This article is just silly.
The different views have much to do with generation gaps
That's correct. In my opinion, past generations had more pride. Today's cadets and Mids are less locked on than ever before. The administration, while not necessarily condoning it, does little to correct it. USAFA for example... doolies don't have to carry backpacks the first year, and no longer have to walk on the strips. Girls can wear hair longer than ever. Wing PT consequences have been cut severely. Marching with cap up or down? Who cares?
Look at the rifles in a USNA parade, never are they uniform. Gloves on? Gloves off. Texting in formation? Give me a break.
The academies are much kinder and gentler than ever before, and in my opinion may not be producing the quality of officers than in years past.
Academies are trying very hard to attract candidates that they have determined are needed to make the academies look more like the service they represent. Perhaps they don't want to be too harsh and turn off candidates.
When the academies lose all sense of tradition they will be just like other colleges, and I fear they will be phased out in favor of ROTC.
Sorry if my comments offend, but I truly love the academies, and respect them because it is such an ordeal that special kids are willing to endure for the love of their country. I fear it's slipping away.