<p>
[quote]
Standing before a screen that showed smoke rising from the Twin Towers after the Sept. 11 attacks, the new Naval Academy superintendent told the school's oversight panel yesterday that spending more time studying and in the fleet and less time on extracurricular activities will help prepare midshipmen to join the battle against terrorism.</p>
<p>In a brief presentation to the Board of Visitors, a group of lawmakers and other civilians, Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler imagined aloud that one of his successors 30 years from now "will be standing here talking about this long war."</p>
<p>Fowler asked: Will the academy reflect "the attitude of wartime service? ... All other activity is secondary, optional and conditional."...
<p>Here's the WP's spin on it. It would seem Sen. Mikulski is more concerned about her state's "royalty" than her officers in training, i.e. the Burger King and Dairy Queen.</p>
<p>More socio-economic issues that the Navy is responsible for coordinating with the local community. Senator M. is of the opinion that USNA is responsible for making sure that local franchise owners earn a profit from sales to the mids.</p>
<p>I always thought that the tourists were supposed to drive the economy in DTA. The mids were supposed to be part of the attraction.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Here's the WP's spin on it. It would seem Sen. Mikulski is more concerned about her state's "royalty" than her officers in training, i.e. the Burger King and Dairy Queen.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>actually, that is a lot of spin........</p>
<p>and not how it was presented........</p>
<p>it was in a much boarder discussion on the close interaction between the USNA and Annapolis, Maryland's "capitol." In that regard, the discussion was not so much on the mids "supporting" Annapolis, but the need for 2 entities to co-exist on the same spit of land.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The Naval Academy commandant told a civilian oversight panel yesterday that food shortages in the mess hall were a one-time occurrence caused by miscommunication.</p>
<p>Capt. Margaret Klein told the Board of Visitors the academy's three mess halls ran short of entrees Aug. 16, a Saturday, when the entire brigade of 4,400 midshipmen was on campus for a series of lectures....
<p>Jeffrey Fowler imagined aloud that one of his successors 30 years from now "will be standing here talking about this long war." Baltimore Sun</p>
<p>This makes me sick. Our top generals agree that the military isn't going to end the conflict. Maybe if the draft is reinstated our leaders will be forced to seriously pursue the necessary diplomatic solutions throughout the region. The draft will also resolve the issue of the military reflecting American society from top to bottom. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska, Vietnam infantry), was right when he referred to this war as "the biggest foreign policy blunder in the history of the United States." If we're to believe Fowler's musings, not only will our grandchildren be paying down the war debt, they may also be fighting the war and making the ultimate sacrifice. It's hard to imagine Jenna and Barbara's kids being part of this picture.</p>
<p>I would like to give the Darkside the benefit of the doubt; however, to date I have seen little to warrant too much of a continued wait-and-see attitude. Don't get me wrong, I strongly believe that the return to mandatory meals and study hours not only appropriate, but long overdue ... reduced liberty, I'll withhold judgement on ... I strongly disagree with calling attendance at away games, extra curricular activities, and intramural sports "a distraction" ... granted, these opinions are based on my experiences a long, long time ago. but it strikes me that much of this is to counter -rightly or wrongly- the perception of Rod Rempt's stewardship. The new Supe and 'Dant want to prove they are hard asses, but what I've seen/heard regarding "distractions, the "food crisis" and the subsequent attempts to spin it in a way most favorable to the Admin -and unbelievably so to my mind- makes me doubt their veracity/sincerity. It seemed to me they blamed everyone and everything but the reality ... they simply screwed up and then tried cover up! [sounds kind of familiar; maybe an attempt to mirror the masters to whom they owe their positions] ... but the picture I can't get out of my mind -again, strangely reminiscent [scripted by the sams ?] of others past and present ... "Mission Accomplished" immediately comes to mind, together with images of pinnocchio before a never-ending backdrop of military, including USNA, every chance he gets ... remember THE turkey serving the troops at Thanksgiving with a PLASTIC turkey or handing out bottled water- and now the Darkside "briefing" the BOV before a backdrop of the WTO !!!</p>
<p>It is my opinion that the "food crisis" was glossed over by the dant. I finally heard one statement of accountability... "failed to communicate it to the folks...."..... and throughout the discussion to "present" the food issue, it was clearly painted in a way that made it seem like a one-time event..... not once did I hear an acknowledgement that tables were not served, or that the situation lasted for 17+ days. Instead, what I heard was that it was "brought to our attention" on day...3???.... that it was "addressed," and that there was a "minor issue" with moldy bread....which was removed (promptly) and new supplies brought out..... clearly a misrepresentation of what occured.</p>
<p>Senators listened- and questioned- and suggested that "the quality be addressed."<br>
Questioned wisdom of cutting ECA's..... community service.... and participating in the "recruitment" effort....
