<p>It definitely depends on where you live and where your kid goes to school. In a large portion of Non-Urban areas, where most of the country is, most people have a higher respect for the military and the men and women who serve. The media however concentrates on the more populated areas, the large universities, etc... where there's a lot more vocal protest. Therefore, if the media says something, many people believe that is the opinion of the nation at large.</p>
<p>I also find it amuzing how many of the liberal democrats harp that the military is made up mostly of poor Americans and minorities. Forget the fact that probably 95% of all academy cadets had the grades and ability to get accepted, with scholarships, to guite a few colleges and universities throughout the country. Forget the fact that even the majority of the enlisted folks could have easily made it into many colleges; and that many do get their college education once in the military. And forget the fact that the majority of military personnel do come from middle income American families.</p>
<p>No, if you stay away from places like Columbia University or the political hotspots in the urban areas, the majority of most Americans is quite positive towards the military. As far as teachers and universities go with not being positive; I think that is a 2-fold condition. 1) They have a tendancy of believing that they are "Educated" and therefore more enlightened than most people. As such, then tend to live in more of a make believe world. What they teach and believe aren't always how the real world operates. 2) As teachers, many times they see a lot of potential in an individual. Remember, as I said before, if you are good enough to get into the Air Force academy, or even be considered (10,000 apply and only 1300-1700 are accepted), then chances are you are one of the school's better students. As such, teachers tend to believe that you have a lot more potential and should be going to an Ivy league school or such.</p>
<p>My response to some who make condescending comments about my son applying to the Air Force Academy is direct. I don't mention patiot reasons; they won't understand that. I don't mention serving their country, being part of the ultimate team, being part of something bigger than themselves, etc... Again, they won't understand that. I usually throw the financial side at them. I tell them; "If you can get my son a full ride scholarship to harvard, yale, columbia, cornell, Penn, USC, Standford, etc... then I promise you that he would definitely consider it. They usually can't respond to that. The fact is; many of our kids who apply to the academy have in fact been accepted, and in many cases with scholarships, to some of these very schools. Many people can't comprehend however that being in the military is similar to being a Doctor, Policeman, Fireman, Religious Leader, etc... It is an extremely important and necessary profession, but definitely not for everyone.</p>