Politics and academy life

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Woop199

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As I continue to wait to hear back from admissions, my curiosity grows as to how politics have infiltrated education and as to what the experience is like at the Naval Academy in its current climate. During these times in particular, I’m worried that my moderate conservative views might be frowned upon at most universities that I’ve been looking at. For this reason I’ve even decided to rule a few out in the process, in fear that I might be excluded or looked down upon for my core values/ Christian oriented morals. That being said, it worries me a bit being in a military environment where mutual comraderie and bonds make all the difference in the world, to have views that might move me down the totem pole in eyes of superiors and peers alike. Is the Navy the right place for me right now? I’ve heard a variety of worrisome stories and I’d greatly appreciate any feedback that might be helpful to guide my decision.
 
Woop199 said:
As I continue to wait to hear back from admissions, my curiosity grows as to how politics have infiltrated education and as to what the experience is like at the Naval Academy in its current climate. During these times in particular, I’m worried that my moderate conservative views might be frowned upon at most universities that I’ve been looking at. For this reason I’ve even decided to rule a few out in the process, in fear that I might be excluded or looked down upon for my core values/ Christian oriented morals. That being said, it worries me a bit being in a military environment where mutual comraderie and bonds make all the difference in the world, to have views that might move me down the totem pole in eyes of superiors and peers alike. Is the Navy the right place for me right now? I’ve heard a variety of worrisome stories and I’d greatly appreciate any feedback that might be helpful to guide my decision.
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Conservative mids share this fear. They tend to remain quiet about political views.
 
Woop199 said:
As I continue to wait to hear back from admissions, my curiosity grows as to how politics have infiltrated education and as to what the experience is like at the Naval Academy in its current climate. During these times in particular, I’m worried that my moderate conservative views might be frowned upon at most universities that I’ve been looking at. For this reason I’ve even decided to rule a few out in the process, in fear that I might be excluded or looked down upon for my core values/ Christian oriented morals. That being said, it worries me a bit being in a military environment where mutual comraderie and bonds make all the difference in the world, to have views that might move me down the totem pole in eyes of superiors and peers alike. Is the Navy the right place for me right now? I’ve heard a variety of worrisome stories and I’d greatly appreciate any feedback that might be helpful to guide my decision.
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From my understanding, engaging a lot in politics is something that is frowned upon in the military, unless you are an Admiral/General and that is your job. Every military service member serves the President of the United States, Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative. Ensuring that our military remains a trust institution and does not become a political issue (like how funding for law enforcement has recently) is critical and requires all those who serve to remain apolitical and not have appeared to have a conflict of interest. Ultimately in your career in the military, you will serve under Presidents of both parties and your political views must not interfere with your professional military duties. As such, it is frowned upon to engage and support certain political candidates/parties when in uniform and acting as a military service member.

That being said, everyone is likely to have opinions on things, especially controversial things like politics. Don't be someone who talks politics every time you see someone and you should be fine. As far as religion goes, that shouldn't be something you should worry about.
 
“Stories” is a key word in your post. They are hearsay. Unless you have observed something yourself, first-hand, in context, you don’t have all the facts in hand.

You are going to meet a wide variety of people with a wide variety of beliefs in this world. You cannot avoid them. Be who you are, live by your core values and press on. Most of your classmates and company mates will care that you are a “decent mid,” who holds up his or her end in team situations, helps others, and doesn’t succumb to hubris. You will meet plenty of mids who don’t spend a minute thinking about politics or religion, and they too are decent people who will help you without a minute’s hesitation, because their core values power their actions. You’ll meet plenty of like-minded people. There are faith-based ECAs, community service groups, etc.

Show who you are by your actions. Be open to others’ thoughts and beliefs, and listen to understand first.
 
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Woop199 said:
As I continue to wait to hear back from admissions, my curiosity grows as to how politics have infiltrated education and as to what the experience is like at the Naval Academy in its current climate. During these times in particular, I’m worried that my moderate conservative views might be frowned upon at most universities that I’ve been looking at. For this reason I’ve even decided to rule a few out in the process, in fear that I might be excluded or looked down upon for my core values/ Christian oriented morals. That being said, it worries me a bit being in a military environment where mutual comraderie and bonds make all the difference in the world, to have views that might move me down the totem pole in eyes of superiors and peers alike. Is the Navy the right place for me right now? I’ve heard a variety of worrisome stories and I’d greatly appreciate any feedback that might be helpful to guide my decision.
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All that being said though, I think that the academies "lean" more conservative especially more than other schools.
 
Dr. Strange Love said:
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What’s odd or wrong with being a Conscientious Conservative and a Christian?

Our daughter is there. She’s a Christian and even keeled.
.
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Where I live, in Texas of all places, you’d be surprised at some of the horrible comments and actions people have taken towards certain demographics. It’s definitely more good than bad around here, just something that provokes a bit of caution in my college search from personal experience.
 
Woop199 said:
Where I live, in Texas of all places, you’d be surprised at some of the horrible comments and actions people have taken towards certain demographics. It’s definitely more good than bad around here, just something that provokes a bit of caution in my college search from personal experience.
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And where I live in Connecticut, I've had it as well. Just ignore what they have to say and focus on the values you believe in and stand for and the country you are defending as an officer in the military.
 
Aviator25 said:
And where I live in Connecticut, I've had it as well. Just ignore what they have to say and focus on the value you believe in and stand for and want to defend in the military.
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Part of it plays into who nominates you too I guess. Seeing that you're from CT, other than the CT Representatives (who are all Democrats), you have both Blumenthal and Murphy who does the nominations so that would be a factor.
 
USNA2025Prospect said:
Part of it plays into who nominates you too I guess. Seeing that you're from CT, other than the CT Representatives (who are all Democrats), you have both Blumenthal and Murphy who does the nominations so that would be a factor.
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Sorry, I'm not understanding what your saying.
 
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