Perception of Service Academies

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the "DC" part of DCUM is evident in some of these replies that assume that all people should know about service academies. In many places, there is no noticeable military presence. In my town, there is no one that I know who is or has been military.

However; years ago, we did a stint in Arlington, VA, and suddenly met teachers/coaches/parents who were former or active military, and many people had a family member who served. At this time, my then-elementary school DC noticed all this, became interested and here we are years later and DC is applying to a service academy.

And yes, we are all fumbling around trying to get it right, even DC's college counselor is on the learning curve, because we are back in our own geographical clueless bubble.

I don't think anyone should be shamed for not knowing about Service Academies. It's just an indicator at how stratified America is, and also, it's a bit of a marketing failure.

I mean, I guess? My Black ass knew and neither my dad nor uncles nor grandfathers served, I am not from DC, was not raised in an area surrounded by military bases (and was on my first one a couple of years ago in my 40s), none of my siblings or cousins went to the military, no one I went to high school with went to any of the academies and yet, I knew about West Point even if it wasn't clear to me the path to attend it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i was chatting with a friend who mentioned that their high achieving rising junior was hoping to attend a service academy (West Point or USNA). They don't have a family military background and are certainly not hurting for money. My sense is that the kid could go to any school they wanted. It's not an understatement to say that choosing a service academy path totally floored me. What is the draw here or what am I missing? Is this considered a prestigious route in some circles?

It is highly prestigious in all circles.

No they are not.

Really? By all means tell us your education background and what it is you do. Back up your prestige scoring ability. Nah. You’ll lie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it, OP. I come from a part of the country where I didnt know a single military member/vet other than my drafted grandfathers. Not a single person from my graduating class of 550 went into the military. When my sister’s boyfriend ended up attending the naval academy the following year, we were all fairly shocked—it wasn’t a typical path. (To be completely transparent though, he had applied to a handful of civilian schools and didn’t get in—USNA was the only option he had once decisions came out).

It worked out well for him, but it wasn’t until moving to DC that I learned it’s considered prestigious. I assumed at the time it had been his safety school since it was the only one he got into, lol.

Almost the same here - my father was drafted and still refers to those two years as the most miserable two years of his life except for having just married my mom. Where I grew up, the only people who would go into the military are people too stupid to get into college who just smoked weed and were going nowhere in life. When I was in 9th grade, my brother was in 12th and between all four grades of over 1,000 kids, we know exactly ONE kid who went into the Coast Guard.

Two whole years of service left him with life long bitterness? Wow. Successful folks with military backgrounds are many different things - but bitter for 2 minutes of duty is not one of them.

[Anonymous]

I’m surprised people haven’t heard of old movies set at West Point. There’s a lot but off the top of my head I can think of movies like “The Long Gray Line” and “The West Point Story.”
Pretty classic old movies and part of popular culture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it, OP. I come from a part of the country where I didnt know a single military member/vet other than my drafted grandfathers. Not a single person from my graduating class of 550 went into the military. When my sister’s boyfriend ended up attending the naval academy the following year, we were all fairly shocked—it wasn’t a typical path. (To be completely transparent though, he had applied to a handful of civilian schools and didn’t get in—USNA was the only option he had once decisions came out).

It worked out well for him, but it wasn’t until moving to DC that I learned it’s considered prestigious. I assumed at the time it had been his safety school since it was the only one he got into, lol.

Almost the same here - my father was drafted and still refers to those two years as the most miserable two years of his life except for having just married my mom. Where I grew up, the only people who would go into the military are people too stupid to get into college who just smoked weed and were going nowhere in life. When I was in 9th grade, my brother was in 12th and between all four grades of over 1,000 kids, we know exactly ONE kid who went into the Coast Guard.

Interesting. My father was drafted and despite being a Thom Hartmann liberal, speaks nothing of respect and admiration for everyone who chooses to serve, their commitment, and their hard work: from the youngest enlisted to the highest officers.

Note the difference though - my father was drafted along with everyone he was there with. Nobody was CHOOSING to enroll and go to Vietnam. My father had to interrupt his education, his brand new wife had to go on food stamps while she was in college and working two part time jobs, so this was not a choice.

My father was drafted too. He still didn’t raise children ignorant of the prestige of service academies, or who think only dumb people serve.

Of course he taught you that. He didn't want his kids to think he's some dumb loser who didn't make good decisions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it, OP. I come from a part of the country where I didnt know a single military member/vet other than my drafted grandfathers. Not a single person from my graduating class of 550 went into the military. When my sister’s boyfriend ended up attending the naval academy the following year, we were all fairly shocked—it wasn’t a typical path. (To be completely transparent though, he had applied to a handful of civilian schools and didn’t get in—USNA was the only option he had once decisions came out).

It worked out well for him, but it wasn’t until moving to DC that I learned it’s considered prestigious. I assumed at the time it had been his safety school since it was the only one he got into, lol.

Almost the same here - my father was drafted and still refers to those two years as the most miserable two years of his life except for having just married my mom. Where I grew up, the only people who would go into the military are people too stupid to get into college who just smoked weed and were going nowhere in life. When I was in 9th grade, my brother was in 12th and between all four grades of over 1,000 kids, we know exactly ONE kid who went into the Coast Guard.

