Changes to Internet Restrictions @ USAFA

[Campfamily]

The original thrust of this post was asking if other military academies limit cadet access to these apps. I made it a point to reread the entire post, and it was not about someone's feelings. It was started with an introduction to how this question came up/what inspired the question. It was then followed by the question asking if other SA's have the same limitations.

I was lucky enough to chat with an exchange student from another SA during parents weekend. I asked about the differences between BCT, freshman year, other years etc. It was very interesting.

Asking "if" and "why" isn't about whining or feelings. It can simply be a question for understanding and knowledge. Oh and wait...and about LEARNING something.

Frankly, I would like to know if they differ in their internet restrictions. And if they do differ, why would one SA set such restrictions and another not? I am curious.

Anyone know IF the internet restrictions on things like oovoo, etc. differ between service academies? And if they do, do you know why?

Thank you for expressing my question far better than I originally did. Let's see if your explanation garners any better responses!!

 

[ca2midwestmom]

I'm pretty sure ooVoo is the preferred method at USMA, but my DD and I Skyped with my DS last month. I haven't heard anything about Internet radio at WP.

 

[Christcorp]

It was also asked:

Which is faster?..... The cadet network or the parent's network?

The correct answer is always.... The CADET Network.

I'm a firm believer that if a parent has a question, the first place they should ask, unless it's really minor and they don't want to bother their kid; is to ask their cadet.

If a cadet has a concern, and they express it to their parents, the first question mom/dad should have is: "What did your squadron, upperclass, cadet wing, AOC, etc... say about it"?

1. Yes, it's THEIR academy and they should handle the issue themselves.....
2. But MAINLY so they can get the "Most Accurate" and timely information. If you think the BEST answer is going to come from a forum made up of parents; (Hence the question about the "Parent's Network vs Cadet Network", then you are quite mistaken. The parent's network will never get information faster or more accurate than your cadet can.

So this isn't a matter of: "It's your kid's academy/military career, let them grow up and handle their own problems and stay out of it". Even though that is 100% true, the question was asked: "Which is faster. The cadet or parent's network". If you want the most accurate and timely information, ask your cadet. If they don't know the answer, they can find it. "If we're talking about "Cadet Life" topics.

 

[Jcleppe]

I'm just impressed that you Skyped with your son and daughters. I don't think we have ever skyped with either of our sons while in school, we installed it, but it never happened.

You can add Envy to the list of emotions.

 

[MombaBomba]

It was also asked:

Which is faster?..... The cadet network or the parent's network?

The correct answer is always.... The CADET Network.

I'm a firm believer that if a parent has a question, the first place they should ask, unless it's really minor and they don't want to bother their kid; is to ask their cadet.

If a cadet has a concern, and they express it to their parents, the first question mom/dad should have is: "What did your squadron, upperclass, cadet wing, AOC, etc... say about it"?

1. Yes, it's THEIR academy and they should handle the issue themselves.....
2. But MAINLY so they can get the "Most Accurate" and timely information. If you think the BEST answer is going to come from a forum made up of parents; (Hence the question about the "Parent's Network vs Cadet Network", then you are quite mistaken. The parent's network will never get information faster or more accurate than your cadet can.

So this isn't a matter of: "It's your kid's academy/military career, let them grow up and handle their own problems and stay out of it". Even though that is 100% true, the question was asked: "Which is faster. The cadet or parent's network". If you want the most accurate and timely information, ask your cadet. If they don't know the answer, they can find it. "If we're talking about "Cadet Life" topics.

I was the one who asked "which is faster the cadet or parent network." It was tongue in cheek, meant to be light fun. Having said that, thank you for taking the time to address it and taking it seriously.

