After Navy?

<p>Steve, we have a family member who had to leave due to a medical discharge, he is now graduating from law school (going to DOJ)...however, he was not an acad grad, or ROTC, but OTS. Nobody is even talking about being forced out. That is a whole new thread :)
An honestly this is where your folks fears come in. Between you and me and every other poster...it is bad Karma to mention it.</p>

<p>Steve - there's no doubt that i'm glad that attending a SA opens all sorts of doors. but if i was really interested in pursuing a civilian career i would go to a civilian college. i'm just stating my surprise at the amount of preaching about civ careers that i've heard throughout the whole process.
the whole thing really has to do with society's view of the academies. the logical train of thought, to me, would be "i want to be an officer in the X, i should go to the USXA." now, i think, it's starting to turn more towards, "i want to be a lawyer/politician/doctor/MBA, i should go to USXA."
i think it was JAM04 that said if someone goes to an academy for the wrong reasons but becomes a good officer anyways, then who cares? i agree with that. but if the mindset i mentioned above is starting to develop and the academies are trying to appeal to it, where do you think that will take us in the future?
i'm pretty sure someone already posted that article in the Columbia Spectator titled "The Truth About the Academies," in which a student at Barnard college describes her shock in realizing that her brother is indeed training for a military career at the USNA. i don't think that's how our academies should be viewed.
long story short: i think the academies should be putting forth a campaign that emphasizes service and commitment, while also saying "hey, when you're done with your career, don't worry - great opportunities await." what I'VE experienced is more like "hey, come here and we'll set you up for a great civilian career, but you also have to serve for five years."</p>

<p>Hershey,
I applaud your commitment.<br>
JAM is correct how the officer gets there is no importance, as long as they are committed.
Steve is also right. Your life can take twists and turns in the years to come, and might not have an option. He never said 5 and dive was the way to go.
I love the fact that both of you have idealism, however, JAM and I have seen larger pics b/c of age. IF you read through the thread again you are both cut from the same cloth and America is not only lucky, but priviledge to have you.
If you want to see a larger pic go into USMA under CFA . There is someone who failed, will not re-take and accepted the nom! BTW USMA is their 3rd choice.</p>

<p>Very valid points, and I definently agree with all three of you. bullet pretty much summed up how I think we all feel. Personally, I think it is sad that in today's American patriotism is lacking in a large majority of young adults (not the case with many on this board though) and that many are only convinced to go into the service when there is a "carrot" held in front of them.</p>

<p>Here are some of my thoughts on the subject. </p>

<p>For me personally, attending the Academy is not about the free education...most anyone able to get into the academy could get scholarships, and I have already been offered a lot. </p>

<p>I think it is nearly impossible for someone to say right now if they will make a career in the military. Far too much time and lots of variables between then and now to see that far ahead. I have wanted to serve my country for a long time, and when I do so I want to be as best prepared as I can possibly be. Its not something I take lightly and not something I want to do half way...I want to do my best. </p>

<p>This is where the academy comes into play. I believe that the Academy will prepare me BEST for service. I really don't know if I will make a career of it, i have considered that option, as well as a few others (law enforcement, becoming a chaplain in the military, going on the mission field). Regradless though, if I only serve five years I can leave content that I served to the best of my ability because I recieved the best preperation possible.</p>

<p>I think that the decision to make a career of the military or to "take five and dive" is irregardless as long as the person is dedicated to doing their absolute upmost when they are serving.</p>

<p>hersheybear - at least for West Point - they are driving home that military service is required and most likely you will end up in Iraq (or Afghanistan or.....)
They are also trying to get candidates to look at it as at least an 8 year committment - you must do 3 years in the reserves if you get out at 5 yrs and most reservist are being called up......</p>

<p>Steve - we are closer in opinion than you think we are...;)
You will need to complain, complain and complain ...... it's ok you can do it here. BTW - one factor of mid/cadet success is family support. I hope your folks come around!</p>

<p>jpr -
[quote]
most anyone able to get into the academy could get scholarships, and I have already been offered a lot.

