Discussion of Changes at USNA

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
261

<p>This has been paraded on the forum repeatedly the last week or so:</p>

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</p>

<p>What about the other 99.9% of the class. Has it become this:</p>

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</p>

<p>Has competence replaced excellence? A lot of people think so. I have heard percentages as low as 15%-20% for those who really give academics their all, who do the best they can. It has become a common complaint from the faculty and administration. Back in my day we were told to expect 2 hrs of study per hour of class in order to do well. Eighteen hour course load times 2 hrs is 36 hours. Sounds to me if study time should be extended. Maybe mandatory Saturdays and Sunday afternoon. Perhaps this is why the Supt stated that he had the approval of the Academic Dean on the new policies. Have the profs been grading down to the bell curve for competency? The bell curve of a ECing PTing non-studying mid. Evidence seems to support it. Need I mention again that the fall back liberal arts majors are at an all time high.</p>

<p>As far as ECs in the daily routine are concerned, correct me if I am wrong, but the perception that I am developing is that last year, Bancroft Hall slowly came alive in time for everyone to wander off for their morning classes. Noon meal formation and noon meal. Afternoon classes. Then ECs, maybe out in town, but basically doing whatever they desired. Wander back to Bancroft sometime in the evening, grabbing chow where ever, and then going for an evening workout. Some seem to have had ECs in the evening and since intramurals were still "mandatory", I assume did that in the afternoon. When the heck did they study? All indications to me are that the ship is rudderless.</p>

<p>It has been replaced by morning and evening meal formations and meals. Meals where they spend times interacting with their fellow squad members, developing a sense of purpose as a team. Afternoons are spent with intramural sports where one develops camraderie and teamwork with their classmates. And then an evening of studying, studying about half the required hours they need in order to excel in academics.</p>

<p>Wheelah mentions tax dollars. As a tax payer, first I want a competent Naval Officer, one who can FOLLOW as well as lead. One who can be open minded and see the big picture. I want him to have the education to handle today's technical Navy. We expended a lot of effort to ensure that we brought in the brightest. They are capable of continuing. Sometimes in life one cannot do it all. ECs would be the first to go. They have the rest of their lives to develop those. I want them to have developed a physical fitness regime that they can continue the remainder of their lives in order to stay healthy and provide positive role models to their troops. I couldn't care less about their six-pack stomachs or how much they can bench press. Everything I see in the new administration, I like.</p>

<p>The tuba will still be there after they graduate.</p>

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<p>Yep. Sounds like a plan to me.</p>

262

<p>
[quote]
Has competence replaced excellence?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>In selecting the new USNA Supe, yes.</p>

<p>Welcome to the new United States Naval Malnourished Robot Academy.</p>

263

<p>^^^^^^^^^Jeebus, with both those in depth profound statements, you obviously have first hand knowledge at what is going on at USNA (or USNMRA, sorry it doesn't have a ring to it. I will stick with USNA). Would you care to provide us more enlightenment?</p>

264

<p>I would trust the writings of current Mids, who are actively participating in the changes that are occurring, to have a better handle on what is happening than some bitter old man who hasn't lived at the academy for almost 40 years. </p>

<p>You are stuck in time, a relic of what "used to be", and are convinced that no way will work unless it fits YOUR mold of how it "used to be". </p>

<p>The entire USNA section of CC has denigrated into one large ****ing match between prospective Mids/current Mids/Mid parents, versus you. No one else's comments, thoughts, or statements can be posted on these SA boards without you interjecting some snide comment or insult. </p>

<p>You're a legend in your own mind. </p>

<p>But everywhere else, you are laughed at. </p>

<p>Especially in the Brigade.</p>

265

<p>could not have said it better myself jeebus. i rarely post on this forum anymore. why? because my comments are denigrated and jeered at by those all knowing minds who 'know better'. just thought i would put my experience in, but i see now that the opinion of one actually at the academy is unwanted. thanks usna69.</p>

