I know you are only half tongue-in-cheek on this, so I'll play, also partially in jest:
This is because parents can only reflect second hand information from little Johnny/Suzie, heavily colored by emotion, pride, and concern.
Meanwhile the cadets live in a world of perfect information, with no scuttlebut, and are totally objective.
Yep, got it
Loud and clear, stay in your lane!
The reality is that there are topics where really only current cadets understand. Not parents, not grads, no one who is not living it that moment. These are largely things related to the cadet experience.
And there are other topics where the cadets largely are ill-informed. Just not on their radar, no current info feeds, etc.
I respect your opinion but disagree entirely with your idea that cadets are "largely ill-informed."
The current topic (CBT & cadet life) is one that really only current cadets have any recent info, and virtually none of them participate. (1-2%??? Maybe)
But it's largely an abstract discussion as there is virtually zero chance that a cadet can influence the decisions, etc. So most will not bother, and accept the decisions & politics, and move on.
Actually closer to 10% of the cadet population participates per summer and 20% has participated during any given school year. However, you underestimate what positions held or how many new cadets these current cadets have influence over.
My colleagues and I have sat down and had lunch with Comm multiple times and discussed our grievances and concerns and he is interested. Currently they are concentrating on CFT; however, there will be changes soon to CBT.
I know this is my cadet's position. And, in fact, he would question why a cadet would be spending time posting on this forum instead of being off at training, etc or on leave. His suspicion: Someone stuck on STAP/SGR and bored. Don't get me wrong, he willingly works with candidates from our state to help them with "life at USMA" questions, preparation, etc. Just has very little patience and zero desire for the abstract debates and dialogs on SAF.
One can always find time. And in the army there are very few instances or moments when you will not be waiting around with your phone in hand. However, his suspicion is wrong about the current whereabouts of the cadets posting in these forums. You may just kill your platoon if you attempt to "guess" the enemies whereabouts in real life
Likewise, there are other topics (Admissions process, budgets, this year's acceptance/report/CBT attrition figures, etc) that current cadets have very little view or concern. And many parents have as much or more understanding as the average cadet. And some parents have very detailed understanding on these items due to their involvement in various aspects & roles.
Not true. One must become versed in these topics before they can participate in CPRC. Many cadets participate and know these figures like the back of their hands. If they do not, then they have not attended the briefs to present and recruit in cities throughout the United States.
A current cadet should know the admissions process, unless, of course their parents completed the entire process for them...in that case I choose to reserve my opinion because mommy and daddy can only help them so far.
Also cadets experience the budget first hand. For example can parents speak for why most papers are now turned in electronically, or why the M240B is no longer a staple for summer training? What about the lack of CTLT spots on the West Coast and Abroad? Can parents answer for those. You seem to underestimate the scope and concern of most current cadets at West Point. Despite the "common" misconception we do not have a narrow view.
Ex: Cow Loans- USAA does a wonderful job briefing parents through the parent clubs. I know as fact that the average parent in our state understands this topic far more than our cadets do. Not a good thing, just the way it is. Yes, cadets are briefed as a group. Counselors are available. But most do not have context or interest (no pun intended) to understand the cow loan.
Since most of the population of West Point is unconcerned or far from experience this matter of course those that would be most knowledgeable are current Firsties or former cadets/parents. However, the general context and interest of the cow loan, investments, and usage are discussed frequently in economics and in lab hours aim specifically at financial matters. And the amount and process of the cow loan changes year to year (minimally yet it does change).
Some parents also have better viability to separations (voluntary & otherwise) than their cadets do. Boards, etc. Unless a cadet is directly involved, they know little about these areas. But parents usually hear the details, albeit from the separated cadet or their parents. I'll say it: a parent who has gone through boards or separation with their cadet is far more informed than 95% of the current cadets. It's also a topic parent clubs are briefed on by USMA, which gets cascaded.
I'm sure the parent of a seperated cadet would know more in this topic than any cadet currently at west point due to the simple fact that...they are still currently at west point. However, I'm not sure why that parent would remain on this forum and I know many a cadet that have sat through boards from CO level to SUPT level. I have friends who have left and those who have been seperated due to academic and physical reasons to sexual assault and harrassment. It's a touchy subject but all have either sat in or experienced some board or another. I have never witness a parent sitting in on a board.
Major command and policy changes are also usually available to involved parents well in advance of cadets learning of them.
These "cadets" you speak of seem very uninformed from those that I am accustomed to but it may just be uncommon in my circle of colleagues. However, talking to TACs on a regular basis will inform you of all command change in effect and in review. The removal of the TAC NCO who was video taping cadet females occured well before this last semester however the general public did not know of it until almost a year after many cadets did. Also many of GEN Martin's "command and policy changes" from last year have been overturned by the current comm this summer concerning uniform, alcohol, and room standards. However, I don't believe the parents have recieved any of this info after speaking with my mother.
Now while I do not doubt the validity of informed parents often times cadets are painted as narrow minded and concerned only with their bubble. However, if you would take the time to pick the brain of a centered Cow, Firstie or maybe even a Yuk you could learn a lot in a little.
