<p>Ha ha don't want to keep you from your studies, but, please comment on the following excerpt from a post by a woman cadet at West Point in response to soccer who is contemplating attending either WP or CGA.</p>
<p>"Oooh, just read about your debate between USCGA and USMA--just so you know, USCGA is more hardcore than here when it comes to hazing. They're the worst, actually, and really hard on their Plebes or whatever they call them."</p>
<p>First off, I know that the person posting that probably didn't mean it in this intent, but everyone from the Commandant of Cadets down to the Squad leaders abhors the word hazing. Captain Wisniewski since his appointment as the Commandant of Cadet and his previous assignment as the Commanding Officer of the enlisted boot camp at Cape May has made many sweeping changes there and here. These changes are all to emphases the aspects of military indoctrination important to the programs. Its about smarter physical training that builds strength without the usual shin splints and stress injuries. Theyve introduced new styles of leadership to the cadre, new shoes and uniforms for the swabs, and instituted a very structured program in how to deal with swab summer. Each cadre gets a 1.5 binder full of the rules regarding what the can and cannot do, and also what is required of the swabs. These rules set out what is expected of each recruit at different stages in their development and what the cadre can do to correct them. No matter how bad a swab performs its impossible for a cadre to make them do a thousand push-ups. The cadre must even ask permission to touch your hat if theyre going to correct the slant of your cover or anything similar. Anyone that fails to follow the SOP (Standard operating Procedure) is severely punished. Last year they even got rid of an age old tradition of having the swabs spout the required indoc 180 Seconds because some might consider it hazing. I dont really see how making cadets ask to depart the lunch table is hazing especially since swabs have been doing it since the 40s, but a 2/c got restricted for allowing her swabs to continue doing it. To put it simply, hazing is simply not tolerated by anyone here.</p>
<p>However, even if hazing was her way of saying that the normal 4/c academic year is harder at CGA than USMA... I definitely know where shes coming from, but Im not sure I buy it 100%. In my heart of hearts I think that USMA cadets have a harder 4/c year, but I think that overall CGA is tougher. </p>
<p>I have a couple reasons, but theyre all anecdotal because I dont know what really goes on there, just rumors and stories. However, I think their 4/c summer program is probably much more physical than ours. I also dont think their 4/c are allowed to leave base for Thanksgiving, while our cadets are. And as much as we bash New London, I think its a nicer town than West Point, and easier to get to fun places from CGA. (Except New York?) In general I also think that 4/c cadets at West Point are not given the same level of respect by the upper-class as we give our 4/c. My role now is not to demean the 4/c or make him feel low, but to mentor him and get him to succeed here. At USMA they try and harden the cadets and foster a competitive attitude; even to the point of fostering competition within the members of a class. Here, its largely more of a family environment and the classes stick together as a whole. Our smaller size guarantees youll know 90% of your class by the end of your first year. Similar things cant be said about USMA.</p>
<p>They do have some advantages over us of course. They are allowed to take naps during the day when they dont have classes. They have fewer mandatory formations, trainings, and meals. Also, I think the larger culture at USMA lets some people fade into the background. Its very easy to feel like youre in a fishbowl here at the Academy. They also get more funding, and can do neat stuff like club trips and big national sports competitions. We do there too (Mock Trial Regionals in Bristol this weekend!) but they can probably afford to do it on a wider scale. They also have looser policies on civilian clothes, 2/c owning cars, inter-year relationships, and general cadet regulations. </p>
<p>(I dont know if this same anecdote applies to USMA or just the Air Force Academy, but I figure its illustrative on how the Academy makes up its stricter regulations and cadet life. According to an exchange cadet from Air Force Academy, they have fewer regulations and things are generally easier in Colorado. They rarely restrict cadets or give administrative punishments for small events but for larger punishments a letter is placed in your permanent record that will follow you out into the Air Force. Here at the Academy theyre quicker to hand out smaller punishments but your record is wiped once you graduate. I think that fresh start is important, and I would rather be miserable in a few weeks of restriction while Im still here than be punished when I screen for LT for a bit of youthful indiscretion.. )</p>
<p>Overall, Id say each school is much more difficult than a regular college. Youll pay for your free education with stress, service, and sacrifice. But the experience found at all the academies cannot be equaled and fosters a personal growth unmatched anywhere else. I honestly believe any cadet that makes it through this place can make it through West Point. I also think the reverse is equally true. Either way, you cant really go wrong.</p>
<p>Wow another great post. Cadet Tino you have a very nice way with the pen and I imagine at the mock trials as well. Good luck with that and all your endeavors at the city on the Thames(pronounced thames not tems people!)</p>
<p>Awesome post! However, WP cadets are allowed off base for thanksgiving. From my experience in Highland Falls (the town close to West Point), and the pictures I've seen of New London, I think New London is much nicer. Where can you guys go on liberty?</p>