266

<p>I also could not have said it better . . . well, of course, I didn't</p>

<p>Wheelah has been one of the most informative, balanced voices on this website for a couple of years.
Jadler always tries to moderate his comments to factual assessments.
I may go off half-cocked some of the time and I apologize for that.</p>

<p>The fact is that the USNA thread on CC consistently seems to have alumni who post in an offensive, derogatory manner to those who disagree with them. The tone is always one of "you haven't been there--at the Academy--so you wouldn't understand" to the moms or "you haven't been there--in the Fleet--so you wouldn't understand."</p>

<p>I don't see the same mean-spirited comments on the other CC threads. Why is that? </p>

<p>What is it about old goats who have nothing better to do than post on this thread that makes them so intolerant of diverging views? </p>

<p>This IS NOT the Academy of 40 or even 20 years ago. The students--yes we are STUDENTS--are different, the times are different and, whether you like it or not, today's mids have an opinion.</p>

<p>Quote from an earlier post.
What really upset my alumni husband that when he asked all our Mids how much they see the Supe around the yard ALL said they had only seen him ONE time!</p>

<p>As I said before, this is absolutely true! It's silly how little time he has spent talking to the mids. THEN, he doesn't want to answer ANY questions or otherwise communicate the logic behind some of his decisions. [Not that he has too . . . blah, blah, blah.]</p>

<p>Wheelah, don't let some goofball old goat drive you from this site. I have received many private messages of encouragement. You could make any substantively correct statement and 69 would pick it apart. [He takes the substance of your comment about Rhoades Scholar and then proceeds to make some asinine, meaningless comment about the other 99.9% of mids.] He doesn't have anything bettter to do w/ his life and that is his problem. </p>

<p>Or, as somebody else put it very well, it is sometimes necessary to stand up to bullies. Think of it as ensuring an accurate message gets out to those who are considering USNA.</p>

<p>Prospective mids. While some alumni on this site appear to be very interested in helping you understand the application process, how their experience went, and what their experience was in the fleet, [doing so in a very logical and non-judgmental way] please take the comments of others with a grain of salt. These guys who want to pretend their Navy experience was like John Wayne's, well . . . .
Importantly, the parents really do have a perspective on current conditions. Most mids do not have time or inclination to post on this site; the parents, however, do hear from their kids regularly and, from what I have seen, the posts are relatively accurate.
Finally, the few mids who do post on here are capable of offering tremendous insight on current conditions. Take advantage of them.</p>

<p>As I said on another thread, I would do it again. That doesn't mean I don't have an opinion about how the current leadership has conducted themselves.</p>

267

<p>
[quote]
As a tax payer, first I want a competent Naval Officer, one who can FOLLOW as well as lead. One who can be open minded and see the big picture. I want him to have the education to handle today's technical Navy.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>If this statement is not all telling! I guess He wants a "Him" Navy.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Have the profs been grading down to the bell curve for competency? The bell curve of a ECing PTing non-studying mid. Evidence seems to support it.

[/quote]
What evidence? How degrading to an excellent faculty for you to now accuse them of not doing their job, or are you speaking as an educator to what you have done in your classroom? I seriously doubt that the Dean has instructed the faculty to "go light."</p>

<p>
[quote]
What about the other 99.9% of the class.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Try looking at the past four years of Supe's and Dean's list. 946, 896, 990 and 1071 Midshipmen have made the lists. Well over your .1%. The Deans/ Supe's list consists of GPA 3.4 and above. So are you implying those who fall let say from 2.8 to 3.39 Solid B students are incompetent? What about the Class of 2005 with the 4 Rhodes Scholars (the most for any single institution), and the Class of 2006 with 3 - Did the faculty pad those grades so that USNA could take that Accolade - and then repeat with 3 more the next year? I think not! (Incidentally, there were no Rhodes Scholars in 1969)</p>

