Defense and Strategic Studies/Foreign Languages

A

army2021

Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2015
Messages
299
Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this major? Thoughts on it, how it was, interesting material, etc.? Thoughts on double majoring with it? Alongside that, anyone know how rough Arabic is at the Academy? How bad is it trying to pick up that language compared to other languages? And lastly, I know some languages present opportunities at the Academy, as far as schools, training, travel, etc. Any languages stick out as expanding your opportunities while at the Academy the most? (For instance, I'd read on the forum or some article that French Cadets were able to compete for French Commando School) Thanks for your time!
 
Good Morning Army2021. I noticed that everyone was reading this and no one was responding to this. So, as the mom of a recent grad, here is what I hear...the people who major in DSS love it. They love it and are happy and learn a lot--and are prepared to become the agents of National Security that they wish to become and junior officers and leaders in the Army (just like everyone else, actually). The engineers and pre-med are always going to think that anyone who is not an engineer is a big slacker...It is important not to care what anyone else thinks but to pursue your area of interest for your major--because--and I know you have looked at the schedule in the curriculum--you do not actually get a lot of choice, so be happy and eager in your major. EVERY program and esp. the language programs have ample opportunities for study abroad (back in the day, 'study abroad' was fall semester of cow year at USAFA or USNA)--these days, it is the world for short courses or programs during the summer or even for a full semester. Again, don't pick the easy language--pick the language that you want to learn--the travel opportunities are there. My only advice otherwise would be, if you want to be in the Cyber Branch or go to med school right away, you might want to look at a different major--but for anything else, you are good with the DSS--and there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the different Army branches before you make a decision. (Do you know about the Army's Foreign Area Officer program? While you cannot do that as a lieutenant, with your areas of interest you can think about it for later in your Army career.)
 
DrMom said:
Good Morning Army2021. I noticed that everyone was reading this and no one was responding to this. So, as the mom of a recent grad, here is what I hear...the people who major in DSS love it. They love it and are happy and learn a lot--and are prepared to become the agents of National Security that they wish to become and junior officers and leaders in the Army (just like everyone else, actually). The engineers and pre-med are always going to think that anyone who is not an engineer is a big slacker...It is important not to care what anyone else thinks but to pursue your area of interest for your major--because--and I know you have looked at the schedule in the curriculum--you do not actually get a lot of choice, so be happy and eager in your major. EVERY program and esp. the language programs have ample opportunities for study abroad (back in the day, 'study abroad' was fall semester of cow year at USAFA or USNA)--these days, it is the world for short courses or programs during the summer or even for a full semester. Again, don't pick the easy language--pick the language that you want to learn--the travel opportunities are there. My only advice otherwise would be, if you want to be in the Cyber Branch or go to med school right away, you might want to look at a different major--but for anything else, you are good with the DSS--and there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the different Army branches before you make a decision. (Do you know about the Army's Foreign Area Officer program? While you cannot do that as a lieutenant, with your areas of interest you can think about it for later in your Army career.)
Click to expand...
Thank you for the post! Not familiar with the program so I'll definitely be looking into it. Thanks again for all of your information!!
 
Dream big. There is so much you can do at USMA now. Also, if you end up not double majoring--because validating all of those classes you took in high school in a single test during Beast can be challenging...look at minors or areas of concentration (although maybe they are not so hard, my #1 validated Statistics and he never took a stats class in high school...and then he validated a year of Physics by taking the test at the start of his youngster year--so you can do it!). Also, did you get an appointment or are you still deciding between USMA and Army ROTC...for ROTC there is the CULP and Global Officer programs that might be interested to you--and closer within your grasp as they are made for cadets. Pick a major that will make you happy, hold your interest, and keep you motivated.
 
DrMom said:
Dream big. There is so much you can do at USMA now. Also, if you end up not double majoring--because validating all of those classes you took in high school in a single test during Beast can be challenging...look at minors or areas of concentration (although maybe they are not so hard, my #1 validated Statistics and he never took a stats class in high school...and then he validated a year of Physics by taking the test at the start of his youngster year--so you can do it!). Also, did you get an appointment or are you still deciding between USMA and Army ROTC...for ROTC there is the CULP and Global Officer programs that might be interested to you--and closer within your grasp as they are made for cadets. Pick a major that will make you happy, hold your interest, and keep you motivated.
Click to expand...
Got the BFE yesterday. Accepting the second it's in my portal! Thanks again for the advice!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top