Your Son/Daughter is Going Where?? Round 2

The discussion about killing and how that is looked at by others is an interesting one .

But most who serve never come close to killing anyone unless it’s with an automobile. It’s always that small few who do the killing. And few of them relatively are officers.

But killing good or bad how many wars since 1900 has killing by Americans been the kind of killing the religious texts or Jesus would support as absolutely needed?.

We kill not because we are being attacked and fear for our survival but to further our national foreign policy.

I am not sure this is the kind of killing the priests were supposed to be supporting. The fire bombing of 100,000s of civilians in one nights raid? Vietnam? Iraq?
 
Small Team Bacsi said:
Those that do the work vs those that drink coffee in the ward room?

Its a guess I was never an officer and never saw a ward room :)
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Yeah yeah, I get it officers sit around sipping lattes with their pinkies out.

I also know that for my two tours as a Div O, I got less liberty and less sleep than any of my worker bees.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Yeah yeah, I get it officers sit around sipping lattes with their pinkies out.

I also know that for my two tours as a Div O, I got less liberty and less sleep than any of my worker bees.
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And any poop rolling downhill was soaked up by you and not passed wholesale down to your people.
 
My best friends have kids that attend civilian schools university locally. They see their kids often and their kids experience normal college stuff.

This week one of them shared a video of the kids rockin out at concert midweek. While I was happy that their kids get to experience these “normal” activities I knew that my DS had spent the night studying for classes, prepping for the weeks ProKnow and getting ready for an o’dark thirty workout in the morning. All after a full day classes which also included an o’dark thirty workout.

I know DS is in right place but is it normal to feel jealous of my friends kids experiencing “normalcy”? Their kids, while inconvenienced by recent COVID remote learning, did not experience ROM or cold boxed lunches for dinners. I struggle when talking to my friends about DS experience as they are so far removed from the normal experience.
 
@LT360, I don’t know if it’s normal to be jealous of kids at civilian college, but it may not be unusual. Especially during plebe year, when the contrasts are greatest.

I’ve never experienced it myself, and neither has DD. I think she saw it as a point of pride that her plebe year Halloween party ended at 8pm — gotta study, after all! — just as her civilian friends were starting their parties.

I teach at our flagship state university, so I see the “normal” undergrad experience. On the other hand, DD has done and seen things that civilians can only dream about. They weren’t typical college experiences, but in many ways much more rewarding.

You know what else isn’t “normal” college? Academic support that’s second to none. Unusually high camaraderie and tight friendships. Consistently small classes. Incredible esprit des corps. Unparalleled opportunities to see the world. All in four short years — guaranteed FOUR years!
 
LT360 said:
My best friends have kids that attend civilian schools university locally. They see their kids often and their kids experience normal college stuff.

This week one of them shared a video of the kids rockin out at concert midweek. While I was happy that their kids get to experience these “normal” activities I knew that my DS had spent the night studying for classes, prepping for the weeks ProKnow and getting ready for an o’dark thirty workout in the morning. All after a full day classes which also included an o’dark thirty workout.

I know DS is in right place but is it normal to feel jealous of my friends kids experiencing “normalcy”? Their kids, while inconvenienced by recent COVID remote learning, did not experience ROM or cold boxed lunches for dinners. I struggle when talking to my friends about DS experience as they are so far removed from the normal experience.
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Suggested videos - there are dozens and dozens on YouTube, some official, some not, on all aspects of USNA life. This is an eclectic, random fun mix.






https://youtu.be/_KJFib55qHo
 
Capt MJ said:
Suggested videos - there are dozens and dozens on YouTube, some official, some not, on all aspects of USNA life. This is an eclectic, random fun mix.






https://youtu.be/_KJFib55qHo
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Great videos! My hobby of late has been searching for videos showing the life and times of the USNA.

While we don't live in a "Navy" area, we do have a joint Army/Airforce Base near us. Reading this thread prior to our son's appointment I thought "how could these stories be true?" Luckily we haven't had any really negative comments but the ignorance relating to USNA has been astounding.

Just a while ago I had one of my top guys come into my office, an intelligent guy pushing 40 years old. I have known him since he was 20 years old.

"Has son decided what he is doing after high school"
"Yes he is going to the Naval Academy"
"Oh" (with what sounded like shock) "Where is that?"
"It's in Maryland"
"Oh, how many weeks will he be there?"
"Well, I would need to count them I guess"
"Huh?"

My wife's best friend since elementary school, (with a Master's Degree in public administration) "So will he ever go to college?"

SEVERAL people a variation of:
"Too bad he couldn't get into West Point that would have been great."
"Well he did get an appointment to West Point and based on several factors he chose the USNA"
"He would have been set for life if he had picked West Point."
"I will let him know."
 
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Gobsmacked said:
Great videos! My hobby of late has been searching for videos showing the life and times of the USNA.