<p>Do you really think that only "engineers" have the market on being technologically competent? Have you looked at the Matrix to see the courses your so called bull majors are taking? Obviously every student at USNA given the Admissions requirements has the intellect to be an engineer. Do I need to be an engineer to do a technical job? Actually I can answer that as an engineer absolutely NO! </p>

<p>The alumni all push the excellence in teaching with no TA's (topic for another thread) USNA69 - now you slam the faculty as being push overs - which is it?</p>

<p>Again, thanks to all of the current Mids - your observation, experiences, honesty and opinions are greatly appreciated by the applicants, their parents, current Mid Parents and most Alumni on this Forum. I thank you for everything you do and your comments here have helped me when talking to my Mid. </p>

<p>Stay true to yourselves!</p>

268

<p>....Go Girl!</p>

<p>Does anyone know if there is a list of what ECA's were cancelled? Were the NAVs cancelled as well?</p>

269

<p>Prospective mids and their parents DO read these boards, so it is more valuable when many people provide their perspective and insight so you get a broader views of things.</p>

<p>Everyone is entitled to their OPINION on here. However, that does NOT give anyone the right to constantly imply their ideas/OPINIONS/experiences are somehow more valid than everyone else's, because they are not. Or as someone recently said, forums are meant to be dialogues NOT debates.</p>

<p>And before a certain someone misquotes me yet again, I think the mids and their parents are a wonderful source of information on what is currently going on at the Academy and I would continue to encourage more of them to provide their insight here.</p>

270

<p>One of the first quotes I had the pleasure of memorizing was one from John Paul Jones. I think USNA69 remembers it as well. Liberal education...he didn't define it as science or math back then...even Navy's Bull majors are competent enough (not subject major experts...isn't that a masters or Phd requirement) to lead and be exceptional leaders. With a daughter at a prestigious engineering school, the engineers are bright, but actually from what I've observed over four years, it's actually the women of the institution that lead the place both engineering and "bull" majors (with Calc 3, chem and physics just like Canoe U). Jone's quote also talked about being a gentlemen. We use to learn the graces of dancing and etiquette. Not really rocket science and not a distraction...something that would allow us to fall back in social settings. Capable mariner...the latest changes even talked of cutting back the summer training program. That would be a huge mistake. That is one of the best changes I've seen. Mids sailing together as a team for a week inshore and then another offshore relying on themselves to sail, navigate, cook and clean...why cut it? They also did grey hull cruises in addition. The Supe mentioned the Mids are the face of the Academy. I would increase the sailing program and allow for additional weeks. </p>

<p>All I can say is I've eaten one meal at the Academy in the last year. It was the week of Herndon and parents were invited to Dahlgren Hall. You would think that of all meals, the food would be decent. To be kind, it wasn't very good and I'm not sure what the meat was...most of the Mids at the table had Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches. So when Mids complain about the food, I would tend to believe them.</p>

<p>Admiral Rempt might not have pleased everyone but he was certainly professional, personable and visable. </p>

<p>Should the Naval Academy become a Nuke School for everyone? One size fits all. Everyone an engineering major. One of my EOD buds was a history major who was fluent in several mid-east languages having grown up in Israel. That was indeed a huge benefit when he served in the region. All the engineering in the world would not have helped him do his job better. It was his knowledge of the history of the region and the languages to communicate that were the most helpful. I'm not against engineering but not everyone needs to be an engineer. That's short sighted. I actually used the particulars of my degree on only one tour, that's it. It was helpful but not really a mandate. The supporting courses and technical background that the Academy gave me supported everything else I did in the service. The real need upon graduation is the ability to manage and lead, unless you're a Nuke or a test pilot. </p>

<p>All the best...Beat Temple.</p>

271

<p>
[quote]
Again, thanks to all of the current Mids - your observation, experiences, honesty and opinions are greatly appreciated by the applicants, their parents, current Mid Parents and most Alumni on this Forum. I thank you for everything you do and your comments here have helped me when talking to my Mid. </p>

<p>Stay true to yourselves!

