Will I get docked for bringing up politics?

Nomak54

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Mar 27, 2018
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Hi, I'm a reapplicant to USMA. I currently major in pol sci and I hope to go to USMA, major in Law, eventually attend law school and become a JAG officer.

Currently, a LOT of my EC's include something political related. I'm worried because I understand that the military is supposed to be political. I'm currently in NROTC and for our ball they tried to get a certain special speaker but the leadership decided against it because because he was a congressman and "they wanted to stay away from politics." So will it look bad if pretty much all of my current EC's are about politics? If it's any consideration, two of the main campaigns I intern with are ironically West Point grads. We have a lot of West Pointers/army vets in our network.
 
Hi, I'm a reapplicant to USMA. I currently major in pol sci and I hope to go to USMA, major in Law, eventually attend law school and become a JAG officer.

Currently, a LOT of my EC's include something political related. I'm worried because I understand that the military is supposed to be political. I'm currently in NROTC and for our ball they tried to get a certain special speaker but the leadership decided against it because because he was a congressman and "they wantedould be se to stay away from politics." So will it look bad if pretty much all of my current EC's are about politics? If it's any consideration, two of the main campaigns I intern with are ironically West Point grads. We have a lot of West Pointers/army vets in our network.
Politically oriented extracurricular activities should not be a problem as long as they are mainstream; membership in ANTIFA or Neo-Nazi groups might gather unwanted attention, but traditional Democratic/Republican activities shouldn't be an issue. As always, leadership positions in any activity are important.
 
My son was invited to Turning Point USA in DC for a conference for high school leaders. He put it on his application and nomination without a problem.
 
Political Science Studies do not lock you into ascribing to a particular political party or bent.

It is about understanding the process - not aligning your beliefs with a particular party's.
 
"Will I get docked for bringing up politics"? "will it look bad if pretty much all of my current EC's are about politics"?

In my opinion, the answer to both questions is no. I would recommend that you don't bring it up until asked and when you do, be prepared to support and defend any position you may espouse. Uninformed opinions, biases, and other sophomoric positions on any subject reflect poorly on any interviewee.
 
I started a politics club at my high school and ran a couple political events, worked with politicians, etc. It did not hinder my admissions process. In fact, the knowledge was very helpful in nomination interviews and continues to be helpful now.

The UCMJ does not forbid political expression, so long as you are out of uniform and are not making charged political speeches as a representative of the U.S. military. It encourages participation in democracy as defending it is our purpose, yes?

Refrain from polarized political statements--but there is definitely no issue being political.
 
Just an offhand thought...….I believe last Branch Night (Class of 2019) only a very small handful of Firsties Branched into Legal Related Branches. https://www.westpointaog.org/branchnightclassof2019 If you opt to attend WP and want to end up a JAG, be prepared to Branch some sort of Combat Arms, serve 3 or 4 years (minimum) in the field then apply for FLEP, Attend Law School (to be eligible for FLEP you have to be accepted at a Law School), Pass the Bar, then attend JAG School, all with an additional service obligation. Basically be prepared to make the Army your career since you will be past the ten year mark (5yr SA obligation, 5yr Law/JAG school, 5 yr additional service obligation) by the time everything is done.
If you only desire Law and being in the JAG Corps research the whole USMA v AROTC thing, you will find out that you could get a 4 yr AROTC Scholarship, Commission in the National Guard or Reserves and attend Law School (on your dime or via scholarship) immediately after Commissioning and still doing any reserve duties and incur no additional service obligation, then Direct Commission into the Regular Army as a JAG.

JMHO.......don't necessarily plan to graduate WP, and automatically become a JAG, even with a Legal Affairs Major. Lots of things change and there is fierce competition for the FLEP Program. I think I saw someplace that something north of 70% of new JAG's are Direct Commissioned, maybe even higher. Only 25 AD Army members annually get accepted into FLEP, so it is definitely not a given...:) Good Luck with whichever direction you decide on.
 
When you talk about your political ECs, can you talk about them in terms of accomplishments?

Led voter registration drive where 50 people were registered, Canvassed for Congress candidate, organized speakers for club, participated in policy debates.
 
When you talk about your political ECs, can you talk about them in terms of accomplishments?

Led voter registration drive where 50 people were registered, Canvassed for Congress candidate, organized speakers for club, participated in policy debates.

I did similar things; created politics club, voter drives, organized politicians as speakers for club and school, canvassed, helped author a bill for the State, organized and ran a March For Our Lives (apolitically), Girls State, and a bunch of other things that I'm probably forgetting. I liked to be involved and help where I could. I received a couple awards throughout that I put on my application--but I valued the club more.
 
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