Academy to stress war readiness

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>Superintendent says some extracurricular activities being scaled back</p>

<p><a href="http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/10_08-26/NAV%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/10_08-26/NAV&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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Naval Academy midshipmen will spend more time with sailors in the fleet and have less time for extracurricular activities such as music programs and sailing, the school's new superintendent said Friday.</p>

<p>Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler said during a meeting with the editorial board of The Capital that less time will be spent on some worthwhile midshipmen activities, such as building homes for Habitat for Humanity, to make time for more training....

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<p>Were mids really missing classes to build Habitat for Humanity homes during the week? I was under the impression that the majority of these community service activities took place on the weekends. I still think community service is a worthwhile leadership experience for future officers. It's ironic because President Carter established Habitat for Humanity.</p>

<p>I heard a funny story about an upperclass mid who recently requested a chit to attend a ceremony where his admiral parent would be receiving another star. Denied until admiral parent had a personal conversation with Admiral F. </p>

<p>It makes sense that the mids would miss a Wednesday game away from home. But, weekly pep rallies that ended before study hours have been canceled, and now the entire Brigade is being forced to spend three hours during study hours to watch a Wednesday evening football game in Alumni Hall? Where is the logic behind this?</p>

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Navy Capt. Margaret Klein, the academy's commandant who is responsible for day-to-day operations, has said there was one Saturday when she ordered extra training, but failed to order additional meals.</p>

<p>On Friday, Adm. Fowler said that except for this one occasion, the "shortage" never existed.</p>

<p>"It made a lot of press because there was at the same time a lot of change happening, and change is always hard, and people are more comfortable not changing," he said

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<p>I love it. Folks, the foodshortage was all a figment of disgruntled midshipmen's imaginations. Oh yea, I came to that conclusion a month ago.</p>

<p>I predict that there are going to be some very uncomfortable mids before this is over.</p>

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<p>Reminds me more of the story we were told by the East German police when we visited Berlin in 1983 when it was still a closed city:</p>

<p>"The Berlin Wall and the border between the BRD and DDR are built to keep the aggressive Western powers out, not keep the East Germans in. Who would want to leave East Germany? It's a workers' paradise..." or words to that effect.</p>

<p>It is to laugh...this is truly Orwellian, and you know what? I really don't give a darn in the big scheme of things, but the credibility of senior officers at USNA will suffer as a result. These kids have really good BS detectors.</p>

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<p>And don't forget those WMD that are still hidden in Iraq.</p>

<p>Oh, and now that Bush has acknowledged global warming, are you willing to believe that?</p>

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<p>^^^yes, and my brother-in-law remarked that he never knew how to remove the back seat of a Mercedes until the East German guards showed him how it's done!</p>

107

<p>Newspeak:</p>

<p>We are the face of the Navy. </p>

<p>[Except that the Brigade can't be seen because they (it?) needs to be studying.]</p>

<p>Did anybody expect Adm. would actually ADMIT to a food shortage?</p>

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<p>I have not eaten a meal in King hall in many years, so because I have a lack of recent experience, I will speak from the conversations I have had with many mids from youngster to first class. The bottom line is that food service was messed up for quite a while. I remember reading where the Dant said a new contractor was coming in and all would be well on 1 Sep. Now, there is plenty of food. People may not like it, but it is there. If I remember correctly, ships in the fleet work on a 28 day meal cycle, so you get to see the same menus every four weeks. This is a necessity of shipboard life (storage issues during deployments). There will not always be fresh vegetables of fruits; you might not like what is on the menu for each meal (that is why breakfast is so great, eggs and meat are pretty simple); you will learn to eat fast and get back to your duties. The Midshipmen are currently learning one great lesson that they can definately take with them after graduation: Peanut Butter sandwiches are great, and when there isn't any bread, saltine crackers work just as well.</p>

<p>Now, there is a perception (whether true or not), that there was a major food shortage. Some of the Mids (and it might be the majority, but I have no statisitcs to back that up) feel there was. To have a leader deny (and be quoted in the paper) that the food problem was only one day is outrageous. One last question, how many meals did the Supe, Dant or representative actually eat during the first month of the Brigade returning, and what were their documented results. Enough about food, let's talk football!!!</p>

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<p>Amen, brother. Like I said, this thread is roadkill, IMHO.</p>

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<p>"These kids have really good BS detectors" usna dad&grad</p>

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<p>To have the Superindentent of the United States Naval Academy - and the Commandant of the Brigade- state ON THE RECORD that the food shortage was ONE MEAL on ONE SATURDAY is a BLATANT LIE. What they have "failed to include" is that it is the ONE TIME the SUPE actually WENT TO VISIT DALGHREN HALL DURING MEAL TIME TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AFTER 17 STRAIGHT DAYS OF COMPLAINTS! Is that, perhaps, the root of the "spin" of the "for one day, one meal" line of BS????</p>

