<p>Skirbby, Thanks for posting your experience to help others. I, for one, will be interested to see how you do applying for next year. Keep us informed. It's suprising how many youngsters in this day and age have needed some type of help (prescription drugs) along the way. Hopefully the Academy will recognize that you're beyong that now.</p>
<p>To get back to Hollyert's original question, I think you can separate this into two questions. </p>
<pre><code> 1. Why did you (or your child) decide to join the military.
Why did you (or your child) pick a service academy.
</code></pre>
<p>Our daughter, who I'll call "the Cat" has talked to quite a few military officers, and others, who say things like, " i understand why you want to join the military but why go to an Academy? That's like four years of boot camp."</p>
<p>The Cat's response, at least to me, is she feels she does better in a structured environment, where expectations are easy to see. She feels that she might not do as well at a civilian college if she didn't have the guidance and good examples of the upper class.</p>
<p>Challenges. Thats the one word my son had for his reasons for attending his Academy.
Opinion #120 - Ambitions of serving your country should be cultivated by the best education you can find in order for you to make the deepest impact. The world needs it's leaders. The soldiers we have serving all over the world are some of the best and brightest. They prolly didn't learn it by sitting around under a tree with a book. LOL So if you're going to give your service to this country, bypass the pretty brouchure colleges.
Opinion #121 -These kids have alot of self worth and motivation to have gotten into a service academy. Don't give up and fight... bite, scratch and kick you're way through the hoops of the application process. Even though you may have some problems to deal with (meds, athletic abilities) don't let a little struggle with paper work scare you off. Struggle is what the kids are doing at WP & the AFA right now.
Opinion #122 - Life is hard & short. Live it with no regrets that you didn't try to obtain a goal you wanted.
Opinion #123 - GITR DUNNNN!
Opinion #124 - I missed my calling as a motivational speaker........</p>
<p>Additionally, there is no u after the o in brochure. I knew that.... And I really shoulda added that all of the Academy kids are in a huge struggle right now. Bet they aren't having too many thoughts about paper work right now. ;) God love 'em. All they want is a shower & something good to eat. Anyhow, Skirbby & hollyert, you just hang in there and keep the ball rolling. Its a proud day to see you guys having an interest in these academies and what they stand for. I'm waving my little US flag and typing here. Ya'll are cool kids!</p>
<p>:D Struggle... most people, I think, would run away from a college touting struggle. And paperwork. Yet I suppose the select few... 6,000 new ones every year... appreciate the rewards. You can find struggle anywhere as it is necesarry... but why not have it thrust in your face? OK, yes I am verrry bored but school starts in exactly two weeks. Again, again, agaiiin, thanks so much for your information and support.</p>
<p>Now all of you on this board know I respect the academies just as much as anyone. But I want to stress (because I will be seeing the other side of the coin here shortly) that a college education is what you make of it. Certainly the strain placed on you at an academy is three-fold: mental, emotional, and physical (some might even say spiritually as well). If your son/daughter does not get into an academy, they are going to be the warriors plotting the course to their ultimate destiny (instead of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force). They, with the values you parents have instilled in them, can choose to make their civilian college experiencing as easy or as hard as they wish. Again, not everyone graduates from civilian colleges magna cum laude or summa cum laude. If your child is strong in mind, heart and body...they can make any education from any institution take them where they want to be.</p>
<p><em>steps down off my teenage soapbox</em></p>
<p>Parents of upcoming cadet/mid candidates....if you have any questions about the admissions process, or anything else in general, feel free to contact me in a PM or on here. I know sometimes you think your questions are dumb, but I assure you the only stupid question is the one that goes unasked.</p>
<p>hmm so i've been reading some of these posts, not to a great detail, but generally get the sense that the main reason for going into military is for, basically, glory. Like how your grandpa was in the military, how you'll live the "band of brother's" life, team work and whatnot. But haven't you guys considered... like getting hurt (even killed) and stuff in action? I mean, sure you got your band of brothers, but a lot of these bands get fatally shot/executed by terrorists and stuff man... As for the revenge, yes, i would feel a great urge to avenge friends and families who have been killed, but is it worth risking your own life? I mean, nothing gets done if you die yourself and only add to your parent's misery. </p>
<p>Would you rather die, at a relatively young age, with knowledge that you have accomplished something in your life, in defense of your country, knowing that you are among the best this country has to offer, with honor and dignity</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>At an old age, a broken-down xerox repairman, getting up in morning, working 9-5, coming home to the screaming kids, a mortgage, a station wagon, and maybe an occasional night out, with the knowlege that you have committed to nothing, failed in many things, and died with no purpose in life?</p>
