Inside the mind of West Point's class of 2009:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/200863/page/1
WaMom68 - Thanks so much for posting this article. West Point is doing it's job. These young 2nd Lt's have spent the past 47 months getting ready for this, and West Point has spent the past 47 months getting cadets ready to serve as platoon leaders in combat.
Anyone who thinks they are entering into their commitment blindly is mistaken. These young soldiers have spent the past 4 years surrounded by Army Officers and NCO's who have served in Combat. Many of the teachers at West Point who are Army Officers have done tours in the GWOT. Some of the Army Professors have taken leave from their professorships to serve in combat. West Point is a site for a Wounded Warrior Transition Unit. Cadets who work out in the gym may find themselved working out next to a soldier who was wounded in combat.
Cadets are well aware of the sacrifices their classmates before them are making and have made - especially those who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. The point is - graduating cadets have not spent the past 4 years with their heads in the sand.
And yet they are eager to go do what their Country asks of them. Wow.
We should be in awe.
Congress requires 80% of West Point cadets to branch combat arms. Perhaps common sense would dictate that these would be cadets at the bottom of their class, those with no other choices. Fortunately that is not the case - in some cases Cadets are signing on for extra service obligation to have the opportuntity to serve in the infantry.
The facts about an Army career is that those who put themselves in harm's way are rewarded. Promotions are pretty quick for those who are serving in combat - many young officers are making Captain in 3 years now. Careerwise - volunteering to lead soldiers into combat is now and always has been a plus.
Does this make our young officers warmongers? Not at all. Listen to MacArthur's famous valedictory speech that he made during his last formal trip to West Point in 1962. It is timeless.
This is a war of counter-insurgency. It requires peacemaking and diplomacy of our young officers as much as warfighting.
Does it indicate they are living in a "euphoric state of mind"? Nope.
They are fully aware of the commitment, obligation and duty to which they are entering. West Point has done the job of fully preparing them.
The Army doesn't choose to fight in a war, they are ordered. Being willing to follow those orders to perform their Duty with Honor for their Country is awesome.