Adm. Fowler held fast to his position.... dant claimed ECA's have not been cut.... instead, mids are "restricted" in terms of how many ECA's they can participate in.</p>
<p>Not sure what was accomplished......
sadly, not a clear representation at all.....
was told the board of visitors will be visiting- and eating- on the yard in the months ahead (??november?).... wondering what will be on the menu.....</p>
<p>dant did stress that there is a more receptive feed-back method put into place re: food.... they can "bring it up the chain" immediately.... "aleady we have made some changes"..... word has it buffalo chicken wraps are back "in".... </p>
<p>did hear some issues about "waste"...as in wasted food.... not sure if that is because it is a product of oversupply (????) or that there are some days no one likes what is being served- therefore don't eat- thus, waste..... (cod dogs from this past week come immediately to mind)....</p>
<p>admirals vision re: study hours, mando meals, squad tables, decreased liberty.... all seemed reasonable in terms of the "why".... cuts in ECAs, football game attendance (stated mids missed too many classes).... not so sure that was received as well....</p>
<p>time will tell.<br>
"look and consider ramifications before you act" came across loud and clear.....
as did the need for "improved communication."</p>
<p>OldLemming....yep, that's about the size of it. We can only guess as to the reasoning behind some of the changes as what we're being told is the "vision" just doesn't jive with what is being done. Too many contradictions between what he says and what he does. (I say "he" because the Supe is ultimately responsible for what goes on at the Academy....Captain of the ship.)</p>
<p>navy2010 - Appreciate the view from one in attendance at the BOV meeting. I'm still hoping that some common sense will prevail.</p>
<p>Do "common sense" and "government" go together in sentence?</p>
<p>I am no "cut all government by any means" kind of guy, but I recognize the Peter Principle--stars or no stars--at work when I see it. Because a guy is really good at a recruitment command, does that make him an excellent choice to lead a University? </p>
<p>N2010. Give us a complete report on the BOV meeting. I know you sat there and took notes.
Was the meeting complete BS? What sorts of public comments were made? Were answers completely deflective? Did the answers remind you of Ahmedinajad's [sic?] answers at Columbia University? [In line with the "no homosexuals in Iran" comments, was the statement made that "there are no hungry mids in Bancroft."]</p>
<p>This may be further along the food chain than some of you have yet to experience, but it is disheartening to hear that some of the graduate-school opportunties [VGEP, IGEP] for accelerated students [oh, yeah, are they students or sailors?] may be [may have been?] cutback.</p>
<p>Also, since parental involvement is inconsistent with war readiness, the rumor has advanced that FPW may be canceled for next year.</p>
<p>Then why does the fleet justify Family days, Tiger cruises etc during a time of War? When did the USS Bancroft set sail?</p>
<p>Studies done on VEGEP actually show a small increase in retention for those who participate, not a five and dive attitued. You would think the Navy would look at that before the Supe cuts the program. </p>
<p>
[quote]
This thesis studied the retention of United States Naval Academy Voluntary Graduate Education Program (VGEP) and Scholarship participants in graduating classes of 1983-1998. The comparison group of non-participants consisted of USNA graduating classes 1983-1998 with an Academic Quality Point Rating (AQPR) comparable to the early graduate education students. AQPR was used in order to make the academic backgrounds similar for the participants and non-participants. The retention behavior of program participants and non-participants was compared to determine if participation in early graduate education affected retention. The models analyzed retention to each year of service between six and twelve years. In the retention models for unrestricted line officers, both VGEP and Scholarship had a small positive effect on retention to 7 YCS. Although the adjusted differences in retention are not large in magnitude, the results dispel the notion that early graduate education programs are used as vehicles by junior officers to facilitate transition to the civilian labor market following expiration of their initial service obligation. No changes to the service obligations for these programs were recommended.
<a href="http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA445536%5B/url%5D">http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA445536</a>
Report Date : MAR 2006
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Exactly what do they plan on doing with those students, given their validations, that will complete most of their academic program at the end of their 2/C year?</p>
<p>They didn't have FPW when I was a 1/C so parents certainly don't need it now. Just suck it up...however; my wife does want to attend if the Supe will allow it and says I'm going anyway (actually, I wouldn't want to miss it). It is certainly kindler, gentler, and is more in-line with the tack that a university president would take. The Supeintendent from his actions sees himself as anything but that, and that is the crux of the problem. He is that of course, and a WHOLE lot more. He can not ignore part of his calling to the handle the military aspect of his task. It's going to be an interesting ride for everyone, but, in the end, the Mids will graduate and be tougher for it. I just hope the summer sailing program isn't cut. Then I'll be really ticked off.</p>
<p>I'll suck it up if necessary. I just don't see the need to get worked up over rumors versus actual announced cuts, and was trying to figure out if these are real or rumors.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Fowler asked: Will the academy reflect "the attitude of wartime service? ... All other activity is secondary, optional and conditional."...