<p>Success or failure in any endeavor is up to the individual but you have to be in the right place at the right time. Many more graduates of service academies seems to be in the right place at the right time than graduates of civilian colleges.</p>
<p>I doubt that anybody will be able to explain to you why some choose to attend the academies.</p>
<p>Joe: I feel a little sorry for you - not because you're not interested in serving but it seems there's nothing in your life worth defending. Or, even more pathetically, you'll selfishly let other people defend what's of value to you. It sounds like your attitude is - I have mine, let someone else defend it for me. There are forces and people in the world today who'd like to take away your way of life, your freedoms, your ability to make choices in your life, even tell your what to wear and what to say. Freedom isn't free - but I guess you'll let someone else pay the price.</p>
<p>You're asking some of the same questions that other adults ask our kids. And probably some of the parents here have asked their own children these questions. It's definitely more than "band of brothers" stuff. The vast majority of the student/athlete/leaders who choose to pursue an appointment at one of the nation's service academies certainly will obtain a world class education. Additionally, they will know that they are part of something bigger in this world. </p>
<p>Many civilian students are involved in volunteer work. Most (I hope) are involved for altruistic reasons. However, I suspect that quite a few are doing it to add to their resumes. The cadets/mids/plebes at service academies are involved in the biggest community service project you can imagine - defending our country. And this is no small task.</p>
<p>Dangerous? Yes. So is going to any civilian college - perhaps even more so. And if you don't mind the cliche, so is walking across the street. After college, they will have incredible experiences and leadership opportunities. And they will know that they are truly working for the common good - not for revenge, but for something more noble, peace.</p>
<p>I know this sounds very idealistic, but if you could visit with a group of these kids, you'd see what I mean. </p>
<p>Joe, your questions are fair. I think if you spend a bit of time learning more about the academies and military careers, you will find the answers to your questions. It's not a life for everybody, but those who choose the option, do so and deserve respect for the choice.</p>
<p><em>steps down off the service academy mom soapbox</em> (homage being paid to cadet0509)</p>
<pre><code> I have to disagree with momoftwins, who I almost always agree with. You're like a lot of young people I've seen, who criticize what they don't know anything about. I say this, because you say "i've been reading some of these posts, not to a great detail," and you've completely missed the point. My daughter wants to join the military because she knows how lucky she is and wants to give something back to her country. She really understands that freedom isn't free. The word "glory" has never passed her lips.
Either do more research or stay off this forum. You remind me of a person who would walk into churcah and say "there's no proof that there is a God, you people are all misguided." Do you really think you're going to change anyones mind with your little post?
</code></pre>
<p>I am impressed that you have taken the time to ask a question many of your peers haven't even considered. I expect that most high school seniors are almost exclusively focused on their own ambitions rather than taking the time to wonder why others are choosing different paths. Your inquisitiveness will serve you well in life.</p>
<p>With a group of 4000 at each of the academies, there are likely hundreds of different reasons for why each attendee went to, and remained at, the academy. As with most professions, youthful (and adult) expectations often don't match realities and the majority of academy graduates do not become career military officers. </p>
<p>Yet virtually every academy graduate (and most of those that attended but did not graduate) will tell you that their academy experience was an incredibly positive part of their lives - one they would not trade for the world. </p>
<p>Search out some academy graduates and ask them. I bet they will be happy to talk with you.</p>
<p>Gosh Joe. You've ruffled some feathers with your comments. I think due maybe to you're not understanding what being a military officer really is. Yes, indeedie, there are dangers to be had but to say it's for glory, is way way off track. Let me use my son for an example of why he is doing what he is doing. Firstly, he knew he had to obtain the best education possible along with the regimental training to be able to serve his country by being a leader in whatever he ends up doing. See this Hurricane stuff going on? Well, our military leaders are heading up the efforts to help. This being with engineering skills to repair the flood walls, ships supplying people with food, water, & shelter. To aid in the looting problem and so on. Their training will allow them to help in a higher capacity than the guy who is a graduate of University Local with a business degree handling finances. Secondly, as to the fight on terrorism, they do this because they want to help us remain safe and sound with our freedoms in tact. Have you ever put yourself in a position in trying to break up a fight going on between two friends? If you have, then you have taken on a small role as a peacekeeper. Its a skill. Our soldiers & sailors do this as well, only on a much grander scale. Its not all about fighting and wars. They do so many things I can't even begin to list them all here. Rescue on the high seas from the coastie's and on & on.