[/quote]
</p>

<p>First, I could not agree with Profmom more...
(thrilled to see your post today!!! :) :) :) )</p>

<p>and will repeat- again- what I have posted over and over again.... there is room for EVERYONE on this tread.... and as shocking as this will appear to some, that includes USNA69. We may not all agree with him, we may take issue with what he says, we may even call him out on issues (certainly I have)- but he can post what he will. He offers us a perspective unique unto itself....if only a point in time where "his" academy came from.....
I firmly believe the difficulty arises in that he does not grasp the students of today.... generations X, Y and now the z'ers are all VERY DIFFERENT - they see the world differently, respond to it differently, interact differently. It is not always they that have to do the "adusting", but rather all of us evolving to move forward and not stagnate or become complacement in "what was." </p>

<p>I suspect the supe falls into this as well. Have not met the man- sounds like neither have the mids. Problem number one. IMO, you need to know who your leader is, where he is heading, how he plans on getting there, and then you need the rank and file to buy into the mission and the vision. It is not, by any means, a singular exercise. And most importantly, a good leader will read his troops- adapt when necessary- and empower those below to help with the process. </p>

<p>"because I said so" - it doesn't work with the gen x'ers and beyond-
they have been brought up to question, collect data, analyse, plan, impliment, evaluate, adust, and re-evaluate. PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT. REPEAT.</p>

<p>And I think that is the element missing from the LISTEN-LEARN-LEAD formula. LLL works well- but from all things posted, something has gone wrong in the PLANNING.... the CHECKING and the ACTING....and in that acting, the refinement of the "model."
Add to that "Respect." It is not automatic because of the number of stars and stipes on your shoulder. It will be given, initially, because of them, for sure. But there is a limit to that, for after that small window, respect must be earned- by everyone. You cannot demand respect. And it is in the gaining of that respect that true leaders are found.</p>

<p>It is only three weeks in.
I trust the Supe is an intelligent man.
I trust he will ACT and, more importantly, ADJUST as time goes forward.
If not, he will be the one who must make an accounting as to the state of morale and welfare of the United States Naval Academy and it's Brigade of Midshipmen. On that note, sounds like that first accounting will be in September.</p>

<p>In the meantime, there is some truth in what USNA69 says (might have to dig way deep for it, but it is in there somewhere in the muck and mire).... but I would suggest to ALL to:
1. give it a chance.<br>
2. Work hard to "earn" his respect for the brigade.
3. Work hard to prove to him that you are more than capable of being responsible and accountable for your own actions and behaviors, grades and fitness.
4. Come together as a united front.....even admist all this controversy and turmiol.
5. DON'T CHECK YOUR BRAIN AT THE DOOR. Use it wisely. Make a UNITED CASE for change. MAKE A UNITED CASE for reinstitutiing whatever you need. But- and most importantly- show RESULTS before you do so. Show that you can step up to any challenge laid before you..... and then make the case for change. DO YOUR PART- and then lay down the challenge for the administration to do theirs.</p>

<p>This is NOT A CALL TO ACTION. I want to make that perfectly clear. You WILL BE officers and gentlemen and gentle women. But by God, you will be EXCELLENT at what you do. SHOW HIM THAT.
Weak kids in your company -squad???? Work with them- mentor them- get them up to speed.
Strong kids in your company-squad??? Step up to the plate and offer that help- willingly. Can't tutor the kids in the community right now??? So be it- there are PLENTY in your wing that could use some help tonight. MAKE THE ROUNDS AND OFFER IT.</p>

<p>Having said all of that-
Wheelah and the other mids- do come here if you have to vent-
you will find many sympathetic ears.
It is frustrating, it can even be demeaning for some no doubt- but you can do this- and more.<br>
If you can't get through the hurdles, find ways to go over, under or around.
Follow orders.<br>
If nothing else, this adversity will unite you guys in ways you never dreamed. So as painful as it is, there is at least one positive outcome possible.</p>

