At a crossroads

Mod note:

We haven't crossed into the realm of personal attacks here yet, but I can see where this could happen if continues to escalate.

Please feel free to debate content and disagree with each other. Just continue to do so in a civil manner.
 
Let's get back to Tallltrees's post: stay at VT or transfer to WP if appointed. I am not a VT grad but I am from Virginia. Yes, WP "is a great place to be from" but I can assure you that a VT degree is worth much more than chicken feed. If you have the stuff to be a good leader, it won't matter what school's name is on your diploma. The question is how much military structure you want for the rest of your college career. As for plebe year, I suspect very, very few find it fun. The goal is the same. Which path does your gut want to take?
 
UHBlackhawk said:
Now what an individual does with those opportunities is another matter altogether.
Click to expand...
UHBlackhawk said:
Now what they do with that is up to the individual.
Click to expand...

I hope this is what aspiring military officers and their parents take away from this thread. I would also, as a junior officer, leave the SMC vs. SA intramurals beyond the earshot of of the xROTC/OTS/OCS officers and in particular out of the earshot of the NCO's.

Although I know it's not the intent, the whole discussion is taking a condescending tone as do a number of threads from time to time.

I am quick to add for the thousandth time, my AROTC has never felt at a disadvantage to a WPer or disrepected by one because of his commissioning source.
 
Last edited:
I remember Tall Trees during the last admission cycle. I am pleased to see that despite the challenging schedules, they are leaving the option of a USMA appointment on the table. Reapplying while in college and participating with ROTC cannot be easy. Nor will plebe summer be. My kid just finished it (a modified iso/observation version of plebe summer during the Covid age) and it wasn't easy. It isn't designed to be.

@talltrees, you can be a great junior officer via either path. What others have stated is true in all walks of life. It is cliche but true that you 'get out of it what you put into it'. And while VT may not have all of the guest speakers and opportunities as an Academy might offer, there are ways to seek those experiences outside of an Academy. Maybe those won't be in-person experiences, but the internet is a wonder for those willing to seek them out.

One thing my DS has noted most often since being at USNA is the mentorship available. The breadth and wealth of experience that is available to him are mind-blowing. Mind you, he knew going in he wanted a non-traditional college experience.
If it isn't too taxing for you to complete the application and give yourself the option? Why not?

And if anyone gets testy or irritated might I suggest a dash over to the Bacon thread? It cures my angst every time. Then I dash over to the cocktail thread for stress relief.
 
Heatherg21 said:
I remember Tall Trees during the last admission cycle. I am pleased to see that despite the challenging schedules, they are leaving the option of a USMA appointment on the table. Reapplying while in college and participating with ROTC cannot be easy. Nor will plebe summer be. My kid just finished it (a modified iso/observation version of plebe summer during the Covid age) and it wasn't easy. It isn't designed to be.

@talltrees, you can be a great junior officer via either path. What others have stated is true in all walks of life. It is cliche but true that you 'get out of it what you put into it'. And while VT may not have all of the guest speakers and opportunities as an Academy might offer, there are ways to seek those experiences outside of an Academy. Maybe those won't be in-person experiences, but the internet is a wonder for those willing to seek them out.

One thing my DS has noted most often since being at USNA is the mentorship available. The breadth and wealth of experience that is available to him are mind-blowing. Mind you, he knew going in he wanted a non-traditional college experience.
If it isn't too taxing for you to complete the application and give yourself the option? Why not?

And if anyone gets testy or irritated might I suggest a dash over to the Bacon thread? It cures my angst every time. Then I dash over to the cocktail thread for stress relief.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the insight
 
here2learn said:
How often does the average WP cadet handle a weapon? Or go into the field? Not sure about a ton more military training. My DS at a SMC has already done Air Assault, German Proficiency and is in a Ranger unit. His athlete friend at WP has done zero outside of his sport in 2+ years and no summer trainings.
Click to expand...
It depends if the cadet decides to take the opportunities, there is amazing clubs with great training( everyone has seen the pamphlets) but some(alot) cadets choose not to take these opportunities so they can focus on school work. Someone who joins said clubs will have great training, but at a minimum most if not all cadets will usually have 3 years of leadership positions, 3 years worth of summer training not counting IAD'S and sport or club related opportunities. Some cadets choose to focus on sports or academics over the training. Shooters preference.
 
I would advise you to contact someone who did ROTC and WP. I'm a plebe here and know of several other plebes who took that course. DM me if you would like to get in touch with someone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top