I agree in principle that asking the cadet might be more accurate than asking other parents or a forum. However, there are expections to this. I believe a question which involves comparing other SAs is one of them. Whereas a cadet will have quite a bit of knowledge regarding his academy, the likelyhood he is aware of all the rules, regulations and rational of another academy is very slim. A forum like this one includes parents, current military, former military, current cadets and former cadets from different military branches and SAs. Thus, this forum is an ideal place to ask a SA or military branch comparitive question, and a place where one is likely to find an "accurate" answer. (PLease note "accuarte" is in quotes. I do realize some people talk out their rears when there is no real knowledge in their heads to release through their mouth or fingers in this case)

Also, for parents, communication with cadets can be limited. Time is precious and parents focus on what is important to the cadet, what the cadet needs, what directly affects him/her, etc.. Often times, a cadet can mention something in a conversation that a gets a parent wondering or worried. So where does the parent turn? To the busy cadet with seriously limited time, or to another venue? With the pressure a cadet is under, does he really need his parent piling this on top of him as well?

Asking isn't always about sloving a cadet's problems! It is about understanding and learning as a parent. Why is that such a difficult concept to accept?

Sometimes the cadet doesn't come up with the question, the parent does. We parents do come up with our own questions without being prompted by our kids. I know it is shocking. But really, parents are actually thinking autonomous human beings.

I have asked many questions of friends with older cadets and some of them have military backgrounds. They never once lectured me on hand holding or helicoptering. They undertand I enquire becuase I do not want to bother my son with this at this time. They get it. They are parents of academy cadets too.

I realize this forum is a combative arena. If I wish to participate, I better batten down the hatches and be prepared for an attack. There is always someone out there who is a "mind reader" and knows exactly why a poster asks a particular question. The "mind reader" attacks and addresses the supposed motivation as opposed to answering the question. Anyone mentions their cadet was complaining, and suddenly it is about suck it up and stop being a helicopter parent. The words "complaining" or "unhappy" seems to initiate some sort of knee jerk lecture reaction. The original question gets lost along the way.

I wish to thank everyone out there who has ever assisted me in this forum. Thank you for taking me seriously and addressing my questions and concerns. Thank you addressing my questions/concerns and not attacking my motivation or me personally.

Where is the best place to ask a comparative SA question?

 

[Blackbird]

I'm a firm believer that if a parent has a question, the first place they should ask, unless it's really minor and they don't want to bother their kid; is to ask their cadet.

Mike,

EVERYONE here is clear on your position on this issue. Give it a break

 

[Campfamily]

I was the one who asked "which is faster the cadet or parent network." It was tongue in cheek, meant to be light fun. Having said that, thank you for taking the time to address it and taking it seriously.

I agree in principle that asking the cadet might be more accurate than asking other parents or a forum. However, there are expections to this. I believe a question which involves comparing other SAs is one of them. Whereas a cadet will have quite a bit of knowledge regarding his academy, the likelyhood he is aware of all the rules, regulations and rational of another academy is very slim. A forum like this one includes parents, current military, former military, current cadets and former cadets from different military branches and SAs. Thus, this forum is an ideal place to ask a SA or military branch comparitive question, and a place where one is likely to find an "accurate" answer. (PLease note "accuarte" is in quotes. I do realize some people talk out their rears when there is no real knowledge in their heads to release through their mouth or fingers in this case)

Also, for parents, communication with cadets can be limited. Time is precious and parents focus on what is important to the cadet, what the cadet needs, what directly affects him/her, etc.. Often times, a cadet can mention something in a conversation that a gets a parent wondering or worried. So where does the parent turn? To the busy cadet with seriously limited time, or to another venue? With the pressure a cadet is under, does he really need his parent piling this on top of him as well?

Asking isn't always about sloving a cadet's problems! It is about understanding and learning as a parent. Why is that such a difficult concept to accept?

Sometimes the cadet doesn't come up with the question, the parent does. We parents do come up with our own questions without being prompted by our kids. I know it is shocking. But really, parents are actually thinking autonomous human beings.

I have asked many questions of friends with older cadets and some of them have military backgrounds. They never once lectured me on hand holding or helicoptering. They undertand I enquire becuase I do not want to bother my son with this at this time. They get it. They are parents of academy cadets too.