<p>"Midshipmen do not lie. They tell the truth"..... the "whole truth."
Did not Admiral Fowler take the same oath???????</p>

<p>LEADERSHIP??????
HONOR?????
SHAME ON THEM.</p>

<p>Someone is spinning tales, and it sure aren't the MIDSHIPMEN AND MIDSHIPWOMEN of the UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY.</p>

<p>THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS.</p>

<p>As for the rest....</p>

<p>Would love someone to explain to me how a MANDITORY ATTENDANCE at this wednesday's football broadcast in Alumni Hall is ANYTHING BUT "secondary, optional and conditional"........</p>

<p>Just goes to show that while SPIN IS ALIVE AND WELL AT THE USNA, HONOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY IS IN SHORT ORDER!!!!</p>

<p>God bless the Brigade.
And God help their leaders.</p>

<p>And God help us all if this poem is how the new "Face of the Navy" is being portrayed in the press!</p>

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<p>Yep, my prediction is that there are going to be some uncomfortable midshipmen, a lot more uncomfortable than would have been necessary had they shown a little professionalism in the beginning. Just think, they can continue to show immaturity and blame their moms for a lot of it.</p>

113

<p>Charge?</p>

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When a General issues the command to his brigade to “charge”, they better damn well charge. The military is about obeying orders. It is not about discussing them with your parents or on an internet forum and then choosing to pick and choose, ignoring that which you do not like. Have you ever thought that perhaps ADM Fowler issued orders without explanation because of the fact that he felt that there was too much second guessing and quibbling over legitimate orders so he chose not to explain them.

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<p>There is no question orders should be followed, but there is also no question that the orders an officer chooses to give have consequences and that ultimately the success of the mission as well as the career of that officers giving those orders rests on the success of the men/women under his/her command, just ask the officers at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War. </p>

<p>69” I would not be very concerned about Mids discussing the changes at the academy on this forum. It would not surprise me in the least to find that your non stop assault on the character and integrity of the Brigade has succeeded in driving them majority of them away from this forum in disgust, which is truly sad given the nature of this forum and the purpose it could and should serve to those young men and women interested in attending the Naval Academy. </p>

<p>Having read many of your posts I have to say you remind me of people I’ve met from time to time that read a few words in an article or about a subject and then immediately feel that this is something they disagree with so they begin formulating a response without reading or actually taking the time to consider the substance of what is written. </p>

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I love it. Folks, the food shortage was all a figment of disgruntled midshipmen's imaginations. Oh yea, I came to that conclusion a month ago.

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<p>From what I have read of your posts here I would hazard a guess that you came to that conclusion way before that, more likely you came to that conclusion before the event even occurred and certainly before there were any “facts” available to support either position. </p>

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Just think, they can continue to show immaturity and blame their moms for a lot of it.

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<p>I’m really finding it harder and harder to believe you ever were a Mid much less served in any capacity, but then again you could just be an angry old man. The one thing I think I can say on your behalf is that you would be a shoe in for the part of Argus Filch in the next Harry Potter Movie should they need a replacement.</p>

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<p>I vote for "an angry ol' man" [did I say ex-graduate on another thread? Good catch, 69, that was a goof of the type that I try to avoid. Funny goof, nonetheless. Oh, well, none of us are perfect . . . oh, except you] who delights in the attention he receives hereon because all else who actually know him are tired of his schtick. Oh, yeah, we don't actually KNOW him, so how could we comment. Well, actually, some of us are glad to not know him. [Still trying to meet him 2010?]</p>

<p>C'mon USNA09mom, you know--deep in your heart--that hsi guy is much worse than Zaphod ever was. At least Zaphod pretended to listen from time to time and he did state, several times, that he respected the parents.</p>

<p>What a country, you gotta love it . . . and, as I tell my wife, IT'S CHEAPER THAN SIGNING ON TO A PORN SITE.</p>