<p>Lastly, use your chain of command.<br>
You have a wonderful Brigade leader from all I have heard.
Support him. Help him to help you.</p>

<p>anyway, my thoughts for the day.</p>

<p>I am keeping all of you in my prayers- the supe, the mids, and everyone else on this journey.<br>
On that note- gotta love those Chaplins- I have never seen a group more dedicated to helping the brigade as much as that team- for their continuous and unrelenting efforts, they are truely among God's chosen. </p>

<p>Hang in.
Have faith.
And to quote Profmom, "Stay true to yourself."
There are lots of folks staying true to you. :)</p>

272

<p>^^^^^^^^^^^ Back when JPJ made this statement, there were no Democrats and colleges taught only the classics. One of the definitions of "liberal" is "a lot of". I feel that this was that to which he was referring.</p>

<p>I have eaten in King Hall several times over the past few years. I wasn't disappointed. Neither was I impressed. Once it is let out to the private sector for contracting, it is bound to be a problem. I would imagine that a contract for food services would be difficult both in scope to produce and also to manage. Sounds like both have hit a nadir the past week.</p>

<p>Engineering: One of the six taskings of USNA admissions is to ascertain whether candidates are "likely to choose fields of study that reflect the needs of the Navy". This statement bothers me a little because it implies that USNA is offering alternatives which do not meet the needs of the Navy. With this in mind, however, the Admissions Dept looks most favorably on those who indicate in their application that they intend to pursue and engineering/technical degree. BGOs ask and, again, grade favorably for the same criteria.Various SecNavs have required minimum percentages of grads in technical and engineering degrees. It has been as high as 80% and the most recent was 75%. There is no requirements now and it is dropping rapidly. I am sure that I am opening up another can of worms but I believe a technical education benefits a military mind. Your nuke or test pilot requirement does not cover the spectrum. Many if not most officers in their career will be involved in procurement. They will work with both NavAir, NavSea, and NavSub contractors along with the engineers of private contracting firms ensuring contracts meet specification. Very engineering oriented. Lastly, just a few years ago, USNA offered the "Rocks for Jocks" version of some engineering courses for liberal arts majors. the courses were not as rigorous as those taken by the engineering students. Don't know if it is still happening or not. Bottom line, it doesn't matter a hoot for leadership which they choose, but on a ship an engineering major is going to understand more about what his division chief is discussing than would a 'bull' major. So I will stick with my belief that, everything else being equal, an engineering major will better serve the fleet.</p>

<p>However, my gross generalizations on this particular thread were based on the 'very few history majors flunk out of school and have to go back to get an engineering degree' premis as an example of the amount of energy some of our midshipment might be spending.</p>

<p>With the rest of these posts addressed at me, I am going to have to take some time to digest them. I will try not to let my cynicism and sarcasm rule and decide that they seem to know everything already and don't need 4 years at the Academy. The other pitfall that I might perhaps fall into is that the administration is intentionally starving the Brigade and has no intentions of improvement and that there is absolutely no reason, other than incompetence, for the Supt to be issuing his new policies. However, probably none of it will make any difference since what I am describing is 40 years ago, not what is apparently happening now.</p>

273

<p>2010, I couldn't have said it better. You make a great wingman, oops wingperson.</p>

<p>I don't think I have once said that what is going on is great because it was the way I did it. I guess the '69 brings a certain amount of assumed baggage. I tell everyone that my son had a tougher plebe summer and plebe year than I did and is a much better officer for it. I sure I have even said that on this forum. Folks, what we are discussing is what is happening now, not what happened 40 years ago. I am just throwing out possible reasons that it might be happening. If I were cynical and sarcastic, I would say that, since you are being so defensive, they must be working. I am as clueless as you. Just trying to help you see both sides and to find an answer.</p>

