<p>There are so many superb young men and women who wish to be in your boots, with acceptance letter in hand, that you are almost disrespectful in having such angst. The question should be if you want to become an officer or not. Think carefully why you are even asking this question. However, I will grant you, the choice to pursue a commission in the US Army is such a serious question it is worth careful deliberation - but your way of asking it would cause me concern. You might have carefully considered this before applying.</p>
<p>Based on what you said about your high school years here is my advice: </p>
<p>You only live once. You don’t want to look back in 20 years and realize that you never lived. Personally, (with no disrespect towards West Point) I would try something different. This may sound ignorant but you don’t want to spend what is supposed to be the best years of your life saluting and being hazed.</p>
<p>“This may sound ignorant but you don’t want to spend what is supposed to be the best years of your life saluting and being hazed.”</p>
<p>Sounds ignorant and is. Define your version of “living”.</p>
<p>“Sounds ignorant and is.”
This site is supposed to be for opinions. The following statement clearly defines this as the poster’s opinion:
“Personally, (with no disrespect towards West Point) I would try something different.”</p>
<p>Please encourage your friend to contact his West Point admissions officer or (better yet) his liaison officer (that point of contact can be found on his online Candidate Portal by clicking the “liaisons” link on the portal homepage once he signs in). If he lives in the Northeast (PA/DE on up to ME) then I’m his admissions officer unless he is currently a Soldier, of African American/Native American/Hispanic ethnic origin, or is a recruited athlete. Please have him contact me through his Candidate Portal. </p>
<p>It is our job to help educate young men and women about the opportunities that West Point provides (and paint a realistic picture of its challenges, including the “unique” social scene). I can also address other methods of becoming an officer (like ROTC) and the benefits / drawbacks compared to the Service Academy route. </p>
<p>Personally, I got my “partying” in during my time at West Point by getting a girlfriend at a civilian college (BC) and visiting her as often as I was allowed. Must have been something to it… we’ve been together ever since :)</p>