<p>But, we digress, back to being a "nation at war."</p>

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<p>I was thinking about all the bantering back and forth that has been going on in this thread and others. I have the luxury of being close to the Yard and frequently visit to attend athletic events. I have witnessed the changes.....around the Yard AND in the dining hall. There have been no exaggerations here. The food situation was horrible and is very gradually improving....still not where it should be. But enough on that subject. USNA69 and others that have crashed down on the heads of various parents and posters here, I have a simple question for you.....When was the last time that you either ate in King Hall or interacted, one-on-one with members of the Brigade? Overall, they are adjusting very well and life goes on but the place is not the same. Three and a half years ago....we walked on to the Yard and watched in awe as our son was inducted. We were so impressed with this institution and so proud of all that our son had achieved to be among the wonderful young men and women that day. It was a wonderful atmosphere that we enjoyed frequently over the last couple of years. Although our son clearly belonged to the Navy now, we always felt welcome on the Yard and enjoyed the incredible atmosphere every time we visited. I am very sad to say that much has changed. The mood is very different now. I have talked with staff, other parents and professors that feel the same way. USNA is a very special place and I sincerely hope that the incredible spirit that was felt by everyone who visited will once again be evident to all that come to the Yard. As I said previously, if you have not been on the Yard, in King Hall and visiting with the Brigade on a regular basis (from a distance at football doesn't count), then you honestly do not know what is being discussed here. Finally, God bless all of you that attended that fine institution. I really admire your service...BUT, please do not speak down to any of us that are looking at the institution from another perspective. You do not have to have played or coached football to understand the game. I do not have to be an alumni of USNA to see firsthand what is going on. So....for you alumni out there....get yourselves down to the Yard, and talk with some students, eat in the hall and get a REAL sense of what is going on. Then we can have a real discussion.</p>

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<p>Bill, if the caveat of losing the angry old ex-grad monicker is to declare the Supt an example of the Peter Principal at work and also to state that the Commandant is a liar, I will wear it happily.</p>

<p>Bill, I assume you are the parent of a mid. How can you support someone who is the part of an institution, the military, for which you seem to have nothing but contempt. Also, as a BGO, you work for the Supt. Do you not see any problem with your behavior? I do.</p>

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I have eaten in King Hall more than a half dozen times over the last dozen years or so. The last time was last fall. I communicate by email with a half dozen or so at least on a weekly or so basis and see them when they are home on leave. My class sponsors two companies and we provide food for them at every home game. I usually try to talk to a dozen or so different ones each week. At AF, our local parents club tailgated and I spent a couple of hours with parents and midshipmen from the local area. I get around.</p>

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<p>I guess what you are saying is that a parent's perception of reality is so far from the truth that they can't even recognize it. I think you are correct.</p>

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It could have been a mm.

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<p>nah 69.... but it was a DAD!!!!!! Guess they meddle a bit too!!!!! And I will ROTFLMAO if he turns out to be an alumn to boot!!!!!!! :)</p>

<p>USNAMOM- I have felt the same thing, and it is prevelant everywhere I turn.</p>

<p>I see it at the football games where, in all my years of attending, never, once, did I see as many midshipmen SITTING at the game.</p>

<p>I hear it on the alumni sights.... where their $$$ support of USNA athletics over the decades is now declared as "secondary, optional and conditional."</p>

<p>I read about it everywhere.... here, Gomids, parent listserve (times 2), from alumni, on the yard......and sadly, on the front pages of the Capital, Baltimore Sun and the Delaware News. "We march for food" is one cartoon I was sad to see- blasted on the front page no less! And now, "the Supe that Stoled Spirit" in the press???????? :eek: </p>

<p>USNA69-
Trying my best to give you the benefit of the doubt- but on this particular issue I find you most unwilling to even entertain the possiblity-
and that I find most sad.
Especially from an alumni.
I can understand alumni in favor/disfavor of the changes that have been made.
I find it hard to understand the acceptance of an intolerable food situation that would never be tolerated in the fleet under similiar circumstances.<br>
I find it hard to understand how some alumni do not "watch the backs" of those who have chosen to follow in their footsteps..... and perhaps even more so, as we are a "Nation at War." Where is your support of the Brigade?</p>

<p>Understand your duty to "support the Supe".... .but I would challenge you that your duty as a BGO, and more as an Alumn, is to support the NAVAL ACADEMY. It is bigger than the Supe and the Dant.</p>

<p>And while you are of the belief "there are mids out there that will be embarrased" when all is said and done, I am of the belief there is an administration that will be called to task for the outcomes of the decisions they have made. </p>

<p>You are correct in one thing- time will reveal all.</p>

<p>In the meantime, "yellowtail" is "secondary, optional and conditional." (the vintage, not the bottle!) I was trying to go easy on your wallet- but heck, go for it! There is a new merlot from South Africa that is absolutely delicioius.... your call! I'll bring the recepie for crow! </p>

<p>(bill- more an issue of wanting to collect on a bet...... anyway, sorta feel sorry for the old goat- he means well, me thinks .............. have yet to find the tent for '69... and '68 swears "they ain't here".....anyway, will sprinkle some meat tenderizer on his old and gnarly hide and see if that helps a bit!!!.... that is, AFTER I collect that bottle of merlot he owes me!!!!! ;) )</p>

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<p>It could have been an mm</p>

<p>Does this modify the leak to the press or does it refer to authorship of the poem?</p>

<p>It is my understanding the poem was authored by a dad who is an alum!! [or is that an ex-graduate?] Perhaps he also leaked it to the press.</p>