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</p>

<p>It may bring a shudder throughout the forum but tomorrow morning, again, I will face a full day of the bright shiny faces of high school students. Facts: Two years ago, I had a class of 18, all who had flunked the mandatory EOC test at least twice, some three times. 80% passed and graduated. I never sugar coated anything. They understood. Just this past semester, one of my classes had the high EOC composite score of probably a dozen classes in the school. That might be an indication that I understand the extremes. I might just understand more than I post.</p>

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<p>


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<p>I think it's called mystery meat. :D</p>

275

<p>I have a few questions in regard to the new policy changes. First, does anyone know if there are benchmarks in place to measure the success and/or failures of these new changes? How did the administrations in the past determined if certain policies worked or not, and how did they go about revising changes that did not work? Sorry, if these questions seem naive, I am not an alumni, just a mom of a mid.</p>

276

<p>USNA69- now that was a fine post!</p>

<p>Oh my.... first merlot, and now wingman..... :eek:
how is that possible???? :o</p>

<p>I must be slipping........
(are you sure you haven't been taking a couple of slugs out of that bottle of yellowstone you will be delivering to me shortly???!!!!!!! )</p>

<p>
[quote]
Wheelah has been one of the most informative, balanced voices on this website for a couple of years.
Jadler always tries to moderate his comments to factual assessments.
I may go off half-cocked some of the time and I apologize for that.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>all true. </p>

<p>
[quote]
The fact is that the USNA thread on CC consistently seems to have alumni who post in an offensive, derogatory manner to those who disagree with them. The tone is always one of "you haven't been there--at the Academy--so you wouldn't understand" to the moms or "you haven't been there--in the Fleet--so you wouldn't understand."

[/quote]
</p>

<p>True again. But I firmly believe that it is not with malaice or ill intent. Everyone can only speak from their own experience. "Their" academy is what they remember of it... and while the comments they make appear so "alien" to current readers, so do yours look to them about "their" academy. And they can't always understand.... just like parents can't always understand what is going on, or why MIds can't always understand why their kids don't get it.........
our own experiences influence the way we view things, and to each it is very unique..... and therein lies one of the true beauties of life- that we all live it, but for each it is a very unique journey.</p>

<p>
[quote]

What is it about old goats who have nothing better to do than post on this thread that makes them so intolerant of diverging views?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>have given this one a lot of thought over recent weeks. A lot has to do with what I posted above, and before, about one generation not apprciating that those that follow are different and unique unto themselves. In a way, it speaks to one's ability to adapt to change.....which right now, we can all appreciate.</p>

<p>But even in that "intolerance of diverging views" I find some solice, believe it or not.<br>
For example- food. Dozens and dozens of posts about "quantity and quality." USNA69 and others that "just don't believe it." Stated adamently if I recall.
To which I can't believe that "they don't get it.... what is so bloody hard to get"....stated just as adamently. (guilty :o)
but you see... this is not THEIR experience.
Their experience included 3 squares- and it got better when they hit the fleet. This food issue is SO OUTSIDE "their" experience that they cannot fathom that it could happen.....
and in that reaction I find some peace knowing that this situation is SO FAR OUTSIDE THEIR EXPERIENCE that it is truely a UNIQUE situation to right now, and that my mid can expect that it WILL NOT BE THE NORM going forward. That it is so "outside" and "unbelievalbe" to the alumn that "this is happening" just VALIDATES for me how outrageous and unacceptable this situation really is. </p>

