Regional Officer

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
21

<p>I don’t think anyone said or is suggesting an individual that needs a response to an important question shouldn’t get one in a timely manner. I don’t think anyone said the USNA should be absolved of any responsibility to react to requests for information. You missed the point of my post; because so many people ask questions of them that vary in import from the truly important to the inane, admissions is carpet bombed with requests that they simply don’t have the staff to address. I have to believe that for many in the admissions office there are times when they feel like parents on a long trip, trapped in the front of a mini-van with a car load of kids in back asking over and over and over; “are we there yet”. If more people show some restraint, if more applicants and their parents try to find alternative means to answer their questions and when possible, have some patience…then applicants with critical or gating issues that may adversely impact their appointment may get through and actually get the answers they need when they need them. That is the point. </p>

<pre><code>I’ve had the privilege to serve my country in two very different capacities, as an Air Force officer and in an office I was elected to for 6 years. Both positions were equally instructive in terms of the misconceptions that people have about the military and public service. In public service I often sat and listened while individuals complained about issues I had no control or jurisdiction over; the fact that we couldn’t solve their problem instantly was inevitable and obviously due to either a conspiracy or the whole sale incompetence of the institution. The irony of that “observation” was the fact that the most rewarding aspect of public service for me and the majority of people that I came in contact with was the opportunity to solve problems; to make a difference when we could. I have no doubt that the same is as true for the admissions office and the officers that work there as it was for us.

And Whistle Pig, please don’t assume or suggest anything about my politics, you don’t know me from Adam, much less know whether I vote to the right or left of you.
</code></pre>

22

<p>I think the van full of kids analogy is very appropriate.</p>

23

<p>You are so very right. Or left. Note the quote: (;) jk,jk) I sense you're very serious of your views on this. nk,nk</p>

<p>Thanks for your service on both fronts, whatever your politics, sir. May we inquire about your role in your 6 years of service? Consider me unassuming.</p>

24

<p>
[quote]
If more people show some restraint, if more applicants and their parents try to find alternative means to answer their questions and when possible,...

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That is a service that many parents of current midshipmen or parents of plebes to be, along with Alumni on this site are trying to provide, an alternative means to get answers. Unfortunately, many of us are getting a message that our information and experiences are not viewed as valid and therefore should not be shared. </p>

<p>As with any advice that is provided, in any arena where we seek advice, each individual needs to carefully evaluate that advice. There are many different opinions, experiences and belief systems that are being brought to this table, that is why the forum works, every member has something to offer. Now whether you act on that advice, that is up to the person seeking advice to fully evaluate it. </p>

<p>Lets all keep in mind:
Alumni have personal experiences to share, be it 40 years ago or 10 years ago, those experiences vary widely. (Each had that last “real Plebe Year”)</p>

<p>Current Midshipmen are living it, but even then each is having a different experience…What a Plebe feels is correct may in reality not be by the time they are Firsties, but today it is the best that they have to offer.</p>

<p>Midshipmen Parents may be on the periphery but we also are getting our information from what we believe to be legitimate sources: our midshipmen, our Parents Clubs, the Alumni Foundation news letters, emails and sponsored parent list serves, and our admissions experiences to name a few.</p>

<p>Plebe to be Parents are living the process each and every day trying to support their applicants or appointed kids, while they themselves have questions about "what next" It's a different What's Next than their "about to be college parents" friends.</p>

<p>And the Most Important Group are the Plebes to Be and Applicants. They have a thousand questions, apprehensions and are seeking information, friendship, and even comfort through this service. </p>

<p>We all have something to offer.
Lets not try to run anyone or any of these groups off.</p>

25

<p>I agree! My RO (even though there's been a mix up with who my RO is, according to the CIS..) has been more than helpful. Very personable and approachable. She gets back to me within 24 hours at most, and if she's out of the office she has one of those automated emails sent out saying when she'll be back. AND i heard she was handling both region 2 and 4 up until a few weeks ago! even the general webmail email address has been helpful and prompt in responding to more general questions....Kudos to USNA Admissions!!</p>

26

<p>time out! Deep breath!</p>

<p>This time of year is the hardest.... letters coming for some, others still waiting... anxiety building, tensions getting the best of us...</p>

<p>sometimes you just have to be patient and let the wheels turn...
and the waiting is hard...
but let the folks do the job that they have to do...without the repeated calls from those feeling they are just about at the end of their rope...</p>

<p>you will hear. Maybe not today, or this week, but you will hear one way or another. The dye is cast- trust in what you have accomplished to date, and trust that the admissions folks know exactly what they are doing and need to do. Their job is not an easy one... lets not make it any harder.</p>

<p>All the phone calls in the world are not going to change things. They might even pi$$ some people off in the process. Patience is a virtue... and if you are to be successful at USNA, then better practice it now 'cause you are going to need lots of it to survive. </p>

<p>So please- take a deep breath. Let the system work.</p>

<p>As for the rope.... tie a knot at the end of it and hang on!</p>

27

<p>Uh, just to clarify, my "we had to nag them" comment was in response to one very specific situation....getting an invite for a CVW. In no way did we nag during the whole admissions process! :).</p>

28

<p>Region 4 is special. The Director, Lt. Smith, has an 'assistant' that deals only with the SoCal area. Region 4 is also the largest region with 22 states. Yo. Is there anyone here from Region 4 who has heard anything?</p>

29

<p>Yes, my son received and accepted an appointment.</p>

<p>We're in Region 4, north of LA</p>

30

<p>Anyone outside of California? Utah specifically...?</p>

31

<p>I received LOA. Waiting on waivers. From Oklahoma</p>

32

<p>I am in NM not Utah but in the same region. We have heard nothing except a Conditional Appointment. My daughter is waiting on a vision waiver and like the rest of you who are waiting, it is very difficult. We have been given very little information. Congrats to all who have received your appointments and we hope to see you in June!
Is there anyone from NM who has a conditional or an appointment?</p>

33

<p>hippo1,
We are from NM. Son was called last week by MOC's staff member to say a USNA appt is on the way. (He received a waiver for orthodonics.) He has decided to accept appt to USAFA, instead.</p>

34

<p>My heart goes out to everyone waiting - I remember how it was last year. </p>

<p>You so much want your child's dreams to come true. I was always worried that something unforeseen would happen (like his file get stuck under the top of the desk drawer!). Your kids have worked so hard for so long, and you don't want all of their sacrifices to be in vain (i.e. staying in to do schoolwork when everyone else was outside playing!). </p>

<p>You just want that appoinment to come - or to know one way or the other what the future will hold for your child! Yes, I remember it well! (Hard to believe a year has passed!). I'll be praying for peace for all you parents & potential mids - this can be a heart-wrenching process! Thank God DS' appt came in fairly early or we would've eaten eachother alive I think!</p>

<p>We feel your pain - haha! Hang in there - one way or the other, the Navy is already teaching you & your child something: perseverence! You are also learning one of the military's favorite catch-phrases: Hurry up and wait!".</p>

<p>A final note however, keep in mind that while an appoinment may bring some relief, there remains a couple of months until I-day. I don't think I exhaled until DS actually took the oath! We were actually relieved that a left-foot kicker got his position in Varsity Soccer senior year - we missed seeing him play as much, but worrying about him getting hurt was stressful! Should an appt come in for your DS or DD, keep the bubble wrap handy!</p>

35

<p>Darla,
Thanks for the information. Called Sen Bingaman's office today and they said they have had appointments trickling in so hope is still alive. Congrats to your son!</p>