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re: Any West Point grads
Posted on 8/5/24 at 6:44 pm to Tenfold
Posted on 8/5/24 at 6:44 pm to Tenfold
West Point, or any service academy, is great. But if he wants a better college experience where instructors aren’t breathing down his throat 24/7 365 for 4 years, then ROTC at any school would be the better decision. Both get you a degree and a commission. No one cares once you’re in if you were an academy grad or if you were ROTC. If anything, ROTC folks are more normal
This post was edited on 8/5/24 at 6:45 pm
0
Posted on 8/5/24 at 6:45 pm to tadman
quote:
There is a huge reward though - one of the best alumni networks in the world (not only are you a West Pointer, but you'll have your Army buds too). Access to very high level post-service hiring in tech, engineering, finance, aviation.
This x10000000000.
I'd never talk my kid out of a service academy. Even if they don't make it. The experience and people you meet could set you up for life.
ETA: I grew up with a guy that went to the air force academy. He's 42 and already retired from the USAF. Flies for a commercial outfit and just does overseas flights. I think he "works" 3 days a week normally.
This post was edited on 8/5/24 at 6:51 pm
Posted on 8/5/24 at 7:12 pm to armytiger96
This has been a very informative thread and i appreciate the comments. Thanks for the book recommendations and also the general replies. They all stimulate thought.
I really don’t guide him and probably shouldn’t have used those words. Actually I answer him with questions.
But yes I am his dad and want to help in whatever capacity. He does things on his own, I have never called out single spelling word or looked at his lessons. Always taught him it his job and to be excellent in what does.
Really appreciate the comments and thoughts. I will buy the books and let him read this thread.
Never thought about a military prep school prior to the commitment but maybe that has legs.
He will turn 17 in Mid August
T
I really don’t guide him and probably shouldn’t have used those words. Actually I answer him with questions.
But yes I am his dad and want to help in whatever capacity. He does things on his own, I have never called out single spelling word or looked at his lessons. Always taught him it his job and to be excellent in what does.
Really appreciate the comments and thoughts. I will buy the books and let him read this thread.
Never thought about a military prep school prior to the commitment but maybe that has legs.
He will turn 17 in Mid August
T
This post was edited on 8/5/24 at 7:16 pm
Posted on 8/5/24 at 7:19 pm to Tenfold
Louisiana had a Goveror that was pro big Government and tried to force the Covid shot on citizens that went to West Point. Forgot his name. All I got.
Posted on 8/5/24 at 7:36 pm to Tenfold
quote:
I really don’t guide him
I wasn't trying to insinuate that you were. I just wanted to caution against it because you mentioned it. Unfortunately, I've seen first hand what happens to kids that are there for the wrong reasons and feel like they can't go home.
quote:
Never thought about a military prep school prior to the commitment but maybe that has legs.
You don't apply to USMAPS. It's a spot they offer to some candidates that the school believes would be good cadets but need another year of development.
The vast majority of cadets entering the academy via USMAPS are athletes or prior service. If you aren't offered a spot to USMAPS there are private military and nonmilitary prep schools as well. Of course those come with a cost. You can also go to regular college and reapply until you are 22. I know of two kids from BR area that went to LSU and was accepted after reapplying. One just graduated from navy a couple of months ago, and the other is currently a cadet at WP.
More than happy to help. Let me know if you have additional questions.
This post was edited on 8/5/24 at 8:46 pm
Posted on 8/5/24 at 7:43 pm to armytiger96
My personal take is that West Point is not the academy it once was. Every few years a bunch of cadets get caught up in a cheating scandal and slaps on the wrist are doled out. Additionally they have gotten quite soft on discipline and expectations of the cadets. This is coming directly from TAC officers/NCO's there who work with the companies every day.
Too many kids of general officers getting in who get coddled because their parents work in the Pentagon or were old grads and later became somehow important.
It's a fine school for what it is, but if anything, ROTC/OCS has been producing as fine or better officers than West Point for some time. The only caveat to that is if a current enlisted soldier/NCO gets into West Point and then gets commissioned as an O1E, IME they do quite well.
Long story short- if doesn't get in, get him into Virginia Tech/Texas A&M/Citadel and enroll him into the corps there and he will do just as well.
Too many kids of general officers getting in who get coddled because their parents work in the Pentagon or were old grads and later became somehow important.
