So you're coming to Annapolis

Ravens

Ravens

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In case a reality check is needed.... Since many potential hopefuls are going through the admissions process, I wanted to share this article so that you can get a look behind the curtain. When the doors of Bancroft Hall close behind you on I-Day, one will be better prepared with the weapon of knowledge. This article is being used to inform you, not scare you. Remember, it is only one persons writing, but it will open your eyes and make you critically think and ask yourself... is Annapolis really for me?

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0059/6242/files/coming_to_annapolis.pdf
 
I don't have any institutional memory to comment on much of this editorial, but I can say this is one of the most cynical pieces of writing I've ever read.

Based on the relationships and friendships my drag has formed, and his own CVW, this seems slanted, political and incorrect.
 
DesertCaliMom said:
I don't have any institutional memory to comment on much of this editorial, but I can say this is one of the most cynical pieces of writing I've ever read.

Based on the relationships and friendships my drag has formed, and his own CVW, this seems slanted, political and incorrect.
Click to expand...
Fleming is known for being one of the most cynical and negative writers about the Naval Academy. He has published many books and articles criticizing the Academy and its process of creating leaders. Like OP said, its only one person's writing.
 
Life as a tenured Professor at USNA must be great. Your Mother was a Hamster and your Father smells of elderberries. He is a thorn in the military although he has his opinions and allowed to express them. Sorry he is still teaching kids.
 
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There is a lot of accurate information in the article. Sometimes we don't want to admit it because we love the institution and the kids so much.

People call this guy names and berate him on a regular basis.

Females will take issue with it, and so will minorities. Priors and prep-schoolers may not like what he said as well.

There is a lot of truth in what he wrote. This is a PC world now. The truth is only the truth if it doesn't offend anyone.

No college or institution is perfect. Members of the forum (myself included) love USNA, USAFA, USMA, USCGA, and USMMA. We don't like to see any of them bashed. I don't see this article as bashing. I'm not sure of the reason behind it's writing, but it is eye opening and certainly food for thought.

It's long, and I read it. Some things were his opinion (which we're all entitled to) but it's an opinion from someone with an insider's perspective. If you haven't read it, I encourage you to so before commenting.
 
Fleming tends to resurface periodically with his biased, lop-sided and generally cynical/negative pieces about USNA. He seems to enjoy "stirring the pot" since his negativity keeps him in the media spotlight. Once you know his history, you tend to see common threads in everything he publishes.
 
I rolled my eyes when I saw the author's name, then I read a bit. Maplerock is correct, there is some truth, mixed with a healthy dose of cynicism. I don't necessarily agree with some of his conclusions and opinions, but understand where he is coming from. The truth is that people like Professor Fleming are necessary for a healthy academic environment, forcing the Midshipmen to question the status quo and ask questions. As Poli Sci major in the 80's, I don't recall a lot of critical thought and discussion. I viewed most things in black and white. It wasn't until I attended law school after leaving the Navy that I began to recognized the gray, and question the sources and motivation of anything I saw and read. The country needs officers that can think for themselves, so Professor Fleming and others like him are good for USNA (but take what he says with a grain of salt !)
 
I read the entire article. Every organization has its internal critics, who speak truth to power. Every organization needs folks like this in order to grow. Take from the article what you will but don’t dismiss it out of hand. I have personally heard far too many accounts from USNA grads to do so. None would return their diploma but none say the midshipman experience was nirvana. And, bottom line, it’s not supposed to be.
 
I read the whole thing and urged my DS to read it as well. I like the guy and I haven't met him.
I asked my DS about the guy and found out that he met him in class last month (During a CVW), and he liked him too.

I have no first-hand knowledge of USNA, but this guy has 22 years of it. Whether you agree with all, some, or none of what he has to say, it is a good read.
What really impresses me is that no one at the USNA appears to care about censoring him. That's a good thing. Seriously, NOTHING can be as good as those promo videos make it out to be!

Were I to opine, I would say that this should be somewhere in the forum rules.
"#4 Read this thread before posting"
 
Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who dared to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion. Dwight D. Eisenhower
 
THParent, thank you for this. The article serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective.
 
By the way, I like that guy (CAPT Tate Westbrook), too.
I would put that right after #4
"#5 Read this rebuttal to #4 by a CAPT in the Fleet (to balance the civilian behind a lecturn) before posting"

It's a Yin-Yang thing. :)
 
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