[/quote]

not really. that is the exception - not the rule. I have two older kids who got nice scholarship but not a full ride and have huge loans.</p>

<p>This talk of a civilian career - even if you stay 20 years - you will have a civilian career. You will only be 42-43 when you retire! That may seem aged for you little squirts, but I assure you there is plenty of time for a second career.
My dad retired after 20 and then taught school for 17 years. He has been retired from teaching for 17 years one 2 pensions and full medical benefits. Not a bad deal.</p>

<p>I say that if someone is thinking about getting out before they are in. They should reconsider. Its not that they won't make an efficient officer but as my BGO explained is that they might not have the drive to make it through all 4 years.</p>

<p>A word of caution to all those thinking that going to a SA primarily for the free education. There is no thing in life that is actually "free". They forget that shortly after their college career at at SA, Uncle Sam will be looking for his payback for that fine "free" eduaction. That payback comes in many forms, but the most common today is when Uncle Sam tells you that your presence is requested in an "interesting" location, usually at a place starting with either "Camp", "FOB" or "USS". The interest accrued also comes in the fact that you're at the place for quite a while (15 months at a time became the norm for some), living in conditions that most Americans would consider "torture" in today's media. The friendly natives only add to the ambience. And lets not forget that they won't see their loved ones for a while, usually missing birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and anything else that may be important to a young family. And remember: this is only after you've gone through the toughest college experience (physically and mentally) of any academic institution, all the while trying to keep good grades in classes that match world-class university standards.</p>

<p>No, this education isn't a "free ride".</p>

<p>Now, the other factor not mentioned here. There are literally hundreds of young adults each year whose dream it is to serve their country as a military officer. Will they serve only their minimum or go the distance to retirement? Who knows? There have been many excellent posts above that correctly point out that no one can foresee the future, and circumstances always change. However, I can undertand the sentiments of those whose dream it was to go, only to have one of thier MOC's limited number of nominations go to another student whose primary motivation is to get the free ride, do the minimum time, and get out. I understand they want to take advantage of the SA's many benefits, but can you understand how this can upset young men and women who have to give up their dream? And I ask, were they honest to the MOC when he or she asked "So, why West Point / Annapolis / KP / Colorado Springs / USCGA?". Did they really answer "Because it's free! I can't wait to finish my 5 year commitment so I can take that great education and go out into the real world!"?</p>

<p>It is also correctly pointed out above that usually, and I emphasize the word "usually", those cadets whose dream it is to be an officer are more inclined to stay the course at a SA when things get tough than those whose only motivation is that they won't have a college loan to pay off when they graduate. The question every cadet and plebe asks themselves at one time or another is "Is going through all of this worth it?" IMHO, the one motivated by the commission and the desire to serve or more likely to answer "Yes!" than those who may want to re-think how they can pay to go somewhere else. Again, just my humble opinion.</p>

<p>I hold no animosity or grudge against anyone who is willing to do the time so they can get a free-world class education. However, I can see where it makes those who have other than altruistic reasons (which I feel is the majority a our SAs) just a little upset.</p>

<p>Lots of great comments. Would be good to now hear from the person who started this thread to see what they think.</p>

<p>Talking about what kind of civilian career you're going to have after the military doesn't happen too much. As far as the Academy training you for a career in the military...they are. I don't know who brought up the point about the mission statement of USNA, but they're absolutely right. You may have 5 years of service....but it's a MILITARY ACADEMY. Everything you do, night and day, has some sort of impact on your leadership development and is a constant reminder that you are classified active duty and are being trained for the military.</p>

<p>If you want to 5 and dive and you get into USNA, my recommendation would be to not flaunt that around. If people find out you wanna ditch after 5 years they may not invest any time into you.</p>