I realize this forum is a combative arena. If I wish to participate, I better batten down the hatches and be prepared for an attack. There is always someone out there who is a "mind reader" and knows exactly why a poster asks a particular question. The "mind reader" attacks and addresses the supposed motivation as opposed to answering the question. Anyone mentions their cadet was complaining, and suddenly it is about suck it up and stop being a helicopter parent. The words "complaining" or "unhappy" seems to initiate some sort of knee jerk lecture reaction. The original question gets lost along the way.

I wish to thank everyone out there who has ever assisted me in this forum. Thank you for taking me seriously and addressing my questions and concerns. Thank you addressing my questions/concerns and not attacking my motivation or me personally.

Where is the best place to ask a comparative SA question?

Moomba - I don't know where in the Northeast you are located, but should I ever have the pleasure and honor of meeting you, I'd like to buy you a beverage or three of your choosing. your post has captured exactly my thoughts about the few posters on this forum that unfortunately seem to enjoy hijacking every thread to pass their "knowledge".

 

[Zoomie83]

Moomba - I don't know where in the Northeast you are located, but should I ever have the pleasure and honor of meeting you, I'd like to buy you a beverage or three of your choosing. your post has captured exactly my thoughts about the few posters on this forum that unfortunately seem to enjoy hijacking every thread to pass their "knowledge".

You're not the first one to notice that, Campfamily. And thank you MombaBomba. What I've noticed is that there is a definite drop in activity on this forum compared to last year. It could be due to the way sincere candidates are treated when asking for information. The conversations with candidates are far different than they were last year at this time.

 

[USAFretired1996]

I’m curious as to what the DOD restrictions are on Skype, Ooovoo, Pandora, etc. on a government computer/network. USAFA restrictions in line with DOD?

 

[haleym]

The problem with the original question is that no one HAS an answer for you. I believe that is what Christcorp is trying to say.
A lot of times things happen here and we aren't given an explanation as to why. I don't know why it is they've chosen to block the programs they do. I just know that they are blocked. And frankly I don't really care enough to be briefed on it (because I trust that it's a valid reason) and they certainly aren't worried about giving us all the juicy info. Is it annoying? From time to time, yes. But then again it's a government network.
I'm not sure why being defensive is a knee jerk reaction. No one is attacking you. The truth of the situation is that you probably aren't going to find an answer on here when cadets don't even have one for you. If you want a straightforward answer, your cadet could ask their leadership or 10th CS.

 

[USAFA83GradWife]

The problem with the original question is that no one HAS an answer for you. I believe that is what Christcorp is trying to say.
A lot of times things happen here and we aren't given an explanation as to why. I don't know why it is they've chosen to block the programs they do. I just know that they are blocked. And frankly I don't really care enough to be briefed on it (because I trust that it's a valid reason) and they certainly aren't worried about giving us all the juicy info. Is it annoying? From time to time, yes. But then again it's a government network.
I'm not sure why being defensive is a knee jerk reaction. No one is attacking you. The truth of the situation is that you probably aren't going to find an answer on here when cadets don't even have one for you. If you want a straightforward answer, your cadet could ask their leadership or 10th CS.

It may be the "no one is attacking" anyone. But let me throw out an old adage: Perception is reality.

That's the problem with forums or any form of written communication. You can't pass along the emotional intent. Therefore, be very careful of the wording ... and use those emoticons! Those are the best, albeit limited, way of expressing that emotional intent.

Edit: this wasn't specifically aimed at you haleym. Just a general comment.

 

[Campfamily]

The problem with the original question is that no one HAS an answer for you. I believe that is what Christcorp is trying to say.
A lot of times things happen here and we aren't given an explanation as to why. I don't know why it is they've chosen to block the programs they do. I just know that they are blocked. And frankly I don't really care enough to be briefed on it (because I trust that it's a valid reason) and they certainly aren't worried about giving us all the juicy info. Is it annoying? From time to time, yes. But then again it's a government network.
I'm not sure why being defensive is a knee jerk reaction. No one is attacking you. The truth of the situation is that you probably aren't going to find an answer on here when cadets don't even have one for you. If you want a straightforward answer, your cadet could ask their leadership or 10th CS.

Go back and read my original message. Nowhere did I ask why. Nowhere.