<p>What I HOPE for in the end is that the alumni will step up and speak out should the situation continue. YOU (the current midshipmen) are THEIR future. YOU are THEIR LEGACY. You are forged of the same material, the same experiences, the same mission. Just as you look after the plebes that follow behind you, it is the alumn that need to make sure "their charges" are well cared for. So this challenge is just as much theirs as it is yours..... in that I firmly believe, and I hope their outrage rings loud and clear should things like this continue. I have every confidence the FACE OF THE NAVY.... the brigade of midshipmen.... will be SORELY MISSED at football games..... I firmly belive that your "march on's" bring them more "pride" in "their" academy than you can even imagine. I would even venture to say that they come to the cames to see THE BRIGADE as much as they come to see the actual game itself. So let the silence be deafening. I can think of no louder message to send, and I firmly believe, for all the "applause" for some of the "tough love" going on, there is a huge wake up call coming. </p>

<p>
[quote]
I don't see the same mean-spirited comments on the other CC threads. Why is that?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>well, try looking at it this way.
I think those who take the time to post here do so because they are passionate about a "place" that holds so much meaning for them. I think they "present" their case so passionately sometimes (will admit that I do) that it sometimes crosses the line- not with ill intent, but just because they feel so stongly about their particular "view" that they get frustrated that others "don't see it their way"... </p>

<p>so the way I "choose" to look at it is that we just have a lot more passionate feelings about this place on the Severin.....</p>

<p>But, for me, it all comes down to RESPECT.
We need to respect the opinions of others.<br>
That does not mean we have to agree.
That does not mean we have to tolerate "disrespect" from others.
But we have to strive to RESPECT them nevertheless.
If we can achieve that- that for each, what is posted is "real" to the poster.... I think we will all fare a bit better.
I know I have to pull myself back now and again when my "new york 'tude" is peeking through....
but we are all still "works in progress".... thoreau said it best.... that "even the pyrimids are unfinished, as they are still being polished by time....."</p>

<p>(you don't think we will have to wait that long for things to get better on the yard, do you? :o )</p>

<p>
[quote]
Admiral Rempt might not have pleased everyone but he was certainly professional, personable and visable.

[/quote]

he was. (And no doubt his stature has been raised a few notches in the past 3 weeks.) So keep those qualities in mind as you delevop your own leadership styles. </p>

<p>Anyway,
hang on. And like I encouraged a certain plebe last year about this time,
"when you feel like you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."</p>

277

<p>1USNA1UIUC: Good questions and welcome!</p>

<p>Hope your 2011 is getting settled into the Academic year and off to a great start. :)</p>

<p>It truly was mystery meat - mystery to me if it was even meat, but the lasting impression for me was the out of date, sour milk!</p>

278

<p>
[quote]
have a few questions in regard to the new policy changes. First, does anyone know if there are benchmarks in place to measure the success and/or failures of these new changes? How did the administrations in the past determined if certain policies worked or not, and how did they go about revising changes that did not work?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Million dollar questions.
Certainly hope there is benchmark data, and that data collection continues. We are all biting at the bit to see the outcomes.
Sadly, one has already been posted.... believe it was the "no complaints-no feedback policy at Annapolis." Sad statement from one of the country's best and brightest.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Sorry, if these questions seem naive, I am not an alumni, just a mom of a mid.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Don't be sorry.
You are in good company.
I'm a mom as well.
Damm proud one.
Welcome to the "meddling moms" group. Will send you a button.
And after USNA69 delivers that bottle of merlot he owes me, I'm gonna toast a glass up to his eating his words. :)
THAT you can take to the BANK!!!! :)</p>

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<p>Is it possible that Adm. Fowler is bringing his past experiences to bear on his current position? i.e. that his own teenager's apparent laziness has been generalized to a universal laziness on the part of humans aged 13-25?
that unless given directives which are enforced by threat of consequences, young people will mindlessly play video games?
that since he apparently was burned by sailors becoming drunk and disorderly that he is determined not to repeat this problem?</p>

<p>It sounds as if the CNO has given some pretty specific marching orders, but I am relatively certain that the CNO did not dictate the manner in which the changes were carried out. Anyway, I was trying to get a feel for who Adm. Fowler really is, and I found these articles. </p>