While we don't live in a "Navy" area, we do have a joint Army/Airforce Base near us. Reading this thread prior to our son's appointment I thought "how could these stories be true?" Luckily we haven't had any really negative comments but the ignorance relating to USNA has been astounding.

Just a while ago I had one of my top guys come into my office, an intelligent guy pushing 40 years old. I have known him since he was 20 years old.

"Has son decided what he is doing after high school"
"Yes he is going to the Naval Academy"
"Oh" (with what sounded like shock) "Where is that?"
"It's in Maryland"
"Oh, how many weeks will he be there?"
"Well, I would need to count them I guess"
"Huh?"

My wife's best friend since elementary school, (with a Master's Degree in public administration) "So will he will ever go to college?"

SEVERAL people a variation of:
"Too bad he couldn't get into West Point that would have been great."
"Well he did get an appointment to West Point and based on several factors he chose the USNA"
"He would have been set for life if he had picked West Point."
"I will let him know."
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Yes, too bad he’s going to N*ot College with an asset like this:



Or, wonder how these people did this without going to college? To be fair, though, many people have no reason to know, associate the word “academy” with non-college schools, and military schools with old-fashioned “reform schools.”



 
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MidCakePa said:
@LT360, I don’t know if it’s normal to be jealous of kids at civilian college, but it may not be unusual. Especially during plebe year, when the contrasts are greatest.

I’ve never experienced it myself, and neither has DD. I think she saw it as a point of pride that her plebe year Halloween party ended at 8pm — gotta study, after all! — just as her civilian friends were starting their parties.

I teach at our flagship state university, so I see the “normal” undergrad experience. On the other hand, DD has done and seen things that civilians can only dream about. They weren’t typical college experiences, but in many ways much more rewarding.

You know what else isn’t “normal” college? Academic support that’s second to none. Unusually high camaraderie and tight friendships. Consistently small classes. Incredible esprit des corps. Unparalleled opportunities to see the world. All in four short years — guaranteed FOUR years!
Click to expand...

One of the things that I will admit makes my goofy eyes water and makes me feel really good about my son leaving soon is watching Service Assignment videos. What appears to be genuine joy expressed by company and teammates for their shipmates is something to behold.
 
Capt MJ said:
Suggested videos - there are dozens and dozens on YouTube, some official, some not, on all aspects of USNA life. This is an eclectic, random fun mix.
Click to expand...
DS called earlier and said due to snow predictions that the Saturday stroll (perhaps jaunt) across the bridge was already cancelled. Rumors swirling about a snow "event" taking place. Perhaps the "massive" snowball fight for years past will be replayed?
 
LT360 said:
DS called earlier and said due to snow predictions that the Saturday stroll (perhaps jaunt) across the bridge was already cancelled. Rumors swirling about a snow "event" taking place. Perhaps the "massive" snowball fight for years past will be replayed?
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I don’t think so - the Snowmageddon event was a multi-day snow storm dumping a massive (for this area) amount of snow but started snowing a little over an hour ago - light and wet - nothing sticking as yet. Supposed to stop tomorrow. Freezing temps will make the roads fun.
 
Gobsmacked said:
One of the things that I will admit makes my goofy eyes water and makes me feel really good about my son leaving soon is watching Service Assignment videos. What appears to be genuine joy expressed by company and teammates for their shipmates is something to behold.
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When a civilian college senior lands that first real job, I wonder how many do so six months before graduation, get to first celebrate with their 30 closest classmates, followed by wild applause from another 100 or so classmates, and even have the college president and/or dean come by to personally congratulate them, and then attend a dress-up dinner to cap the big day.
 
Capt MJ said:
I picked up a plebe at BWI yesterday, headed back after a positive test at home but now cleared, roomie of a sponsor plebe and I suspect soon to be an adoptee. We chatted about various things. Then she shared the one jarring note about being back with HS friends, one of whom was a guy who insisted there couldn’t possibly be female pilots who flew combat jets. She calmly told him she planned to be one, and that apparently he woke up in the wrong century. 🤣
As we headed toward the Yard, I told her to look up CAPT Rosemary Mariner, and the flyover done for her funeral service, specifically the USNI video.

RIP, Rosemary, you left us too soon.

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That was simply AWESOME!!
 
MidCakePa said:
When a civilian college senior lands that first real job, I wonder how many do so six months before graduation, get to first celebrate with their 30 closest classmates, followed by wild applause from another 100 or so classmates, and even have the college president and/or dean come by to personally congratulate them, and then attend a dress-up dinner to cap the big day.
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Are you forgetting that fact that the ceremony is streamed live, and possibly diploma is awarded by presidnet/Vice President or a high level military official..
 
MidCakePa said:
@LT360, I don’t know if it’s normal to be jealous of kids at civilian college, but it may not be unusual. Especially during plebe year, when the contrasts are greatest.

I’ve never experienced it myself, and neither has DD. I think she saw it as a point of pride that her plebe year Halloween party ended at 8pm — gotta study, after all! — just as her civilian friends were starting their parties.