It's a fine school for what it is, but if anything, ROTC/OCS has been producing as fine or better officers than West Point for some time. The only caveat to that is if a current enlisted soldier/NCO gets into West Point and then gets commissioned as an O1E, IME they do quite well.
Long story short- if doesn't get in, get him into Virginia Tech/Texas A&M/Citadel and enroll him into the corps there and he will do just as well.
Posted on 8/5/24 at 7:44 pm to Tenfold
In your home state, there's going to be one congressional staffer who is really into getting folks in service academies, he/she will know ins and outs. Get on the mailing list for the congressional reps in your state and service academies. There will be a group of parents of cadets in your area who can guide you.
Obviously I'd go AF first, but that is up to you.
It's a great experience, but your kid won't get the traditional college experience, ROTC is great option where you get a dose of military and a nice college experience.
Congressional reps whose constituents are overwhelmingly poor (think MS Delta), may not have anyone in their district who qualifies or even applies, so keep in touch with those rep's offices. Be on the lookout for "academy days" hosted by some congressional reps.
Obviously I'd go AF first, but that is up to you.
It's a great experience, but your kid won't get the traditional college experience, ROTC is great option where you get a dose of military and a nice college experience.
Congressional reps whose constituents are overwhelmingly poor (think MS Delta), may not have anyone in their district who qualifies or even applies, so keep in touch with those rep's offices. Be on the lookout for "academy days" hosted by some congressional reps.
Posted on 8/5/24 at 8:05 pm to Tenfold
Never met a West Pointer but I talked to a guy that graduated Naval Academy.He said he hated everyday of it,was like 4 years of boot camp.
Have a grandson that got a Navy ROTC scholarship to Tulane.Full ride with a monthly stipend.Went to flight school and is now a pilot.
Seems like a much better deal to me,got the normal college experience with some military thrown in.He really enjoyed it.
Have a grandson that got a Navy ROTC scholarship to Tulane.Full ride with a monthly stipend.Went to flight school and is now a pilot.
Seems like a much better deal to me,got the normal college experience with some military thrown in.He really enjoyed it.
Posted on 8/5/24 at 8:12 pm to Cheese Grits
Start with your high school and local politicians
You can also go the prep route if you don’t measure up initially academic wise, Avon Prep school is an example
You can also go the prep route if you don’t measure up initially academic wise, Avon Prep school is an example
This post was edited on 8/5/24 at 8:15 pm
Posted on 8/5/24 at 8:19 pm to Tenfold
As previously stated ROTC is a good option unless he is hardcore West Point. Many soldiers find “door knockers” to be self important douche bags.
Posted on 8/5/24 at 8:25 pm to greenbean
Green bean,
How do you find mailing lists?
How do you find mailing lists?
Posted on 8/5/24 at 8:29 pm to armytiger96
quote:
Or the winner of the Miss USA Pageant.
"Something I never thought I would say for $1,000, Alex"
DEI and makeup is a helluva thing.
BTW, West Point has gone TOTALLY woke under Biden. But it's about to get cleaned-up under Trump.
It's one of his first priorities. He's already picked his military people ... and he learned his lesson the last time around.
Posted on 8/5/24 at 9:16 pm to Tenfold
quote:
Green bean,
How do you find mailing lists?
Just to the webpages of your state's congressional reps. Here is Trent Kelly (northern MS), I believe he is a NG General: Trent Kelly Service Academy
Posted on 8/5/24 at 9:30 pm to Tenfold
I've sent multiple players to the service academies. Army and Navy players always have a constant cold or sickness from all of the stress that they put them through 
Posted on 8/5/24 at 9:38 pm to greenbean
My dad went to West Point. When the Gulf War started we were watching the news. General Norman Schwarzkopf was giving a presser and my dad said I know that guy from West Point. He's probably a great General. I said why is that? Dad said he was the biggest prick at West Point. I hated that SOB
Schwarzkopf was an upper class man when my dad was a plebe. That was back when hazing was accepted and encouraged.
Schwarzkopf was an upper class man when my dad was a plebe. That was back when hazing was accepted and encouraged.
Posted on 8/6/24 at 7:35 am to Tenfold
I have a cousin that graduated for there. He is on one of the selection committees for La. for the congressional appointments. He enjoyed his experience but it was back in the 90's. He recently spoke to a young man I know and told him not to limit himself to just West Point. Look into the AF academy and any other branch and see which one fits. The young man got the appointment but I don't think he got in. Still a cool experience.
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