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The academy should reflect the potential for wartime service at all times, regardless of the state we currently exist in, war or not; it is after all a Naval Academy. War could break out at any time, if you look at our nation’s history and that of our world, it should be obvious that peace is just the time between wars. That is not to say I support the notion that changes were necessary on the basis of our current “war status”. If there was a feeling that changes were necessary to improve the quality of education or level or preparedness that is another matter. The message and the method through which these changes have been implemented leaves much to be desired; we were as much at war the day before the new Supt assumed command as the day after; what does that say about how things were done up until that point? Was the academy in such a crisis state that it necessitated immediate and dramatic action or could these changes have been phased in over time while the results were reviewed? </p>
<p>The issue of greatest concern for my part is this notion that we should evolve the current program at the academy to one that places the greatest emphasis on only those things deemed relevant to prepare our sons and daughters for war. Why? What kind of officers are we trying to create? As a nation we don’t live to fight, nor do we expect such from our servicemen. I assume we still just fight when we have to, so that we can live?
Why would you even consider eliminating events that connect the men and women of the academy with those that matter most to them, their family and friends? Why would you try and isolate them from “distractions”; events and activities that are in the end, part of the kind of life we are trying to protect and defend. The best sailor/soldier/marine/airman is going to be the one that values and appreciates their life back home and will do what is necessary to safeguard it. </p>
<p>The other aspect of this approach that is disturbing comes from the fact that this notion of war preparedness is so fundamentally at odds with the reality that exists within the borders of this nation, War? Is that a new game show? Is it a spin off from American Idol? I would hazard a guess far too many Americans could tell you who won on what show with more accuracy than they could name what sons and daughters from their home towns won’t come home from this war, as in the real one we’re fighting. The question they should be asking themselves is how do we fight a 30 year war on behalf of a nation with a 30 minute attention span? In that vain the military cannot go it alone, this has to come from more than just the CNO or the current Supt. If they sincerely believe we are in it for the long haul and changes of the kind they are implementing are truly necessary, then they need the support of nation they are tasked with defending along with an acknowledgment that we are all in it for the long haul.</p>
<p>MAY be cut. Well, in the half-speak of the current administration, I should probably say that "cut" means "diminished." Sort of like saying that ECAs have not been cut but, rather, that fewer mids will qualify for participaation.</p>
<p>Don't get too worked up yet; the truth will be better known in or about December.</p>
<p>BUT, based on prelminary inquiries, it does not look particularly good for those majors that do not support the Navy's mission. Not that we are sure what that means, but it sounds like "softer" majors may have a tough time justifying V/Igep.</p>
<p>It also is not clear--must be due to operational security considerations or something like that--what would happen to those who have validated significant numbers of classes.</p>
<p>Still preliminary, but thought I would throw some more meat to the wolves.</p>
<p>They will have an easy last semester. VGEP is limited to one midshipman per department. Several more in each department only find out they are not in the running at mid year. The dedicated ones may actually pick up a minor.</p>
<p>Still only a rumor about the majors but, hopefully, it will prove to be true.</p>
<p>The above link is to a research paper entitled:
Changing Educational Goals at the United States Naval Academy written by LtCol Jeffrey Blum, USAF. Although it only take us into the late 1970's, it provides insight into why there was a program developed that offered more than just engineering and science majors. Also interesting was the emphasis put on the learning of languages and history by the very first Superintendent.</p>
<p>^^^
rjrzoom & old lemmingexcellent points! Thank you!</p>
<p>"In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with distinction from the Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Fowler's education includes Master's Degrees in Business Administration from Chaminade University of Honolulu and in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is also a graduate of the Syracuse University National Security Studies program and was a military fellow on the Council on Foreign Relations, where he is now a lifetime member." <a href="http://www.usna.edu/PAO/supe2.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.usna.edu/PAO/supe2.htm</a></p>
<p>According to his curriculum vitae, VADM Fowler is obviously committed to non-technical post-graduate work. "Easy last semester" is nonsense! Would that mean more time on Facebook, the Cartoon Channel, and computer games? Cutting EC's, limiting opportunities for VGEP in an area with excellent universities nearby, two pep rallies per semester instead of weekly pep rallies during football season (ending before 2000 for study hour). If he won't support the football program, why not just eliminate it altogether, "nation at war," interacting with enlisted personnel, etc. Isn't MORALE an issue in effective leadership? </p>
<p>I still can't believe this actually took place:</p>
<p>"Standing before a screen that showed smoke rising from the Twin Towers after the Sept. 11 attacks, the new Naval Academy superintendent told the school's oversight panel yesterday that spending more time studying and in the fleet and less time on extracurricular activities will help prepare midshipmen to join the battle against terrorism." </p>
<p>I know Admiral Mullen is busy these days, but does he or the current CNO know what the heck is taking place on the banks of the Severn?</p>