From a former BattO perspective, I wish there was a way the SAs could screen for the "bad eggs." These would be the amoral mids/cadets who planned to do criminally wrong things, did them, and showed no remorse. They were smart enough to snow the system and bamboozle their parents, coming from unremarkable homes and families. Granted, there are not a lot of these, but there are some in every class, and I can't help but think of the great candidates who were not chosen.
I am not talking about "Stupid Mid Tricks." Some sample incidents I have personal knowledge of:
- The mid who figured out when people were having their wisdom teeth out or other routine procedures when Percoset or other desirable painkiller was prescribed. He would sneak into their rooms and steal a few, and sell them. When the pattern surfaced, NCIS set up a sting and caught him.
- Book thieves. Many instances over the years, with books being sold in Craigslist.
- The infamous car theft ring.
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1996-04-12/news/1996103002_1_stolen-cars-academy-indictment
- Last and most horrifying, the female plebe, who, with her USAFA doolie boyfriend, intentionally trapped and murdered another girl while still in HS.
Google "Diane Zamora" and "Texas cadet murder."
I realize that with 4200+ mids over years and years, statistically, there will be criminals. One of our neighbors, a USNA grad and Marine Reserve officer, was indicted for investment scams, Bernie Madiff style. Bilked people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Not a "just for fun" entry, but where my mind went when wondering "how did USNA let THAT mid get in?!"