Appears more than just a few are involved by the latest news reports:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/201...lsd-cocaine-allegedly-bought-on-dark-web.html
From the article:
“Midshipmen sources estimated the number of students under investigation to be as high as roughly two-dozen, despite the lower official estimate. “
Would something like this affect the number of appointments for classes in the immediate future? Sorry, I don’t have a lot of empathy for dope dealers. Make way for some better men and women!
I wouldn't put much stock in the Fox article. The Bancroft Hall Rumor Mill has been running rampant the past few days, and I wouldn't put a lot of trust into midshipman sources.
Ugh. All of it. The thing that I wonder about is that, according to this article, the mid ‘ringleaders’ appear to be prior enlisted. Is this stuff a big problem enlisted? I have no clue. Hadn’t thought about DS having to manage this kind of thing as an officer someday.
Also got my first real lesson and understanding of Bitcoin. Wow.
That said, some prior enlisted who were stellar Marines and Sailors, smart as whips, who never would have considered misconduct back at their unit, arrive at USNA and feel wrong-footed. They are older, some with combat experience, and they are treated the same as 17 year olds just out of HS, and they have had to give up their apartment, car, live-in GF or BF, can’t have a beer even if they are 21, are going through boot camp all over again, and their younger roommates are likely to have been everything in HS they may not have been in terms of achievements. Most have a great sense of humor, get through it and are natural leaders. Some develop a “too cool for school” chip on their shoulder, and engage in petty misconduct, or, sadly, use that leadership ability and brains to do more serious stuff.
I get your point, and agree that there are plenty in other officer programs , and non-military that are every bit as good and bright. However, I won't retire the phrase as that should be the objective of all our Officer accession programs, to attract the best and brightest we can get. My point is the system doesn't always work, but it should't take away from all the very good Midshipman, or deter good candidates from applying.
Any word on how many involved ? It's obviously being held pretty close to the vest, as I don't seen any press yet.
I also have to say, having a prior enlisted roommate can be a great thing. At OCS, my prior roommate had all the Navy slang, rack-making science, shoe-shining technology and room inspection secrets down. I helped her when she struggled with engineering, navigation, pull-ups and swimming. Back then, it wasn’t called “EI for extra instruction” or “remedial” if you were assigned extra sessions; it was called Stupid Swim or Stupid Nav. Less kind era.
Sorry for the thread diversion. I have had great experiences with the enlisted military community, and recall many superb prior enlisted from USNA from my tour there. I hate seeing the actions of a few spatter mud on many who are blameless.
Ugh. All of it. The thing that I wonder about is that, according to this article, the mid ‘ringleaders’ appear to be prior enlisted. Is this stuff a big problem enlisted? I have no clue. Hadn’t thought about DS having to manage this kind of thing as an officer someday.
Initially Plebe summer was mentally challenging for my prior service DD for the reasons you listed. She was a combat vet listening to cadets younger than her tell her about the real Army, some “silly rules” and learn the West Point way. Lost her ability to just be able to do what she wants after duty and had to hand me the keys to her Jeep on R-Day. That one hurt.I also have to say, having a prior enlisted roommate can be a great thing. At OCS, my prior roommate had all the Navy slang, rack-making science, shoe-shining technology and room inspection secrets down. I helped her when she struggled with engineering, navigation, pull-ups and swimming. Back then, it wasn’t called “EI for extra instruction” or “remedial” if you were assigned extra sessions; it was called Stupid Swim or Stupid Nav. Less kind era.
Sorry for the thread diversion. I have had great experiences with the enlisted military community, and recall many superb prior enlisted from USNA from my tour there. I hate seeing the actions of a few spatter mud on many who are blameless.
I get your point, and agree that there are plenty in other officer programs , and non-military that are every bit as good and bright. However, I won't retire the phrase as that should be the objective of all our Officer accession programs, to attract the best and brightest we can get. My point is the system doesn't always work, but it should't take away from all the very good Midshipman, or deter good candidates from applying.
Any word on how many involved ? It's obviously being held pretty close to the vest, as I don't seen any press yet.
The best and the brightest as originally used is not a compliment. It refers to failures in the Vietnam war era introduction for the 20th-anniversary edition of “The Best and the Brightest,” his classic history of the hubristic J.F.K. team that would ultimately mire America in Vietnam. He noted that the book’s title had entered the language, but not quite as he had hoped. “It is often misused,” he wrote, “failing to carry the tone or irony that the original intended.”
Halberstam[/QUOT
Thanks for the "Best and Brightest" tutorial. I am delighted to know that I use the term as originally intended. . . which is usually when my kids do something stupid. They know their communication from Mom will end with #bestandbrightest Just keepin' it real
DD USNA Graduate wants out. As a Company Commander and Adjutant she wants out with all the crap she has to put up with every day from enlisted.