Army-Navy 2008

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Now, if someone wants to denounce those silly, antiquated grey cadet capes, I'm with you! Picture 4,000 teenagers going to a madrigal feast of meade and turkey legs. Throwbacks to who knows when!

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<p>You will probably think I am strange but I love the grey coats with capes. When the cadets march in wearing them I think they look classy. Plus I love the history of the uniform. Go back 50 years to Army-Navy pictures and they are wearing the same coats.</p>

<p>I also liked the new camo football uniforms. I know the mids liked the ball hats the cadets were wearing because a couple of mids approached my cadet son asking where they could get one. The mids went away dissappointed when they found out the cadets were given the hats and they weren't selling them.</p>

<p>No sweat. If there's $$ to be made, they'll soon be available in the Mid Store equivalent @ WP. </p>

<p>They're standard issue, are they?</p>

<p>Yea, I understand the notion of tradition, history, etc. w/ the capes. But the Navy abandoned knickers and lace'em up wool britches some time back. jk. </p>

<p>for what our men and women do post-W. Point ...they can wear whatever makes 'em happy. May God bless every last one of them. :)</p>

<p>usna09mom: I think President elect Obama has to much class and professionalism to not speak at USNA graduation because there is a McCain graduating. In fact, I believe he would be honored to commission John McCain's son, of course I am sure John him self will also have the honor of swearing his son in.</p>

<p>On the choice of CIC Trophy or CIC at commissioning, give me the trophy. Nothing like bragging rights over your SA peers for the rest of your life.</p>

<p>This information is from an article last year in the Colorado Springs Gazette:</p>

<p>In 1999 the five service academies' superintendants agreed to take turns inviting the President to commissioning. Before the agreement, all the academies invited the President. If the president chooses to pass on that year's rotation and go out of order (special event, 50th anniversary of the Air Force Academy last year) the invitation automatically extends, in order, to Vice President, Defense Secretary, Secretary of the respective service academy and Chief of Staff. </p>

<p>Just the luck of the class year I guess.</p>

<p>While the prestige of the position is the quintessential point here, some good news ...</p>

<p>Sec. Gates offered up one of the very best commencement talks I've ever heard @ USNA 2 springs back. There'd be no disappointment with his return engagement, I trust.</p>

<p>And politics be damned, Obama, love him or otherwise, was smart enough to coerce Gates to stay put. Talk about a rose among thorns.</p>

<p>So much for "The Big Change." ;)</p>

<p>Round and round we go ...</p>

<p>Personally - I hope the President elect does speak this year at USNA as I really would prefer not to deal with all of the security etc. next year when mine commissions. Yes it would be a great treat but like Grad/Dad says keep the trophy and have bragging rights. </p>

<p>Been there for CIC at commissioning - was a nightmare dealing with 2 elderly people, there to see their grandchild commission, (not to see the CIC) at 88 years old standing in line for for a very long time to get through security in hot humid Annapolis. Was not a lot of fun nor relaxing. Just my opinion and hopes!</p>