<p>Make no mistake, the culuture of West Point, the Army, and the Military as a whole is conservative, I think we’ve established that. The majority of cadets tend to be conservative, but I knew many liberal cadets as well. During the 2004 election, when I was a cow, was about the only time this was an issue, but it was an issue among my friends. If you are a vocal liberal, I think you will have a much harder time gaining acceptance than as a vocal conservative, but no one is going to hold anything against you unless they are ignorant.
In the Army, I think it’s a bit different. As I said, the Army is conservative. As an Officer, you have Soliders to lead, and brining your political beliefs to them is the wrong answer, because you’re the one who gives them orders, so even though its not like you’re telling them who to vote for, etc., you’d be suprised at the influence you have. I wont discuss politics with enlisted Soldiers, period. The only time I’ll talk politics is with my peers in private. I believe that this is the way it has to be.
Essentially, the same goes for religion. I have never been religious, never gone to services, and I was perfectly fine at West Point. I know USAFA had issues with relgions being forced upon others, but I can say with certainty that was not the issue at USMA. Never once did I feel uncomfortable because of religion. In the Army, it’s about the same. I’ll see my Battalion Commander and many other officers go to services on Sunday, but because I’m not there, does that mean they hold it against me? Absolutely not. I had an instructor at West Point who, as a lieutenant, got his Battalion Commander relieved because he was essentially forcing the officers in the Battalion to join and participate in OCF. The Army wont stand for it at all.</p>
<p>Bottom line is what’s already been brought up here: You are to support and defend the Constitution, everything else is secondary.</p>