OPINFO

[Heatherg21]

USMA has a similar program called “CPRC” (Cadet Public Relations Council.) West Point cadets can be released a few days early from breaks or extend holiday breaks to speak to groups, schools, or meetings (such as Boys/Girls State.) This type of outreach from the academies is a great opportunity to show off Midis/Cadets to interested students and increase the likelihood of one-on-one communication. These students would be much more likely to ask questions and connect with someone closer to their own age than some old retired guy like myself. I am always impressed by the quality of the young men and women at the academies, just wish we had more like them willing to serve!

We have a lot willing to serve. We just have a limited amount who can pass the medical and fitness requirements.

My own personal opinion and worth the two cents is that our history of providing medications to young children is coming home to roost in a not positive way. New studies are indicating we have over prescribed drugs for young childhood behavior issues. But that’s another topic.

I agree seeing men and women in uniform at a member of Congress event is amazing. My own son was inspired by MIDN at academy forums who made themselves available to shake hands and answer questions. They carried themselves so well and were articulate and refreshingly honest.

 

[ProudPapa26_28]

Good for him... our Midshipmen are the best ambassadors for USNA. I attended a Senator Open House event a few years ago..just before COVID. USNA sent a young 2nd LT , and one of our BGO's brought here 1/C Midshipman daughter , and the two of them connected a whole lot better with the interested candidates than an old man like me could.

When it comes to promoting awareness of USNA --success leads to more success. Whenever I have a successful candidate, I make a point of presenting the Appointment at the school award night. It is not uncommon to get several candidates from that school in the following years.

DD's BGO presented her Appointment at the school's Awards Night, and the senior class gave her a Standing ovation!! I am telling you, even now I still get allergies from recalling that night. My wife and I fielded questions from several parents after the presentation. Doing that small thing is huge in the local community for raising awareness.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

DD's BGO presented her Appointment at the school's Awards Night, and the senior class gave her a Standing ovation!! I am telling you, even now I still get allergies from recalling that night. My wife and I fielded questions from several parents after the presentation. Doing that small thing is huge in the local community for raising awareness

This gives me an idea. USNA Admissions encourages BGOs to "market" the Academy. Admissions provides a script for presenting an Appointment. When I get to do one, I might add: "if anyone is interested in learning more about obtaining an Appointment, I will be available after tonights event to answer questions."

 

[OldRetSWO]

Any upcoming OPINFO events with MIDN in Massachusetts

The area coordinators (in charge of the BGOs) for Massachusetts will know and their contact info can be found with an easy web search. There are
three of them and you can easily see which of them covers your area.

 

[OldRetSWO]

USMA has a similar program called “CPRC” (Cadet Public Relations Council.) West Point cadets can be released a few days early from breaks or extend holiday breaks to speak to groups, schools, or meetings (such as Boys/Girls State.) This type of outreach from the academies is a great opportunity to show off Midis/Cadets to interested students and increase the likelihood of one-on-one communication. These students would be much more likely to ask questions and connect with someone closer to their own age than some old retired guy like myself. I am always impressed by the quality of the young men and women at the academies, just wish we had more like them willing to serve!

Since Boys State happens in the early summer, it is not a time when the CPRC or USNA OPINFO will support. I've participated in the Service Academy presentation at my state's Boys State for close to a decade and haven't ever seen Cadets or Mids sent by admissions even though we are pretty close as in a 2 to 3 hour drive from both USNA and USMA.

 

[LA-JAG]

DD's BGO presented her Appointment at the school's Awards Night, and the senior class gave her a Standing ovation!! I am telling you, even now I still get allergies from recalling that night. My wife and I fielded questions from several parents after the presentation. Doing that small thing is huge in the local community for raising awareness.

Same here...our BGO presented DS's appointment at the end of year Awards Ceremony and all parents and classmates gave a standing ovation. Very proud moment indeed.