So, it is free: Polite and meaningful answer

emwvmi01 said:
I understand the arguments for "not free' due to the commitment piece but would resist the urge to go to far with that. I think the answer goes hand in hand with what a senior leader I worked for says in response to "Thanks for your service" "It is a privilege to serve". The bottom line is we all volunteer for this and the education benefit is a significant contribution by the taxpayer along with a good salary and benefits plan upon commissioning. The American people more than adequately compensate us to do what we sign up to do (and most of us enjoy a lot). That isn't the case even with some of our closest allies and partners. So in response to is it free than I would say "Yes and then you are privileged to serve 4/5 or 8 years upon graduation leading Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen/Marines/Coast Guardsmen".
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Ohhhh, I don't know; I agree but only to a degree. We volunteer knowing that it's a lifestyle most couldn't handle. Sometimes *we* can't handle it. I am not saying we're not compensated enough - we are. But the lifestyle we live is far from "normal" and brings along stressors that the avereage civilian would likely sue over. We (both members and families) give up things that people shake their heads at and can only imagine; time, relationships, friendships, homes, profits, spouses careers, good schooling, livable accomodations, etc. etc. and on and on. I'm not whining; I wouldn't know what to do in a "normal" civilian lifestyle (tho it's right around the corner, sooo.....) but it's definitely not *just* a good salary and benefits plan. Our allies and partners do not require the sacrifices and commitments we do simply because of their size and scope of responsibility. It's a good life for most - but the "free education" argument only goes so far after 25 years living the life. Again - I have loved it overall but it's def not without it's grumble-worthy issues.
 
rdhdstpchld said:
i used to tease dh about his 'free' education bc I was ROTC (always good natured and in jest; I've always been jealous actually); his response was always "yeah, shoved up my a$$ one nickel at a time" -- he absolutely loved his SA time, but it's apparently a common reply among that crowd. LOL!
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Excellent!
 
Monarchs'19 said:
Like any other parents, we are very proud, happy and humble that our DS decided to be part of the noble cause of serving the country and ready to continue the family legacy to service.

Now that neighbors, friends and others getting to know of his appointment to West Point, I was wondering what would be a polite and meaningful answer to a question "so... it's free education?" without offending anyone asking this. I'm sure, they don't have bad intention, but, the way it comes out dampens all the commitment factor to reach to this point and beyond 4 years at the academy.

Congratulations to all the cadets/midshipman c/o 2023 and well wishes for the continued success.
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Ha! At least they understand attending a service academy. I've literally had to tell people to google my kids school because of questions like " He was so smart. I was really surprised he enlisted." I've learned to just reply kindly and go on. There are some pretty hilarious threads on this forum about funny questions :) It's all part of the adventure.
 
boatsfordays said:
Ha! At least they understand attending a service academy. I've literally had to tell people to google my kids school because of questions like " He was so smart. I was really surprised he enlisted." I've learned to just reply kindly and go on. There are some pretty hilarious threads on this forum about funny questions :) It's all part of the adventure.
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That makes me remember this one conversation with my friend. When I told her that I'm going to USNA and explained about plebe summer, she said, "oh my brother is going to enlist! You guys might meet in the summer training thing! So...do you go somewhere in the wild to train and all?" I was like "...."
 
Honestly, the asker's perspective matters. A college education at a public university costs well over 100,000 dollars...many parent will share in these costs.

To them - the service academy is free.

My advice is to simply express how proud you are. That's it.
 
Wore a West Point sweatshirt to work one day... boss asked, “Isn’t that, that Lutheran school in [insert nearby county]”?
I chuckled inside, but was a bit relieved when my coworker turned around to reply to me behind his back, “...I was like isn’t it that Army school??”

Needless to say, it’s not uncommon for people in areas that aren’t close to the academies to not even have a clue what they are.
 
I have a neighbor who is truly a great person. He mentioned how when he has parties at his house it is filled with folks wearing UVA, GWU, NYU, BU and Ivy League wear . . . But when he comes to my house, folks have clean haircuts and are wearing West Point, Naval Academy, USAFA, VMI, Citadel, etc. attire ... He gets it ... We are a different crowd ... But once they figure it out, it is usually the start of a meaningful conversation ...
 
I just say sure and please say a prayer for her and her fellow servicemen and women. Also the comment "Thank you for their service." Again I say thank you for your prayers."
 
USMCGrunt said:
Let’s not forget than when a special young person walks into a recruiting station and takes the oath they too serve 3 -5 years without the benefit of this education.
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Not necessarily true - serving makes them GI bill eligible so they *can* get a free education - if they want the USAFA education they can get that too -
 
Devil Doc said:
Freedom ain’t free.
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Thought of sharing the results of a good, polite and yet meaningful answer to this critical question. When asked, my first line is "Freedom ain’t free". Short and sweet.
After that, either he changes the topic or gets highly involved in learning more about it and starts showing their appreciation. I learned to end the topic by saying "we are very proud that he decided to sacrifice for others and to continue the family legacy of service.

Thanks @Devil Doc
 
Thanks @Monarchs'19 Freedom is what makes this country exceptional. Freedom makes this a great country. When moaners moan about FA-18 noise I respond with “The sounds of freedom.” I live just through the woods from Quantico where we are treated to the boom of artillery and the distinct sound of the M-2 Browning machine gun. Again the complainers get, “That’s the sounds of freedom.”

Congrats to your son and your family.
 
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