, as well as ask why he suddenly assumes everyone who posts high goals is such, I post this:

Anyways, I don't want to be it cause of a movie or anything of the like. I have no such illusions. My reason for deciding to want this is because I like to challenge myself beyond my limits and like what I've heard about the lifestyle (not from movies, but from past Special Forces operators). If cadre want to PT me for this, then that's their problem. Selection will weed out those not motivated or have the bad reasons you stated...don't discourage others before they even think or think you know someone just cause of what they say on an Internet forum.

Then, all these other people come in and start arguing with, when all I've been asking is the same question: what's wrong with being honest?

 

[Szpieg]

Wow 8 pages of this...

I think we all get the point.

1. Nothing is wrong with wanting to do super cool, super secret military stuff for your career (heck, someones gotta do it!), just keep it quiet.
2. Career plans change. May go in wanting to do X but leave with Y.
3. Once a point is made, end of discussion.
4. Let's not get defensive when given advice. If you don't like advice given to you, don't ask for it in the first place.
5. Respect your elders. I agree, we don't need to get all technical with grammar here as these are just forums for free-flowing conversation but responding to luigi59 like that was uncalled for.
6. The military is all about rep. Look into astronaut girl/guy at USAFA (i think?) and you'll understand. Heck, just today I looked at something in the off-topic section where an ensign demanded to be called by her title to a senior officer. Email ended up getting spread to everyone and their mother.

/End of thread

LIKE yeah i guess this thread is contaminated with this...

 

[linkgmr]

And yet you've still failed to say "why". The reason: you have none. "Juvenile and disrespectful." Please point out as to where you see this...the only thing I have done so far is respond to nonsense posts from poeple like you who think they "scare" me. Your post, in fact, speaks volumes about you.

These people aren't against you. They are trying to help you. You are not doing yourself any favors by continuing to post in this thread.

As for why people are saying these things...

You seem to think you are unbreakable in a mental sense, if not a physical one. This simply isn't true. Everybody has a breaking point. Everybody has a limit to what he or she can take. There are no superheroes or supersoldiers. If you think otherwise, you are going to get a rude awakening, whether it be at USMA or anywhere.

You seem to think that your admission to USMA is more or less assured. It doesn't work that way, and it is arrogant to assume otherwise. Fact of the matter is, there were more people who deserved to get into SAs this year than were actually accepted, far more. It is my impression that luck, I.E., where you live and how competitive your district/state is has as much, if not more to do with whether or not you get an appointment than what your actual qualifications are.

On another note...I didn't think you could even BE an officer and a Delta Force Operator. 18As are one thing, but, as I understood it, only enlisted guys could even attend Delta Force selection. Could be wrong, though.

And I have a question for 2012 - Why would you even tell a cadre member your long term goal of being an operator when you know the act of doing so might cause them to PT not just you, but your buddies as well? I mean, if it were just you, that's one thing, but if you're putting your buddies on the line just so you can look hard.... I'm sorry, but that just doesn't seem like something a good leader does.

 

[2012Cadet]

Wow 8 pages of this...

I think we all get the point.

1. Nothing is wrong with wanting to do super cool, super secret military stuff for your career (heck, someones gotta do it!), just keep it quiet.
2. Career plans change. May go in wanting to do X but leave with Y.
3. Once a point is made, end of discussion.
4. Let's not get defensive when given advice. If you don't like advice given to you, don't ask for it in the first place.
5. Respect your elders. I agree, we don't need to get all technical with grammar here as these are just forums for free-flowing conversation but responding to luigi59 like that was uncalled for.
6. The military is all about rep. Look into astronaut girl/guy at USAFA (i think?) and you'll understand. Heck, just today I looked at something in the off-topic section where an ensign demanded to be called by her title to a senior officer. Email ended up getting spread to everyone and their mother.

/End of thread

1. I will...unless I am asked, so that I may practice honesty and remain honest.
3. True, true:

what's wrong with being honest?

4.That's the thing...I never asked for AF to say what he did.
5. I'll admit, then...I'm sorry, I just didn't appreciate the "smart-allec-y" tone is all.

 

[Szpieg]

Cool guys, I think this is resolved... can we close topic?