Perspective from midshipman who voluntarily left USNA

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helmsdown said:
I really don't see the point of your OP. You contradict yourself and really don't answer in a way that would clear things up. I'm finished before the mods get on me.
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I'll say it for you. Too many inconsistencies and glossovers and lack of a clear path. Instead a constant ratcheting up the conversation without addressing the inconsistencies. Ill say it again. First time poster. One topic posting. Poser. Faker. Troll. If that gets me in trouble so be it. But there should be accountability to a poster that cant keep his story straight/cant fill in the holes to match the story and fights back at questions on it.
 
@helmsdown
@golfindad

Obviously you two are mad. The fact that you're fully prepared to get in trouble by the mods is pretty funny and sad. Not to mention name-calling is a very immature route to go. Namecalling is known for being the lowest form of comeback when you have nothing else to say to back up your own side.

Please point out exactly what I am contradicting myself on so I can correct your claims of being a troll, poser, and faker. You should know very well that I'm defending myself against the absurd accusations people are making.
 
That was 30 mins of my life I'll never get back. :) Not being military, I read whole thing to see someone respond about being able to call yourself a veteran. Seems crazy to be considered a veteran if you spent 2 years at an SA and walked away. I assume it's just a technicality.
 
jebdad said:
That was 30 mins of my life I'll never get back. :) Not being military, I read whole thing to see someone respond about being able to call yourself a veteran. Seems crazy to be considered a veteran if you spent 2 years at an SA and walked away. I assume it's just a technicality.
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My belief is if a member here brought up the claim of veteran status, the conversation would turn just down right mean.

I was the first to jump on the OP but dropped out when the deflective accusations started such as “you’re offended” and “you’re mad” which are thrown out when the accuser is the one who is offended and mad. I stated the original post read like a manifesto of the mad and I was right.

Who am I to question one’s claim of veteran status? I’m not sure why it was even mentioned in the manifesto other than to get validation from people here, but it wasn’t even mentioned. I have an opinion of course, but like I said, it would just get mean.
 
The whole veteran status thing - there is the “gut feel” of the subjective viewpoint, and then there are the legal definitions used by the VA when it comes to determining benefit eligibility. Each state also has its own definition of “veteran” created by its own state veterans’ agency, for purposes of the state veterans’ benefits programs, which can be different than the Fed VA.

The mids who depart USNA voluntarily or involuntarily, all get a DD-214 documenting their AD time, type of time and characterization of that time. Most will get Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions, similar to those being separated from other “place from which you entered the Navy” entry programs such as USNA, boot camp, OCS, etc. I have no problem with them claiming whatever benefits for which they are eligible based on the veteran status established by their DD-214.

I know many Vietnam-era vets who don’t consider themselves vets because they didn’t serve in combat or were drafted and just did a few years. They have missed out on many benefits their veteran status would support. There’s that “gut feel” viewpoint again.

As to the “gut feel” part, well, we are all entitled to our thoughts on who gets to call themselves a veteran. I don’t spend a lot of energy on it. The coolest vets, in my mind, are the ones with eye-watering chest candy they never talk about, and don’t make a big deal about how long they served, where they served and what they did. They are respectful of all who served regardless of how long or where. That is what I strive for, to respect the willingness to serve as well as the actual period of service and a positive characterization of service, no matter how brief.
 
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What is with you guys and jumping to conclusions? So now this is about veteran status now?

I will tell you that I never said I claimed benefits from the VA. In fact, I'm pretty sure there are laws in place that disqualifies mids who DOR from claiming any benefits, you should look it up.

You can be as mean as you want, it doesn't change the fact that I am a veteran. In fact, many times I was required by law to explain my DD214, like the FAFSA. But I have never benefited from anything veteran related. By no means, do I go around flaunting veteran status (again, like I said in my OP). In fact, most people who are close to me now have no idea about my two years at USNA and only know that I graduated from the other university, because I don't mention this fact to anyone. This forum is the only time I have so directly brought up veteran status and that is strictly meant to be read by those at the academy now who may be thinking about this very thing.

The whole thing about veteran status after leaving the academy is something that you would only be able to understand after first-hand experience as a midshipman. When that O-6 told me that I shouldn't let anyone tell me that I am not a veteran, I thought to myself why does that matter? I didn't really care and I certainly did not have plans of calling myself a veteran, it was borderline crazy. But that officer knew exactly what he was doing. He knew that after a midshipman leaves, they have a feeling of doubt and insecurity. Like I said in my original post, it wasn't until I was asked about my DD214 and had to tell the FAFSA that yes I am a veteran, that I started to question it. And that was when that officer's words really helped clear things up for me.

