<p>Bill- I said I would give '69 the last word.
I am a woman of my word.</p>
<p>But thanks.</p>
<p>Well, I for one am surely thankful that we had the experience of 20+ yrs. as a "Navy Family" (& a couple of generations prior to that) before our son chose to accept his appointment to USNA.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Competent people doing the best they can with the resources available
[/quote]
</p>
<p>is an astute description of our entire Navy experience. (And I would further characterize Navy Medicine as BETTER - on average - than what one would find in many civilian institutions, especially colleges & universities).</p>
<p>And probably the most beneficial thing parents can do which will best facilitate the "adjustment period" is to understand that they are not part of the "Chain of Command".</p>
<p>Appreciate those who have taken the time to post on this thread who have attempted to help parents see the reality of their kid's decision to attend USNA. It sure isn't "State U". I would suggest however, that at USNA there is MORE opportunity for necessary changes to be made BY THE MIDSHIPMEN because, unlike the avg University they ARE part of the COC.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I would suggest however, that at USNA there is MORE opportunity for necessary changes to be made BY THE MIDSHIPMEN because, unlike the avg University they ARE part of the COC.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>excellent, excellent point. worth repeating.</p>
<p>i couldent agree more!!</p>
<p>Thanks JAMO4!</p>
<p>;)</p>
<p>and xcp!</p>
<p>bz2010, I too would have loved to express my total agreement of your excellent post. However, it would display a tolerance for parents of which I am incapable. Sorry.</p>
<p>Sorry to hear that, niner. It's probably in there somewhere tho', I'm sure.</p>
<p>In fact, I do believe I've spotted a glimpse of that tolerance/support/dare I say, concern in a thread or two; I'm certain of it.</p>
<p>Everybody thinks the worse of the chain of command until they are the chain of command or their loved one is. Just a burden of command. What those looking from the outside must know is that in 99.9% of cases it is not because of neglegence but because the chain really is doing the best they can. Trust me....we really do care about your loved ones.</p>
<p>i think they are doing the best that they can but they just cant make everyone happy at the same time. No one can.</p>
<p>As a potential future parent of 2013 this thread has been somewhat informative yet a bit tiresome as indicated by the circular logic and the obvious agendas. I'm not miltary but for 10 years I worked for the feds in a stuctured COC and dealt with environmental and safety disasters in an emergency response mode. Dealt with some nasty stuff. Worked with the USCG alot (great organization and people). At times our COC was great, but more often than not the press and public only wanted to know if we did something wrong. But since they were taxpayers they were always right (especially the press). </p>
<p>But now as a parent it becomes personal. Whether it ends up being State U or USNA its still a new organization with a COC that we need to learn how to deal with. If it ends up being USNA I want nothing more than to stay out of COC. So does my wife. We are certainly not parachute parents. But we want to understand what the options are if something really bad happens or it looks like its on its way to happening. As far we are concerned everything is between our son and the USNA and I'll remind him if he calls and complains that he is the first step in the COC. But I will listen to him.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>As well you should. And hopefully you will. And probably he will much appreciate it. </p>
<p>I think the big difference between us parents who have been there and a few of those who haven't is this realization. The WP Supt in his address to the Class of 2012 parents this summer stated that it was his third plebe year, one as a plebe, one as a parent, and one as the Supt. and that the one as a parent was, by far, the most difficult. Why is this? Because we who have been there realize that there is absolutely nothing we can do to effect the situation a single iota whatsoever.</p>
<p>Just listen. He will call you with some of the most off-the-wall situations imaginable. Don't waste your time and his precious phone minutes advising him. By the next discussion, when you would have a perfect solution mapped out, he will have forgotten the entire episode.</p>
<p>Just let them vent. And if you are good at it you will establish a life long relationship. My son brags that he has never listened to anything I have to say and usually, if anything, does exactly the opposite. However, he has never had a crisis or made any type of major decision that did not entail a lengthy phone conversation with me. And trust me, they will get a lot more serious than getting yelled at for not remembering a chow call.</p>
<p>Good luck. However, if you have a problem with circular logic and private agendas, perhaps you are on the wrong forum.</p>
<p>One of your finest hours, 69er. :cool:</p>
<p>Wow, first quotes from the WP mission (Duty, Honor,Country), now quotes from our Supt! As SA parents, we're all in this together!</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>To neither beat a dead horse nor bask in the warm afterglow of WhistlePig's kind remarks, however, perhaps you will need to reevaluate your tolerance for circular logic should you become a SA parent. I would think that if one looked at the picture accompanying 'circular logic' in the dictionary there would be a little cross stitched plaque over the hearth stating "It is because it is". Once you accept this little bit of 'logic', your tenure as a SA parent will definitely be less rocky.</p>
<p>Thanks for the "Yogism", you are probably right. Although I have bit of a different definiton of CL. But to get back on topic if I become a SA parent I fervently hope to stay out of "it". As far as I'm concerned its the kids choice, the Navy is paying for it and I'm not getting inbetween.</p>
<p>A slight derivation, but lately I have found myself routinely saying "it is what it is". Some may find this as being a defeatist attitude, but I would like to think it is the attitude of a realist.</p>
<p>Never liked the term "Semper gumpy" I am with you on "it is what it is" I don't see it at all as defeatist. It is realistic and like our Mids we too are learning to be very adaptable.</p>
<p>Ya'll are so polite. I thought the mantra was "It is what it is. Suck it up."</p>
<p>I stand corrected.</p>
<p>Thank you USNA69 for your insights. On point as always.</p>
<p>I too have come to appreciate the notion of 'tis what'tis. And frankly, I think that speaks to my parental development relative to my Mid's experience than much else. </p>
<p>I might like it, spin it, wish it, desire it, want it to be something else. But none of that makes any real difference. :confused:</p>