<p>Parent0110:
Your call. I do not know which is better.
CM</p>
<p>I've been out of town. What great news! CONGRATS MARINES4ME!!! Sounds like you will definitely have some decision making to do soon. I'm sure you'll receive an LOA from USNA, it's just a matter of when. CELEBRATE!</p>
<p>Candidate mom (now plebe mom)</p>
<p>What experiences has your son shared with you about the academy so far? Is life at the academy what he expected it to be?</p>
<p>Sempergumby:
My son is very independent, and has not shared that much with me. I know that he is thriving there, does the stupid little things that he has to do as part of the plebe lifestyle. He doesn't question them, just does them. (Doesn't mean that he thinks they are meaningful, but realizes the training is important. Follow orders without question, etc) I think that overall he is very happy. He was mentally well prepared for this, realizes it is a game, and doesn't take it personally. Academically he is doing extremely well (Can't say the same for all of the plebes). I think that the comraderie that he will experience over the next years will be unmatched at a civilian institution.
Sponsor families help in the decompression process on Saturdays.
Thanks for asking.
CM</p>
<p>candidatemom:</p>
<p>How often does your son go to the sponsor family's house? I have read posts that state the midshipmen are not allowed to use their racks on Saturday. Has your son talked about being very tired? Can he go to the sponsor family's house and sleep during the day on Saturday?</p>
<p>Parent 0110:
He can go to his sponsor's every Saturday from about 1:00 pm (if there is no home football game) until around 10:00pm. (sometimes later, depending on the Superintendent's proclamations). The times vary, I think. This is town liberty and they are restricted to going no further than a 22 mile radius from the yard. If there is a home football game, then liberty begins after the game. If there is an away game, then I think the brigade assembles at alumni hall for the game and has liberty afterwards. There is yard liberty on Sunday until 6 pm.
Plebes who are UNSAT or on restriction don't have these priviledges, but I do not know what the restrictions are (thank goodness). They can sleep in on Sunday mornings, if they do not have watch or other obligations. I do not think that they can sleep during the day unless they have gone to the infirmary and are pronounced sick. They can do many things at their sponsors that are not allowed at the academy including sleep, play video games, listen to music. They may not consume alcohol, even if they are of age, as plebes. They may not drive nor may they ride in a civilian car other than their sponsor's.<br>
They may not go to bed early as they have Blue & Gold time (I'm not sure what that is) each night before taps.
When they do not have classes, I believe that they have yard liberty. I'll find out the scoop over Thanksgiving.
He goes to his sponsor's often, but likes the "freedom" of taking the bus to the mall and just hanging out somewhat.
As I said, despite all the restrictions, he has adjusted well, and is thriving.
Hope this helps.
CM</p>
<p>candidatemom:</p>
<p>Thank you for the reply. Any information you can pass on to prospective parents is beneficial. My son is trying for both an appointment and an ROTC scholarship. Some days he thinks having a more "normal" college life might be better than the Acasemy. I, however, believe that any young man or woman who goes through the Academy has to come out a much better person; and one that has developed to their fullest potential. In the end, though, they have to want to go. I just want to be able to provide as much information as possible to help them make an informed decision.</p>
<p>parent0110, what makes you think that going through the Academy makes you a much better person? The "better person" comes from within.</p>
<p>CM
Are you affiliated with the military?</p>
<p>Navygrl, have you gotten my email? I sent you one yesterday; if you haven't, I'll resend it as soon as I get back from CVW.</p>
<p>sempergumby:
No I am not affiliated with the military (except that now I am an Academy parent!) I am learning as I go, too. I have networked with other Academy parents (who have mids in all the various classes) through a parents club, and am benefitting from their experiences. Through the parents group I am learning about many things that are happening at the Academy, including traditions, that my mid has not shared with me (probably because he does not think they are important, or that I would be interested.)</p>
<p>There are many intangibles that the Academy teaches that are not learned through ROTC which I think would be valuable to a Naval Officer.
Which path to take, if given the option, depends on the career goals. Choose wisely.
Good Luck All,
CM</p>
<p>CM-thank you for sharing
For someone that does not have an affiliation with the military, you are fairly knowledgeable. It is good to hear that your son is thriving at the Naval Academy. I'm quite sure you are very proud of his accomplishments thus far.</p>
<p>Regarding "which path to take, if given the option, depends on the career goals"-would you please explain career goals?</p>
<p>Career goals: What do you want to do? Do you want to make the military a career, or is it a path to some future civilian career?
Perhaps politics, or international business, etc.
For some careers, perhaps, the rigor of academy life and the combination of education and training will better prepare the student. For others, ROTC and the training it encompasses are more than adequate (even for career officers).
Some students will be lucky enough to be able to choose. I am suggesting that they choose wisely and try to evaluate their goals to determine which path is better for them.
CM</p>
<p>Navgirl:</p>
<p>I don't think you fully understand my comment on being a "better person" I have read the vast number of posting by you and you seem like a very intelligent, decent, and motivated person. But, you are still very young. Being a good person does have to begin from within, but there are numerous influences and pressures on young people that could have an impact on them. As a parent, you try to instill values and morals that you believe will help your child become a wonderful adult. Whereas you may feel that you are "driven" to push yourself no matter where you end up going to school; other eighteen year-olds may need some help and direction. From the information I have gathered so far, I believe the Academy would provide that extra "help" to make sure a young man or woman would be challenged more than at a normal college. This, in turn, would help to develop them to their fullest; which is what I meant by becoming a better person.</p>
<p>parent0110, thanks for clarifying your statement. I do agree with you on the influences and pressures that are put on students and that the Academy would give that "extra" help that most civilian colleges can't even come close to providing. There are challenges at the civilian colleges that are quite different than the Academy. I won't get into a long list because I think this has been covered in other threads, but one is that you are TOTALLY on your own. There is no one there to tell you when and what to do, or HOW to do it. Secondly, the civilian life means taking care of your own laundry, balancing your checkbook, putting yourself to bed at a decent hour, etc, etc.. I have friends at both the Academy and in NROTC, and all seem to be happy with their decision (ok, maybe a few more in NROTC seem to be happier <em>wink</em>). But, like you mentioned earlier, it's up to the individual to decide which path is for him/her. Your son is very fortunate to have a parent that is so supportive. I am so grateful to all of the parents here on CC that have offered their help. All of your sons and daughters have a bright future ahead of them, whether they attend the Academy or a civilian university. Personally, I feel that the students applying to the Academies are some of THE MOST motivated individuals I have ever met/known. I am honored that I have been given the opportunity of attending one of the top colleges in the nation, and even more honored to have the privilege of serving with these men/women.</p>
<p>Navgirl:</p>
<p>I am certain you will be successful in whatever path you decide to take. Good luck to you in the future.</p>
<p>Blue and Gold time is a recap of the day, going over any important information people might need, upcoming events, rules and regs and things like that. During Plebe summer it was a chance for the Cadre to tell the plebes what they were doing right and where they needed to work harder. I think that's still the case during Academic Year.</p>