While I am technically a veteran, I certainly thought that other military members did way more than I did and served for way longer and they fully deserve the title of veteran. But that doesn't change the fact that I am also a veteran. By legal definition, I am a veteran. And because of what that O6 told me, I am a veteran.

If you really doubt I am who I say I am ask me questions that only a mid would know. I know this isn't a flawless way of getting proof but it's something. Not to mention if I get it all right, I was either a mid or just a troll/poser who just happens to know way more than I should about USNA.
 
Looks like time for everyone to move on. Nothing more to see here. OP has made his point. Others have made theirs. Nothing will be solved by continuing this string. For those seeking a meaty thread that’s rich in content, a bit salty at times, occasionally streaky, but always sizzling with good opinions and crisp commentary, I suggest you head over to the bacon thread. You won’t be disappointed.
 
Agree 100% on the time to move on. I let the thread go for awhile but now it’s going no where useful. I do think the OP was a Mid. And I let this thread go for awhile because I want future Mids to see various views of USNA and wanted to provide another perspective of the tech world. So many can get caught up with the shiny stories of USNA and not the reality of it and more importantly the reality of what it leads to. It’s also a great lesson for candidates of how things can be misinterpreted or not a full understanding online. Nothing can replace face to face communications in many instances and it’s important when leading. Vet or not vet... Capt MJ summed it up well, have your opinions, leave them there. I am fine with debate and let things go for awhile, even when contentious, but now it’s just getting pointless.
 
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MidCakePa said:
Looks like time for everyone to move on. Nothing more to see here. OP has made his point. Others have made theirs. Nothing will be solved by continuing this string. For those seeking a meaty thread that’s rich in content, a bit salty at times, occasionally streaky, but always sizzling with good opinions and crisp commentary, I suggest you head over to the bacon thread. You won’t be disappointed.
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I dont stop in and read as much as I used to. Congrats Mid Cake on your promotion to moderator!!:benny monkeysmilies:
 
MidCakePa said:
Looks like time for everyone to move on. Nothing more to see here. OP has made his point. Others have made theirs. Nothing will be solved by continuing this string. For those seeking a meaty thread that’s rich in content, a bit salty at times, occasionally streaky, but always sizzling with good opinions and crisp commentary, I suggest you head over to the bacon thread. You won’t be disappointed.
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Bacon references save the day. Nothing like pouring bacon grease on troubled waters.
 
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The checkout at Costco would only allow me to purchase 1 package of their Kirkland precooked bacon. Normally, I buy 4 or 5 packages at a time.

I live on meat and bacon, vegetables, sauerkraut and blocks of cheese .... Btw, do not heat your Sauerkraut. Eat it room temperature. You don’t want to kill the good bacteria.
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Every year, some mids leave voluntarily. Some do it on I-Day (never take the oath) and some wait until they've spent two full years. There are all sorts of reasons. Based on my (somewhat limited) anecdotal follow up, years later, some know they made the right choice in leaving and others regret their decision. Most of those who end up leaving arrived on I-Day expecting to stay the full four years. What happens along the way and the thought process leaving to voluntary separation. is actually an interesting subject Discussed appropriately, MIGHT help others deciding whether to attend or those struggling to decide whether to stay or leave.

Unfortunately, the OP and this thread have not been helpful in that regard (and I include myself in not being helpful).
 
@minos
PM'd

@usna1985
speak for yourself and not others. if you look through this thread there have been a handful who appreciate my original post and have found it valuable, and that makes all of this worth it.
 
CKR2024 said:
I find it incredibly sad that this person decided to share their experiences and give some advice and they've just been ripped apart. Your experience doesn't have to be others experiences.
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Don't worry about me. I was prepared for some backlash... to an extent. Admittedly, I certainly did not expect this thread to blow up this much with illogical arguments, gaslighting, and downright cyber-bullying from grown men and women.

I appreciate your post and your concern, and I have no regrets. I really want to emphasize what you said >> My experience isn't someone else's.
 
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2nd Corinthians 12:8-9 [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Isaiah 43:18-19 [18] Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. [19] See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Proverbs 4:25-27 [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. [26] Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs 3:5-6 [5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
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