Its not for glory. Its for our sake. There is no way for me to explain more as I think you need to do some serious soul searching of your own as you don't seem to grasp the enormity of serving your country for better goals than just your own. If you're not interested in the military, so be it, you can contribute to society and make yourself better for it in other ways. Maybe if you start NOW to volunteer at the local red cross or local homeless shelter, you might come to an understanding that there are things in this life that are WAY more important than you and don't involve glory. It will involve heart. I'd suggest that you get out the yellow pages and start looking. If you don't put yourself out there to do some kind of good for humanity, you and all who know you will be sadly disappointed in your life to come.</p>
<p>Well said J-Mom: There are many people who devote their lives to service, not just in the military. Most of these people willingly trade some of the material pleasures of the world for the chance to help others or fight for causes they believe in: teachers, firefighters, policemen, social workers, human rights activists, the list goes on. </p>
<p>Some have to put themselves in harm's way on a daily basis to accomplish what they believe in. Others don't. But on any given day any one of us could find ourselves in a situation where we have to choose between doing the right thing for others and trying saving our own skin. </p>
<p>If there's one thing that most Americans can agree on, its that the passengers on Flight 93 on 9/11 were true heros: willing to take that plane down and die in a Pennsylvania field rather than risk the loss of thousands of lives if it crashed into Washington, DC. Was it for glory? No, it was for service that they made that choice. Would you or I have the strength, the courage, to make the same choice? ... I like to think so, and I suspect that most of you on this board do too.</p>
<p>I don't think we disagree at all on this topic. We are both encouraging Joe to conduct more research. He is like many (including me a few years ago) who don't understand enough about the military. By asking questions and conducting his own research, he will be able to then discuss the topic more intelligently. </p>
<p>I think so many teens today are being impacted by the negative media headlines. "Parents across country refuse to let military recruiters speak to their children." or "The war on terrorism is just a lie", etc. If they don't learn about the honor associated with the military professions they will continue to think as Joe does. Hopefully we have opened his eyes a bit. As he seems to have an inquiring mind, I hope he will continue to learn more about the academies and the military. The more he learns, the more he will realize that glory, or band of brothers, or grandpa was in WWII, are not the reasons to pursue this path. This is just the standard point of view for someone not exposed to the realities of the situation, but rather to negative stories and fear.</p>
<p>Please don't misunderstand. I am not looking to "recruit" Joe. I just want him to learn for himself what the military really stands for.</p>
<p>Wonder where our little Joe has gone? Oh well. We can only hope that some of this has sunk in. For other kids/parents reading here from the non-military world, there should be no doubt left as to why our kids do what they do. I for one, applaude every single one of them! They will be our future peacekeepers and leaders of this great country! Bless them all!</p>
<p>Thanks for setting me straight. I guess I got kind of excited to see someone characterizing the sacrifices and hard work of our children and posters on this site, as well as the military in general, as just a quest for glory. Maybe I was too harsh and Joethemole will really learn something from these posts.</p>
<p>Or, maybe he just stuck his civilian 2 cents in and went away.</p>
<p>Shogun,</p>
<p>I saw nothing that said he was from outside the states. Did he say something like that in other posts?</p>
<p>I'd like to turn this back a little bit towards the original thread if nobody minds.</p>
<p>My daughter, who of course we're extremely proud of, made me even prouder yesterday. She had a full day of school, then rode the bus to a X-country meet (her first) in which she finished 6th out of 13 on her team, and 33rd out of a couple hundred. I then ran her quickly back to school where she practiced with the marching band from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. She then came home and helped clean up the house and after dinner. When I went in her room to tell her it was time for lights out she was working on Pre/Calc homework, which isn't due until next Wednesday. </p>
<p>Why is she trying to make it into a service academy? For one reason because they are just full of people just like her, who know life is full of more than playing video games and watching TV.</p>
<p>(Now, of course, I don't mean to judge anyone who goes a different route, this is just what she wants.)</p>
<p>And yes Jamzmom, let's gloat some more about our kids!</p>
<p>Yes, Joethemole, I too would prefer that you rest your "lazy butt somewhere in an air conditioned office in California." While your resting there maybe you can think about the millions that were slaughtered by Pol Pot and all the Kurds that were anhilated by Saddam, ...FORGET IT!</p>
<p>I'll say one more thing on this subject, then no more. :) I just can't help myself!! I think that Prayerfulmom & I need to go up there and get Joe-Schmo and air drop him right into the middle of USMMA in route to USMA with a note attached: "ps: when i know i'm about to be executed for being an american soldier, no matter how patriotic i am, I would still prefer laying my lazy butt somewhere in an air conditioned office in California." Ooooo. I musta took my mean pill this morning. Funny, I thought it was Vitamin C. With me being so very Dixie, I'm afraid I take after my beloved Scarlette. She had a mouth on her too! Fiddle-e-dee!</p>
<p>Yeah Cougar. Thanks for directing us back to what this forum was intended for. To discuss issues that involve academy parents and the learning processes of becoming one. Your daughter will be around those just like her who have set the highest of standards for themselves. I know this first hand. I share in your pride! </p>
<p>Honor, Courage, Commitment! OORah!
Go ahead. I know you're dying to add that Army moto in here. And NO LATIN Versions! I hate looking that stuff up. LOL I have to go nap now. I've worn myself plum out with the previous discussion.</p>