<p>My current Mid had an instructor in High School who is a Harvard B.A. and a Tufts Law School graduate. He might be considered "progressive" politically. He currently teaches Mandarin Chinese and Far East Asian Studies at her former school. He has conducted some seminars and taught some classes at the Naval War College as a visiting instructor. He sought us out during one of our school visits. Knowing that his former pupil was a current Midshipmen he went out of his way to let me know that he was highly impressed by the caliber of the men and women attending the Naval War College. He had assumed that they all had a preconceived political point of view mostly contrary to his. He told me that he was surprised by the diversity of opinions and the freedom with which, somewhat senior officers, discussed current political situations and publicly voiced their opinions. I think the same is true of the Academy.</p>
<p>The increased number of STEM majors is a requirement passed onto the Naval Academy from Washington. In 2007, for the first time since the 90's, engineering majors nationwide saw a decrease, despite the fact that the demand for engineering jobs continues to grow. (Fewer</a> engineering grads despite growing demand.) The military is feeling the affect; it is becoming harder to recruit engineers out of other programs (ROTC, OCS, etc), so the Naval Academy is being told to fill the gap.</p>
<p>AF6872 is on point. The backgrounds and beliefs of the Brigade are as wide and far ranging as the places they come from.</p>
<p>"Needs of the Navy" -- won't be the last time that you hear this!</p>
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The backgrounds and beliefs of the Brigade are as wide and far ranging as the places they come from.
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<p>Perhaps ...but not correspondingly distributed. Hollywood has fans there, and they are few, far, between. Nor a whole lot of apparent Muslims. </p>
<p>The point may have some literal accuracy, but its implication is nothing short of silly. All one need do is attend an Army-Navy game and watch the crowd when Lee Greenwood let's loose. </p>
<p>And more confirmation of the alleged disparity among the Brigade ...the current recruitment plan to rearrange the hands on deck.</p>
<p>Does the Brigade have more patriotism than American society? Yes, of course they do... they are volunteering to serve their country after all. </p>
<p>I never implied the Brigade was an accurate reflection of American society. What I implied was that AF6872's point was a good one, and that is this: the Brigade (and military in general) does not all think the same or believe the same thing.</p>
<p>late coming back to this-</p>
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Navy2010, as far as going to Law school do you think it might be easier for him to earn better marks if he were to take poli sci or economics?
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<p>Will side with USNA1985 on this one- he will earn better grades studing a topic of interest to him!</p>
<p>Will share a short one.</p>
<p>DD applied to colleges, identifying herself as a "math major."
On the day of orientation, switched to "physics major." (long story)
Goal- law school.
Mom: "don't you think poly sci would be better suited to law school?"
DD: "no- I think they are a dime a dozen."
Mom: "well, don't you think poly sci would at least be a little easier?"
DD: "I don't like poly sci."
Mom: "then certainly math has to be easier."
DD: "probably, but physics has harder math and I like math."
(mom sighs- what do I know).</p>
<p>FF .....
graduated with her physics degree (forgive me my "proud mom" moment, but also double majored in engineering, with minors in math and philosophy... thankfully on the 4-year plan) ....which has set her up nicely to go after her goal in Trademark and Patent Law. While her grades are good, (I am sure they would have been even higher with poly sci), it is her physics major that seems to be getting the attention from the law programs that she is applying to. It has also opened up a very nice job in a patent office (nice, because Law school will be on her dime! ;) )</p>
<p>Have your son follow his gut.</p>
<p>wardog ...agreed and well put. thanks for clarifying my misinterpretation.</p>
<p>WP:</p>
<p>Asked and answered by Wardog. He beat me to it. If the current recruitment drive was a measurement of religious and political diversity I can only forsee the following:</p>
<p>Recruiter: "So young man/woman what is your current religious and political belief?"</p>
<p>Applicant: "Sir, I am a Sufi and an avowed anarchist!"</p>
<p>Recruiter: "Wow! We don't have any of you, go to the head of the line."</p>
<p>LOL Reductio Ad Absurdum ROTFLOL</p>