Five for Five

I believe comments might have been different if the applicant had been quoted as saying: “As I started this process, I knew I would be equally proud to serve in any of the services, with a challenging array of missions and opportunities, thus I applied to all service academies. I am humbled to have been offered appointments to all, but after careful reflection, I think I will find my best fit in the Air Force.”

Once the applicant realized they didn’t want to be stuck on a boat or be somewhere out in the Army, what was the motivation to continue the application process? Rhetorical. I have no problem with someone applying to all if they are motivated by service-oriented reasons.
 
Lots of understanding of service around here, but also a bunch of experience with kids. Every year there are a lot more kids with five SA apps that you don't hear about than the ones you do. Most are hedging their bets if they aren't confident in getting into a specific SA, or they can't afford any other college and want to serve somewhere, or maybe they genuinely don't care which branch they serve in. But this kid sounds like he has a specific form of service in mind that Army and USMMA wouldn't really provide, so why apply? Would he ever have accepted either if he wanted to fly?

Further, and this is probably the root of most distaste around here, why tell everyone about it? If it's a case of over-zealous parents or a school admin then you can not completely blame him, as it is exciting. But it shows a focus on the hunt rather than the end goal. It can end up with the SA process feeling less about service and more akin to those kids who get into all the Ivy League schools, LOOK AT ME. It's a fine line to tread, which is why Capt MJ has been stressing the tone of the interviews. That's what exposes his intent and goals and gratitude, and colors the responses people have. One thing that was stressed to my DD through this process that's served her well is to maintain humility at each step. This guy sounds like he's pretty well-grounded but could stand some minor media coaching, much like any other 17 year old.
 
flieger83 said:
Oh, now, Diego's not THAT bad....the fishing is great...the coconut crabs are fascinating...and...and...

Okay, it's pretty much a dump.

Back in the day...in the USAF...we had several "less than desirable" locations. Of course, in North Dakota, you had two bases: Grand Forks and Minot. Grand Forks is actually pretty nice, whereas Minot...no. Wake Island was a favorite of mine, but I didn't have to do a 12-month hardship remote there. That would have been...challenging.

The USAF "you do NOT want to be assigned here" bases were, IMO:

Thule AB, Greenland
Shemya AB, Alaska
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2nd vote for Thule AFB 🥶
 
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I crave headline stories about kids who break through any doubts about who they are and show the world what is possible.

“The Little Engine That Could” should be required reading material.
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StPaulDad said:
Lots of understanding of service around here, but also a bunch of experience with kids. Every year there are a lot more kids with five SA apps that you don't hear about than the ones you do. Most are hedging their bets if they aren't confident in getting into a specific SA, or they can't afford any other college and want to serve somewhere, or maybe they genuinely don't care which branch they serve in. But this kid sounds like he has a specific form of service in mind that Army and USMMA wouldn't really provide, so why apply? Would he ever have accepted either if he wanted to fly?

Further, and this is probably the root of most distaste around here, why tell everyone about it? If it's a case of over-zealous parents or a school admin then you can not completely blame him, as it is exciting. But it shows a focus on the hunt rather than the end goal. It can end up with the SA process feeling less about service and more akin to those kids who get into all the Ivy League schools, LOOK AT ME. It's a fine line to tread, which is why Capt MJ has been stressing the tone of the interviews. That's what exposes his intent and goals and gratitude, and colors the responses people have. One thing that was stressed to my DD through this process that's served her well is to maintain humility at each step. This guy sounds like he's pretty well-grounded but could stand some minor media coaching, much like any other 17 year old.
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StPaulDad you nailed my sentiments on this. I don't have an issue with someone applying to all five. That being said, given the diverse missions of each, someone who applies to all 5 would have to be the epitome of service over self. My issue was the interview conveyed a lot of "self." And, I don't blame the 18 year old kid for that. My guess is he just put his head down, worked hard and did what he was told.
 
Capt MJ said:
He will eventually realize saying things like “stuck in a boat” and “somewhere out in the Army” can be said more diplomatically. Or not said at all.
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>> I would love to see how he described his desire to serve in his Application essays and BGO interview. :oops:


flieger83 said:
The USAF "you do NOT want to be assigned here" bases were, IMO:

Thule AB, Greenland
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Ah , beautiful Thule. I got to visit once --our Squadron sent a couple planes to do an ICEX Det up there. I was a young Nav and got to fly a resupply run up from Brunswick. We got up there, Base Skipper met us and took out Skipper on a windshield tour of the base while the crew hung around on the airplane for about an hour. I don't even recall seeing the hangar, so we were probably out on a transient ramp somewhere.
 
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After I saw Capt MJ's response, I reviewed the article thoroughly.

"I have enjoyed it in the air and I don't really want to be stuck in a boat or out somewhere in the Army."

Well....I laughed actually...better understanding now. That might be a very bold statement to other communities.
 
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