Think Big: What Would You Throw Out?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point
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<p>NPR show Talk of the Nation, on Tuesday 4/21, go to link at Think</a> Big: What Would You Throw Out? : NPR
Click on "Listen Now". At 1:10 Tom Ricks from WAPO recommends getting rid of West Point, Navy and Air Force academies. At 9:16 caller Russell from Fort Myers recommends getting rid of Kings Point. </p>

<p>Just putting it out there.</p>

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<p>Yes, but the dude who wrote that article, Mr. Tom Ricks does not even know there are 5 U.S Service Academies, nor does he acknowledge that Gen. Patraeus graduated from the USMA. That article is whack. It’s a commentary in the Wash. Post and WOW, is it jacked up. His remarks are quite cavalier. Surprised it merited any type of NPR time. His article should be thrown in the garbage not only for being down right factually wrong but also on the principal alone. </p>

<p>I mean no disrespect to you sir (KP '81).</p>

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<p>What about the fact that USNA, USMA, and USAFA provide nearly 1,000 JOs each per year? (Same for the USMMA and USCGA…but like 200 each instead of 1000)</p>

<p>Is it correct to assume that all those kids would participate in ROTC at regular universities? You’re still going to need those people…whether or not you cut the academy…well I think that’s true, who knows about if there’s excess JOs in the services now…?</p>

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<p>The caller from Ft. Meyers makes the claim that the majority of graduates who opt for fulfilling their service obligation as a mariner serve shore side and not at sea and that the overall majority of graduates do not serve in the maritime industry or military after their service obligation is complete. Does anyone know what the facts are here?</p>

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<p>He was way off the mark- </p>

<p>Additionally, alumni records indicate that 20 years after graduation, 70% of USMMA graduates continue to serve in qualifying positions afloat, the military services, or ashore.</p>

<p>From- [ExpectMore.gov:</a> Maritime Administration - Merchant Marine Academy](<a href=“http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore/detail/10004003.2005.html]ExpectMore.gov:”>http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore/detail/10004003.2005.html)</p>