<p>Resigned before my Cow Oath...so I was there just over 2 years.</p>
<p>I even ran Beast as cadre last summer as a Squad Leader, 2nd detail.</p>
<p>It's very hard to explain why I resigned with less than 2 years to go. There is definitely an elitist culture there shared by some officers and cadets - not all, but a lot. After two years there, I felt that it was more of a brainwashing factory than anything. It's not a terrible place - I believe in their mission and respect the cause. In the end, I just didn't want it enough and never wanted to go in the first place - don't make that mistake.</p>
<p>"I just didn't want it enough and never wanted to go in the first place - don't make that mistake. "</p>
<p>I think that statement sums it up. It is unfortunate that you accepted an appointment under those cercumstances. Would you care to elaborate on why you did?</p>
<p>Thanks for your post. At this time, I'll bet there are some appointees who are trying to decide between West Point (or another service academy) and a civilian college. Your comments may help some of those students make the most informed decision possible. In addition to Ann's question, I'll be curious to hear what you've done since you left West Point.</p>
<p>Of course it is a "brainwashing factory". It is the military. They do the same thing in basic training. Do you think they get on you about how you fold your underwear or make your bed for the fun of it. It is all about breaking down mentally and rebuilding you to accept orders without hesitation. It's definitely not for everyone. To me, it seems like it would be all the pressures of an elite college with 4 years of boot camp piled on. There is no shame in not making it through and if it wasn't really what you wanted you are better off getting out now. Good luck!!!</p>
<p>I don't know if I agree that this place is a 'brainwashing factory' at all. Sure there might be a 'right way' and a 'wrong way' to do things according to the SOP, but that does not mean I can't think for myself. It would be dangerous if an officer just accepted orders right away without thought. There is always a time and place to voice respectful dissent, and without this dissent the Army would be a horribly ineffective organization to say the least.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, Secretary of Defense Gates, speaking to the Corp of Cadets at West Point had the following to say:</p>
<p>"Here at West Point, as at every university and company in America, there's a focus on teamwork, consensus-building and collaboration. Yet make no mistake, the time will come when you must stand alone in making a difficult, unpopular decision, or when you must challenge the opinion of superiors or tell them that you can't get the job done with the time and the resources available – a difficult charge in an organization built on a “can-do” ethos; or a time when you will know that what superiors are telling the press or the Congress or the American people is inaccurate. There will be moments when your entire career is at risk. What will you do? What will you do?</p>
<p>These are difficult questions that you should be thinking about, both here at West Point and over the course of your career. There are no easy answers.</p>
<p>But if you follow the dictates of your conscience and the courage of your convictions while being respectfully candid with your superiors while encouraging candor in others, you will be in good stead for the challenges you will face as officers and leaders in the years ahead.</p>
<p>Defend your integrity as you would your life. If you do this, I am confident when you face these tough dilemmas, you will, in fact, know the right thing to do."</p>