I teach at our flagship state university, so I see the “normal” undergrad experience. On the other hand, DD has done and seen things that civilians can only dream about. They weren’t typical college experiences, but in many ways much more rewarding.

You know what else isn’t “normal” college? Academic support that’s second to none. Unusually high camaraderie and tight friendships. Consistently small classes. Incredible esprit des corps. Unparalleled opportunities to see the world. All in four short years — guaranteed FOUR years!
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A bit of a different look at this question of being jealous...

When my oldest DS (not my class Of 25 USAFA hopeful) had enlisted in the Navy as was getting ready to ship off to Basic in Great Lakes ... my best friend was preparing her oldest son to head off to Oklahoma State Univ. She was busy buying refrigerators and worrying if his desk would fit in the corner of him dorm room, or if he would be granted a single room or not.

I was thinking the whole time huh, I can't even make sure my son has the kind of underwear he likes or boots that wouldn't give him blisters, but at least I can buy him this 10.00 phone card so maybe he can call home once or twice during boot.

I was jealous, (and my friend was genuinely supportive to me - no cuts to her) but still very proud of his decision to serve! (DS is loving being a Seabee and has made E4 - her son is doing well in his Junior year at Univ). It's all good!
 
lettikay said:
A bit of a different look at this question of being jealous...

When my oldest DS (not my class Of 25 USAFA hopeful) had enlisted in the Navy as was getting ready to ship off to Basic in Great Lakes ... my best friend was preparing her oldest son to head off to Oklahoma State Univ. She was busy buying refrigerators and worrying if his desk would fit in the corner of him dorm room, or if he would be granted a single room or not.

I was thinking the whole time huh, I can't even make sure my son has the kind of underwear he likes or boots that wouldn't give him blisters, but at least I can buy him this 10.00 phone card so maybe he can call home once or twice during boot.

I was jealous, (and my friend was genuinely supportive to me - no cuts to her) but still very proud of his decision to serve! (DS is loving being a Seabee and has made E4 - her son is doing well in his Junior year at Univ). It's all good!
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“You are only as happy as your saddest child”
 
LT360 said:
My best friends have kids that attend civilian schools university locally. They see their kids often and their kids experience normal college stuff.

This week one of them shared a video of the kids rockin out at concert midweek. While I was happy that their kids get to experience these “normal” activities I knew that my DS had spent the night studying for classes, prepping for the weeks ProKnow and getting ready for an o’dark thirty workout in the morning. All after a full day classes which also included an o’dark thirty workout.

I know DS is in right place but is it normal to feel jealous of my friends kids experiencing “normalcy”? Their kids, while inconvenienced by recent COVID remote learning, did not experience ROM or cold boxed lunches for dinners. I struggle when talking to my friends about DS experience as they are so far removed from the normal experience.
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Just wait until summer trainings. And winter military balls (I know most Mids hate them, but ooooo the uniform!! And company dinings out haven’t happened in a few years…). Plus all the videos provided already.

Flying an aircraft
Shooting big guns
Exploding stuff
Diving a sub
Time on an aircraft carrier
Trips overseas
Northern tier adventures
Sailing the ocean past PHL/NYC/to the Cape (and sitting by Goldie Hawk and Kurt Russell at lunch and chatting with them about sailing…true story) in a beautiful 16 ft yacht

And soooooooo much more.

Just wait until that’s what YOUR kid is doing 😎. Ton’s of #PinchMe moments in store. I still cannot believe the cool stuff available to them. Soon, the trainings will be out and your perspective will change.

It’s interesting. With both of my guys, when they come home, it’s kind of hard for them to relate with their peers here. Their experiences are simply on a different level. And the growth that comes with. As these summer trainings are fun, yes, but are also HUGE personal growth factors in their development (and also a really great example why leadership isn’t developed virtually….).

*Usually* plebes would visit the DC Holocaust musem, and have a really neat company dining out experience. But those haven’t happened for a couple years due to Covid. So the ‘neat’ things your plebe usually does, haven’t happened. Hopefully they will this year. But for certain, summer trainings will help you loose that ‘jealous’ feeling. And probably create it with YOUR friends 😂

I have two doing USNA, and two that did ‘regular’ college. So speaking from experience. The USNA stuff is way cooler than ‘regular’ college. And you child WILL be having normal experiences as their privileges increase. My boys have done their share of ‘normal’ stuff. Not plebe year, but after. Last year, usna had two PRIVATE concerts: Put Bill, and Pentatonix. A few years ago? It was Katy Perry. Pretty cool. And they ‘rocked out’.

JUST WAIT 💯
 
justdoit19 said:
Last year, usna had two PRIVATE concerts: Put Bill, and Pentatonix. A few years ago? It was Katy Perry. Pretty cool. And they ‘rocked out’.
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Concerts at USNA can be a LOT of fun. I can remember a few of them - my plebe year we had the Spinners and the nest year we had Bruce Springsteen and the E St band. For our Ring Dance, we had Roberta Flack.
 
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