Given current tensions regarding war in the world right now, will more people turn down their appointments, therefore, opening up new spots?

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KopKop88

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With tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Putin's recent threat of using nuclear force, is it possible for us alternates to have a shot because of turndowns?
 
Why would someone want to attend a Service Academy and join the Military if they are not prepared to defend our country in the time of war? If people do turn down their appointment or dis enroll because of heightened tensions, I'd be curious their response to this.
 
Probably impossible to answer. Public sentiment waxes and wanes- this includes those looking at going into the military. Currently, it appears a majority of those polled do not want US military involvement in Ukraine- that could change overnight if NATO or a US asset were attacked, or if a major atrocity occurred that resonated with our citizenry. That being said, because the general citizenry aren't in favor, that may play no impact on those looking at a SA, or it might (I do not believe you are going to get an answer here). You would imagine that if Americans feel their way of life is threatened, then there would be an increased interest. I personally do not feel physically threatened, yet, but I am concerned about economic "threats". Who knows- at the onset, personally, I was like "Ukraine is not NATO, Ukraine has a history of corruption, so why should I care...?" Today, I am more concerned, but still not ready to see US boots on the ground, air, or sea in Ukraine territory.
 
I agree the tensions could increase or decrease interest. Having said that, it is almost a dumb thing to consider if someone is interested in the academies. Why do i say that, because its going to be at least 4 years before they get involved in anything. By that time, the war in Ukraine will probably be long forgotten. I tried to google it but i couldn't find it. During WW2, especially in the early years, did the cadets graduate any quicker or did they do the full 4 years. I ask because someone entering in 1941 would have graduated as the war ended and anyone entering in 1942 would have graduated after the war. Of course the war in Korea was soon upon us.
 
My guess is that the release of the new Top Gun movie will have more impact on SA recruiting than this current situation. I was applying in the late 80s and it was shocking what that movie did for USNA applications - I blame Tom Cruise for my unsuccessful USNA bid!
 
I blame my lack of giving a f--k during high school for that! :p

But TG did make more people apply from my graduating class as well ('89).
 
Humey said:
I agree the tensions could increase or decrease interest. Having said that, it is almost a dumb thing to consider if someone is interested in the academies. Why do i say that, because its going to be at least 4 years before they get involved in anything. By that time, the war in Ukraine will probably be long forgotten. I tried to google it but i couldn't find it. During WW2, especially in the early years, did the cadets graduate any quicker or did they do the full 4 years. I ask because someone entering in 1941 would have graduated as the war ended and anyone entering in 1942 would have graduated after the war. Of course the war in Korea was soon upon us.
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I know for certain a number of cadets during WWII graduated in 3 instead of four, including LTG Hal Moore, Class of 1945. It’s worth noting that nobody at the time knew how long the war would last. Class of 1945 was accelerated, but they would have had no idea if the war would drag on until it got closer to 1945.
 
usna1985 said:
I would hope that, given the events of the past 20 years, anyone who is considering entering the military knows there is a real potential to be involved in war / conflict. Don't see how anything this week changed that.
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20 years?

I wonder how many years we have not had some level of combat deployments or war since 1941?
I think the OP was way over optimistic in their hopes for lots of refusals. Not that I blame them.
 
I was telling my son that every generation has a conflict in which it has been directly involved. WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq/Afghanistan.

One of many things in life that is assured - war is inevitable. There may be lulls in tensions across the world, but they always bubble up to a popping point over time.
 
There was a long lag from roughly 1975 - 2003. Obviously, there were numerous military operations in that timeframe in which U.S. service members fought and died -- including Desert Storm. However, the overwhelming majority of military members who served during that time didn't see active fighting or a prolonged active "war," which differs from the periods before and after.
 
EEBTTF said:
My guess is that the release of the new Top Gun movie will have more impact on SA recruiting than this current situation. I was applying in the late 80s and it was shocking what that movie did for USNA applications - I blame Tom Cruise for my unsuccessful USNA bid!
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I wonder if script writers, film editors and CGI magicians are feverishly working to center the action on the Black Sea.
 
I earned my wings shortly after TG came out and I’d say that movie created quite a buzz around Naval aviation; however, when I was in grade school, Vietnam was winding down and I would find it hard to believe there was as much enthusiasm to join the military during that timeframe. When my son went to CVW, it was apparent from some questions that many parents had little experience with the “needs of the Navy” or military life in general or how much USNA differs from civilian college. (Admissions did a great job of both selling the school and exposing the differences). It is waaay to early to say what will happen with Ukraine but the American public at this time is not onboard with boots to the ground support, and with talk of escalation at a minimum it is a reminder that going to a service academy is a much bigger commitment than choosing a college for 4 years. I agree this shouldn’t affect the candidate’s desire to serve, but the PARENTS might give some pause. I’m sure at a minimum it is creating discussion about the level of commitment that is required and that is a good thing.
 
cb7893 said:
I wonder if script writers, film editors and CGI magicians are feverishly working to center the action on the Black Sea.
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For TopGun?
That movie is done and in the can. I'm pretty sure that its been ready to go for over a year now but was held back due to COVID related theater closures. Of course, they COULD re-edit things but really getting the Ukraine stuff in at this point would probably add 6 months or more to the schedule.
 
OldRetSWO said:
For TopGun?
That movie is done and in the can. I'm pretty sure that its been ready to go for over a year now but was held back due to COVID related theater closures. Of course, they COULD re-edit things but really getting the Ukraine stuff in at this point would probably add 6 months or more to the schedule.
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I was only offering that tongue-in-cheek.

I was reading recently of a film that was very close to release and something happened in the world that blew the film out of context. It described everything from round the clock editing and CGI design to calling actors back to refilm certain scenes.
 
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