I can't stand this forum

My favorite is the old, "I was a fighter pilot. I didn't go to USAFA, but I'm totally an expert on the admissions process and Academy life in general" LMAO
 
One of the questions is asking why parents linger here long after their now adult went through the application processes for SA and/or ROTC. To share one perspective - to some of us, it's about learning, camaraderie, gratitude, and paying it back.
As parents many of us want to help our children where we can on their journeys so that their hard work, talent doesn't miss an opportunity because they didn't understand a process and missed a form, signature, step in the process. Reflecting on my own life, I'm grateful for times I was the thirsty traveler when someone stopped to provide me a canteen. Those moments helped me on my life journey, and in many ways I never discuss IRL (unlike some who VIDEO themselves helping someone like a waitress etc. than post it on youtube to serve themselves - ick) , I try to quietly give back.

this forum was invaluable to my family as my DS went through the application process - I firmly believe the guidance received here was critical to his receiving scholarships from all branches. One reason I stay on to pay it back/ help others - I think others do too. We learned a bit that we can try to pass on.

When you are the parent of rock star kids as factually/ respectfully my DW and I are, you tend to become a go-to resource for other parents- teachers/ scout leaders/ coaches/ church parishioners etc. - they share our contact and we often get questions from those interested or soon to go through the process. When people want to say serve as an officer, or learn to fly, or received scholarships and have questions, the come to us. Staying engaged here helps us understand the latest rules/ be in the best position to answer those questions too. And to the extent we can help, it's very rewarding to see other talented kids navigate the gauntlet that is applying to ROTC or SA programs.

My only advice is what a family friend and Monsignor passed on to me when I was 25 - I was lamenting about annoying people at work and it was ruining my weekend, and he pulled me aside and said "Illegitimi Non Carborundum". I took the bait, and asked what that meant - roughly, "Don't let the b*st*rds get you down." Meaning, find a way in life to navigate through the mundane, annoying, uninteresting without it ruining your day. You are impacted by your annoyance, which may mean you miss out on the positives if you check out because of it. There's something there to think about - you can sit at home off social media and not be annoyed, but you might miss out too.

On this forum, block those of us that annoy you, or "skip" posts that you don't find of value. I try to help and over the years, I've been called every name under the sun, even accused of not doing my taxes (that was an odd one!) etc. Not everyone's cup of tea, but isn't that variety a part of what makes this board interesting?

Sharing a perspective - like we do, like you did too. Good luck.
 
I believe the post by OP is very well intended and represents a large portion of people that seem to be the silent majority. The original post on this thread at this moment in time has 33 reactions that have been acknowledged and he/she posted another on 4-21-23 that as I type has 71 reactions. I have been on this forum long enough to know that this does not happen often. I would take this into account as those that post often respond to things that people come here to ask. Think to yourself am I responding in a positive way or a negative way. Is the information I am posting current and accurate. If you are not sure say so, so others can make educated decisions. Just because some travel a different path than you in a different manner does not make it wrong.

There has been a few excellent contributors this forum has lost due to how people behave and I would think if you are on here you know how to behave. This is not your normal social media platform and would be a terrible resource to lose.
 
Taking 'advice' or 'insight' from an Internet message board of any kind is like reading a book on parenting, dog training or cooking. Pick and choose what you take away. Plus, just because it's 'in print' doesn't mean it's true or that you have to follow/do it. Discernment is a life skill and as @MrMe said "Read everything with a grain of salt. The answer to the majority of questions posted on this forum is "wait and see" anyway."

Having many advisors to offer perspectives based off maturity (or lack thereof) and life lessons is important and invaluable. I appreciate contributions from cadets (OP, yes you too except when your posts are intentionally insulting as was clearly your intention with this one) as much as from the old guard, as well as parents.
 
Ivy22 said:
Some of the replies to the person asking about vegan boots crossed a line I think. The OP was asking a genuine question, looking for advice, and a lot of people just piled on them about their moral beliefs and how they don't belong in the military as a vegan. Like I said on that post, I've met plenty of vegan servicemembers, and they're doing just fine in the military. It's 2024 now, and times have changed.

I do think this forum is helpful most times. Every once in a while, I see one of *those* topics get posted, and I just think to myself "oh boy, here we go again".
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Thanks, I didn't even expect for my post to cause such an uproar, I genuinely was curious. I wonder if they would've said the same things if I mentioned that I wanted non-leather boots due to my religion instead of my personal morals.
 
sktr127 said:
Thanks, I didn't even expect for my post to cause such an uproar, I genuinely was curious. I wonder if they would've said the same things if I mentioned that I wanted non-leather boots due to my religion instead of my personal morals.
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I suspect you would have gotten similar responses, honestly. Religion is just another category of personal morals, is it not?

You do not have much choice at USAFA. You are issued uniforms, boots, equipment, etc. on I-day. So, you will have a pair of boots that don't meet your desired criteria. Do the best you can with what you are given. There are allowances made for Vegans and Vegetarians & no one cares. So what? Eat what you want, right?

Let me give you an example. I had a parent last year who follows Islamic practices. She was concerned that her son would be forced to participate on "days of rest". It turns out that military religious leaders (of each religion) give special dispensation for military members so they can complete the mission. I show you this because I want to be clear that everyone is asked to make sacrifices for the mission.

I do hope you can find the boots you want. I believe you understand that the ones you get from USAFA will protect you and your feet. It all boils down to 'can you complete the mission?'

Good luck to you! I wish you only the best.

Go to USAFA with as much of an open mind as you expect others to have of you.
 
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I disagree and have almost always found this board to be very helpful and respectful to everyone, it has been a great resource for my ds in regards to navigating all aspects of the nomination and application process, and for the insights of what to expect. The knowledge people have shared here has been invaluable and usually spot on. Thanks to everyone for sharing. I'm sorry the OP is currently so cynical, I felt their past posts to have been insightful. Perhaps they are having a bad day, or will see things differently a few years from now, once they hit the real AF and look back. Don't take things so personally, when they were never meant that way and were simply meant as humor. Otherwise you may end up being just a very bitter person. Laugh when you can as life is too short.
 
SpiritCommitteeLiaison said:
I suspect you would have gotten similar responses, honestly. Religion is just another category of personal morals, is it not?

You do not have much choice at USAFA. You are issued uniforms, boots, equipment, etc. on I-day. So, you will have a pair of boots that don't meet your desired criteria. Do the best you can with what you are given. There are allowances made for Vegans and Vegetarians & no one cares. So what? Eat what you want, right?

Let me give you an example. I had a parent last year who follows Islamic practices. She was concerned that her son would be forced to participate on "days of rest". It turns out that military religious leaders (of each religion) give special dispensation for military members so they can complete the mission. I show you this because I want to be clear that everyone is asked to make sacrifices for the mission.

I do hope you can find the boots you want. I believe you understand that the ones you get from USAFA will protect you and your feet. It all boils down to 'can you complete the mission?'

Good luck to you! I wish you only the best.

Go to USAFA with as much of an open mind as you expect others to have of you.
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Thank you for your advice!
 
USMC Crayons said:
Could not agree more. There are some very helpful people on here, but also some parents that frankly use this forum to brag about their kids non-stop. We don't care that your kid aced the SAT or built an atom smasher in your basement when he was 6. I will also say that a significant amount of advice of "old-timers" here directly conflicts with what admissions, or current attendees will tell you.
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Agreed. And some people seem to want to argue just for arguments sake.
 
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