Dems v Republicans at the Academies?

D

DeepWaters

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Let me first say that I understand that anyone in the military serves the Commander in Chief and our country above all. Let me also add that I am not old enough to vote and have not registered with any political party. Finally, I have parents who at one end is a staunch Republican and on the other is a left-leaning Dem. All that said, I am curious about the political climate in the service Academies. I have heard that USAFA is extremely religious/conservative. Any truth to that? I would imagine most at the Academies are politically middle of the road if not conservative leaning. For those of you at the academies, what do you think? It really doesn’t matter to me, but I am curious whether there is political party diversity or not among other people the students.

thank you
 
According to my DS at West Point, some are very religious, some he has never seen going to Sunday services despite they came from very religious families and prep schools, some are atheists, and some are in between. As far as politics go, I think each individual has his or her own preference, he has no comment.
 
If someone were to express their political opinion which might be contrary to most opinions at a SA would there be any repercussions?
 
I remember reading an article (several years ago) about how they push Christanity on the students in the USAFA. This wasnt necessarily student on student (which would be annoying in itself) but rather from the teachers and others at the school itself. There were complaints about this and several articles were written about this. Why they go into the business of religion, I dont undertsand. Its funny they seem to follow the old saying about dont talk about politics and money but they seem to have forgotten about religion.
 
Doc910 said:
If someone were to express their political opinion which might be contrary to most opinions at a SA would there be any repercussions?
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The best advice is to express your views in appropriate places.
 
I can't recall a push for either religious or political views during my time at USAFA. Realize that by college standards, a Service Academy is actually quite small. However, given the rigorous schedule, most students are fairly siloed resulting in you not really knowing a lot of people or having contact with all that many outside of those you go to class with, are in a squadron with, or on a team with. The points of interaction for this kind of stuff are very small (IMO). I could see a conflict with a roommate or teammate , but there is enough separation from everyone else that it would not likely be a huge point of frustration for encountering different opinions.
 
I don't know if cadets and midshipmen are able to express political opinion and affiliation because of the Hatch Act, but if they are able to, I'd imagine it would be behind closed doors in a controlled environment where it would not be possible for there to be a public perception of the military favoring one political party over the other.
 
The way I understand is that for any reason political or otherwise, they cannot criticize POTUS publically as he is also the ‘Commander in chief’.

Is that a correct statement?
 
My wife admonished my DS re: the Hatch Act (as she is subject to that, as well). My DS can have some strong political opinions and we have told him in no uncertain terms to keep it to himself. If someone brings it up, change the subject. Nothing good can arise from such discussions where he's at. It can spoil otherwise excellent company relationships. Focus on what's in front of you. I find this to be a good policy in many circumstances.
 
shiner said:
I can't recall a push for either religious or political views during my time at USAFA. Realize that by college standards, a Service Academy is actually quite small. However, given the rigorous schedule, most students are fairly siloed resulting in you not really knowing a lot of people or having contact with all that many outside of those you go to class with, are in a squadron with, or on a team with. The points of interaction for this kind of stuff are very small (IMO). I could see a conflict with a roommate or teammate , but there is enough separation from everyone else that it would not likely be a huge point of frustration for encountering different opinions.
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From my understanding - some teachers show their biases. And students that disagree - can speak up and risk hurting grades. Just like in other colleges that I am familiar with.

My advice to my son - who cares about the teachers politics. Work for the A. You won’t win with the ones giving grades. Just like you don’t argue with organizations that buy ink by the barrel.
 
txfwindian said:
The way I understand is that for any reason political or otherwise, they cannot criticize POTUS publically as he is also the ‘Commander in chief’.

Is that a correct statement?
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My first cousin went to USNA and became a fighter pilot with a great long career in the military. Several times during those years I wondered if he would react or give any opinion of the POTUS at the time (which I knew was of a different mindset than most of the family.) NOT ONCE did he comment whatsoever. He very politely said that POTUS was his Commander in Chief and that was that. And this was not really in public, but around our dinner table, so I am inclined to agree with above statement.
 
10 US Code 888 Art. 88

Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
 
With regards to religion, I'd say about 60% of cadets are religious. There is absolutely no pressure to be and Chaplains will help you through whatever situation regardless if your faith aligns with theirs.

The UCMJ outlines political expression and what we are allowed/not allowed to do. Essentially you are not allowed to claim to speak for the United States government or use your uniform as leverage. That being said, this is an academic setting. We are allowed to discuss our beliefs in class and with our friends and are very encouraged to vote. You cannot make charged political statements online or anywhere you may be seen as representing the Academy or the Army. However, you are not pushed to follow any specific political beliefs (besides being pro-military, which is self-evident). Many cadets dislike the current White House administration and are not scolded for doing so. I would say the Academy is very moderate.

Political beliefs are different from political expression. You give up a right to free speech when you swear in.
 
I would echo what @A1Janitor said. And although I didn't attend an SA and can't comment on the religous/ conservative makeup of the school, I would remind you that your there to learn. So soak it all in, and that includes the opinions and world views of your classmates and teachers. I grew up non religious. I didn't really know anyone that was, until I enlisted in the AF. Before I knew it, I was getting invited to Sunday service because my co-worker was worried about my standing with the lord. It was tad annoying, especially when he'd lecture me about how masturbation was a sin. (i'm not sure if won any converts with that line.) But I digress. looking back I realized what a wonderfull experience it was being exposed to people of all different backgrounds and world views. Something I never would have experience growing up in the dusty desert town of my youth.
 
A1Janitor said:
Would they have been scolded for disliking the prior administration?
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Whatever you may or may not be implying, I think their point is that a cadet can have a political viewpoint or tendency that may not align with the presiding administration-- no matter the administration. That's all.
 
sunnytrail said:
Whatever you may or may not be implying, I think their point is that a cadet can have a political viewpoint or tendency that may not align with the presiding administration-- no matter the administration. That's all.
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I Implied nothing. I merely asked a question for clarification.

As stated, the point was many cadets dislike the current administration without punishment.

There are two conclusions that could be drawn from that one sentence. I wasn’t going to guess which one - so I asked.
 
A1Janitor said:
I Implied nothing. I merely asked a question for clarification.

As stated, the point was many cadets dislike the current administration without punishment.

There are two conclusions that could be drawn from that one sentence. I wasn’t going to guess which one - so I asked.
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Gotcha👍
 
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