<p>As to ECAs, this is in his own words, 2005. Read what the article says about community service in terms of the Recruiting mission.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/PAO/Recruiter_Magazine/MAR_05.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.cnrc.navy.mil/PAO/Recruiter_Magazine/MAR_05.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>As to mando meals:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.usssoley.org/fowler.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.usssoley.org/fowler.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>As to family and the importance of familial support (?FPW, PPW?), the difficulties of recruiting when many no longer qualify (physical fitness standards), and enduring those in command when you are proven right, despite command’s beliefs. : (UMMMM…)</p>

<p><a href="http://www.navy.mil/navco/speeches/2005/jlfowler050721.txt%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.navy.mil/navco/speeches/2005/jlfowler050721.txt&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>On the importance of a positive presence to recruiting: (He KNOWS having the Navy out there in positive stories is beneficial to recruiting. This does not jibe with what he is doing now.)</p>

<p><a href="http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,80713,00.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,80713,00.html&lt;/a>
<a href="http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/PAO/Recruiter_Magazine/OCT_05.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.cnrc.navy.mil/PAO/Recruiter_Magazine/OCT_05.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>On diversity: (Funny, one headline in this issue is “Recruiters use hobby to entice recruits”) </p>

<p><a href="http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/PAO/Recruiter_Magazine/JAN_05.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.cnrc.navy.mil/PAO/Recruiter_Magazine/JAN_05.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>On why he apparently does not trust anyone:</p>

<p><a href="http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=122352&ran=199274%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=122352&ran=199274&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>On leadership education:</p>

<p>“We heard from a wide variety of leaders who related their experiences and difficulties…in tough situations. Acting as leaders during simulations and scenarios further developed our decision-making skills. Overall, leadership and decision-making in tough national security situations are the biggest benefits of the course.”
-- Rear Admiral Jeffrey L. Fowler, NSMC 2002</p>

<p>I also know that there was a drinking scandal that Fowler had to deal with in Naples, which I have read about before, but I cannot find it today, of course, and since I do have other things to do, I’ll just leave it at this:</p>

<p>It seems that Fowler is a product of his own career, to a degree, but that some of the changes run counter to what he has seen as successful in the past. Maybe this could explain his lack of discourse with the mids. Perhaps he doesn’t feel a) the need to defend or b) the ability to defend the current changes. </p>

<p>I am neither defending nor attacking Fowler, just trying to get a read on him.</p>

280

<p>Bear with me. A sea story which is a result of 40 years of experience. One of Adm Fowler's biggest faults seems to be his lack of visibility. Admiral Rempt was everywhere, his successor is nowhere. Mids, dust off your leadership books and follow along.</p>

<p>New CO checks into a squadron. He is eveywhere. He has Captain's call for the troops every Friday. He is always in the work spaces asking how things are going. He has his finger totally on the pulse of the morale of the troops. He solves all their problems. The troops love him and would walk through the gates of heck for him. Great squadron. Within a year they have gone from the best squadron in the wing to the worst. What happened?</p>

<p>The DivOs and Dept Heads could no longer be proactive and lead. They had to wait for the CO to tell them what to do. The troops were actually heard saying, don't tell the Chief what is wrong, tell the skipper the next time he comes around. He will get it done the same day. Leadership quit leading becuase they couldn't lead AND respond to the CO's every whim. The CO couldn't do everything. The place fell apart. The CO was not up at the wing fighting for fuel, people, and parts. Both morale and availability went into the pits.</p>

<p>Have the Company Officers, Battalion Officers, and Commandant and Staff been an effective leadership team over the past four years are have they simply been responding to the knee-jerk orders of a very popular Supt who was everywhere and knew everything, simply putting out fires, many of which were irrelavent?</p>

<p>Guys, this is Leadership 101. Work within the chain of command and let the chain of command work. The fact that you tell me that your squad leader/ platoon leader/company commander is unhappy simply tells me that USNA is flunking in leadership from the bottom up right now.</p>