<p>I am glad I opened a sincere and serious consideration of the awesome and huge decision to go to West Point. I marvel at my son even playing in this field, showing maturity I didnt have until I was 30 - if then. </p>
<p>To be clear, I would be thrilled and I do want my son to go to West Point. But my thoughts in this regard are shallow in the scheme of things, as shallow as any insight my son can receive from a "mere" weekend visit. </p>
<p>I am trying to dissuade my son from West Point as I think advocacy in that direction is the most moral and responsible thing I can do for a 18 year old youth with all the drive and energy youth has, who is so keenly ready to serve his country.</p>
<p>When he is in some ditch in Iraq or good knows where, or even just the worst of the Beast, I want to make sure his drive and dedication is absolutely steel core.</p>
<p>Again, I am in awe that someone of that age could take on issues and questions of resonsibility and sacrifice most of us never face, let alone at 18.</p>
<p>Please don't misunderstand the question. Is it possible that your son will see your attempts to dissuade him as a lack of support? Would it be an acceptable option to explain to him just what you've explained to us? These kids are very mature, but they still want to please their parents. He may need to hear you say what's on your mind. Again, I don't mean to appear as if I know what's going on in your family. But it seems as if he wants to go to West Point, and you want him to go to West Point. As tough as it is, if it's what he wants and you support him, he'll very likely get through the toughest days.</p>
<p>Fatprop, having read your posts concerning dissuading your son from attending West Point I must confess that I am at a loss as to your approach. It's possible that I haven't read closely enough; certainly that's possible; but I have to say my impression is that the approach is unconventional if not downright fallacious. Is this some kind of reverse psychology or do you really not want him to go?</p>
<p>Regarding the overnight stay, keep in mind that your son will be in the company of plebes who have essentially no rights, respect, or privileges. They are the lowest of the low in the army and are told that fairly regularly. My son’s overnight experience was that half of the plebes told him to go somewhere, anywhere, else; most of the rest of them weren’t sure either way. A sales spiel it wasn’t. </p>
<p>Those plebes give the worst impression of life there, how difficult it was, how they had no life, how they’re treated like children, how it sucks. As a candidate if you really weren’t sure you wanted to go to West Point those plebes would give you plenty of ammunition as to why you should go somewhere else.</p>
<p>At first I wondered why West Point would pair up potential candidates with plebes. It wasn’t long before I understood. West Point doesn’t need you if you’re not committed to doing what it takes to get through the program, to become a commissioned officer, and to lead troops in close combat. West Point’s definitely not for everyone. If you really mean to dissuade your son from attending West Point I would only recommend you be crystal clear as to why so there’s no misunderstanding later in life if he looks back and begins to regret having taken your advice. </p>
<p>Good luck to your son with this most important decision.</p>
<p>My point is West Point is beyond a mere weekend or any rational comparison.</p>
<p>If a mistake is made by the potential cadet, it is likely because West Point is not seen in terms of the enormity of the decision. It is not "another college".</p>
<p>Reading the constitution or watching the evening news has more relevancy than a weekend visit.</p>
<p>Dissuade is not advice - it means advocacy to try and make sure he understands the choice. In the end it will not mean anything anyway likely - I think he is full speed to serve his country in the manner the country asks of him. Pretty sure he sees it as a calling. Frankly, it scares the hell out of me.</p>
<p>Anyway, last I am time I am going to say anything on this. I just thought stressing weekend visits is an indication that perhaps a persons "doesnt get it", and is more a warning flag than anything to do with anything. In fact I am pretty sure that if a weekend visit is important to the applicant, thats the answer/test right there - the applicant shouldnt go. Thats my hunch.</p>
<p>Heh WPSON2010 - by the way my son is the 5' 10" fair haired kid. Just saw the 2010 - your likely gonna be staring eyeball to eyeball with him in about 10 weeks. Be nice! ;)</p>
<p>dis·suade (dĭ-swād') Pronunciation Key
tr.v. dis·suad·ed, dis·suad·ing, dis·suades
To deter (a person) from a course of action or a purpose by persuasion or exhortation: dissuaded my friend from pursuing such a rash scheme.</p>
<p>Sorry FatProp, I won't be there at West Point but my son, who is finishing up his plebe year, will be. If your boy ends up staring eyeball to eyeball with mine he'd better pack a lunch.</p>
<p>Congratulations and best of luck to your future cadet.</p>
<p>FatProp:
2 things to clarify - the overnight visit is midweek not weekend - this is so that candidates can get a feel for the academic system (Thayer method) as well as environment (discipline etc.) Most candidates have made the decision that the army or military commitment is for them - the decision is whether to get commissioned through USMA or ROTC. The visit can be very helpful to these candidates. These candidates "get it" - admissions will tell you that the post 9/11 cadets understand "selfless service" and have a seriousness in their eyes. Recent classes have had high acceptance rates and low attrition rates. Remember names of grads killed in action are read out at breakfast and e-mailed to cadets (and parents) - not your usual college experience....
Again I stress that you misunderstand the reason for the overnight visit - it is not to convince the candidate to join the military. One assumes that that decision has already been made.</p>