<p>My plebe wannabe is getting a lot of pressure from family members opposing her plans (hopes) to attend the Academy and have a career as a Navy shipdriver. We have also been reading about the current USNA issues and past scandals. To top it off, tonight we had a call from a current mid parent about how negative the upperclassmen are about being at USNA (even before the current brouhaha). I should state clearly that she is still only considering anything other than USNA as a backup plan.</p>
<p>Until the past week or so, I have uniformly supported d's decision that USNA is the best way to prepare for a career as an officer. It provides the opportunity for as fine a college education as any NROTC school, but also offers the rigors of the 4 class system, and opportunities for ongoing YP squadron and offshore sail training that you can't get anywhere else. </p>
<p>However, I am really concerned about the "wet nursing" aspect of some of these recent changes. Specifically, by reducing ECs, there are fewer mid leadership positions. By having very little discretionary time, the current mids have fewer life choices to make, and fewer "opportunities" to fail. I am also concerned at hearing tales of people who hated every minute of their time there. Plebe year, I understand. All four years, no.</p>
<p>OK, so here's my question for all of you current mids and alumni. If you had it to do all over again, knowing what you know now, would you still choose USNA? If so, why? If not, why not? </p>
<p>If anyone besides a mid or alumnus/alumna wishes to comment, please give a hint as to your connection (i.e., parent of mid, interested bystander, went to USNA 1 year, etc.)</p>