Interesting. My father was drafted and despite being a Thom Hartmann liberal, speaks nothing of respect and admiration for everyone who chooses to serve, their commitment, and their hard work: from the youngest enlisted to the highest officers.

Note the difference though - my father was drafted along with everyone he was there with. Nobody was CHOOSING to enroll and go to Vietnam. My father had to interrupt his education, his brand new wife had to go on food stamps while she was in college and working two part time jobs, so this was not a choice.

My father was drafted too. He still didn’t raise children ignorant of the prestige of service academies, or who think only dumb people serve.

Of course he taught you that. He didn't want his kids to think he's some dumb loser who didn't make good decisions.

I just don’t get how someone could think that serving one’s country is not making a good decision. Do you also think that other selfless pursuits are bad decisions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it, OP. I come from a part of the country where I didnt know a single military member/vet other than my drafted grandfathers. Not a single person from my graduating class of 550 went into the military. When my sister’s boyfriend ended up attending the naval academy the following year, we were all fairly shocked—it wasn’t a typical path. (To be completely transparent though, he had applied to a handful of civilian schools and didn’t get in—USNA was the only option he had once decisions came out).

It worked out well for him, but it wasn’t until moving to DC that I learned it’s considered prestigious. I assumed at the time it had been his safety school since it was the only one he got into, lol.

Almost the same here - my father was drafted and still refers to those two years as the most miserable two years of his life except for having just married my mom. Where I grew up, the only people who would go into the military are people too stupid to get into college who just smoked weed and were going nowhere in life. When I was in 9th grade, my brother was in 12th and between all four grades of over 1,000 kids, we know exactly ONE kid who went into the Coast Guard.

Interesting. My father was drafted and despite being a Thom Hartmann liberal, speaks nothing of respect and admiration for everyone who chooses to serve, their commitment, and their hard work: from the youngest enlisted to the highest officers.

Note the difference though - my father was drafted along with everyone he was there with. Nobody was CHOOSING to enroll and go to Vietnam. My father had to interrupt his education, his brand new wife had to go on food stamps while she was in college and working two part time jobs, so this was not a choice.

My father was drafted too. He still didn’t raise children ignorant of the prestige of service academies, or who think only dumb people serve.

Of course he taught you that. He didn't want his kids to think he's some dumb loser who didn't make good decisions.

I just don’t get how someone could think that serving one’s country is not making a good decision. Do you also think that other selfless pursuits are bad decisions?

Ones that will potentially get you killed, yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i was chatting with a friend who mentioned that their high achieving rising junior was hoping to attend a service academy (West Point or USNA). They don't have a family military background and are certainly not hurting for money. My sense is that the kid could go to any school they wanted. It's not an understatement to say that choosing a service academy path totally floored me. What is the draw here or what am I missing? Is this considered a prestigious route in some circles?

This is truly one of the most pathetic posts on DCUM. Your children aren’t service academy material - so you don’t need to worry about it. Now back to your daytime tv shows. Or whatever it is you do.

Taught at an Academy, spouse went to an Academy - veteran myself. The military and the academies are better when they are not filled with legacies, so this response is over the top. OP, academies definitely appeal to a certain type, but if your kid is that type, they are wonderful places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it, OP. I come from a part of the country where I didnt know a single military member/vet other than my drafted grandfathers. Not a single person from my graduating class of 550 went into the military. When my sister’s boyfriend ended up attending the naval academy the following year, we were all fairly shocked—it wasn’t a typical path. (To be completely transparent though, he had applied to a handful of civilian schools and didn’t get in—USNA was the only option he had once decisions came out).

It worked out well for him, but it wasn’t until moving to DC that I learned it’s considered prestigious. I assumed at the time it had been his safety school since it was the only one he got into, lol.

Almost the same here - my father was drafted and still refers to those two years as the most miserable two years of his life except for having just married my mom. Where I grew up, the only people who would go into the military are people too stupid to get into college who just smoked weed and were going nowhere in life. When I was in 9th grade, my brother was in 12th and between all four grades of over 1,000 kids, we know exactly ONE kid who went into the Coast Guard.

Interesting. My father was drafted and despite being a Thom Hartmann liberal, speaks nothing of respect and admiration for everyone who chooses to serve, their commitment, and their hard work: from the youngest enlisted to the highest officers.

Note the difference though - my father was drafted along with everyone he was there with. Nobody was CHOOSING to enroll and go to Vietnam. My father had to interrupt his education, his brand new wife had to go on food stamps while she was in college and working two part time jobs, so this was not a choice.

My father was drafted too. He still didn’t raise children ignorant of the prestige of service academies, or who think only dumb people serve.

Of course he taught you that. He didn't want his kids to think he's some dumb loser who didn't make good decisions.

Lol. Do you know what the draft is?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it, OP. I come from a part of the country where I didnt know a single military member/vet other than my drafted grandfathers. Not a single person from my graduating class of 550 went into the military. When my sister’s boyfriend ended up attending the naval academy the following year, we were all fairly shocked—it wasn’t a typical path. (To be completely transparent though, he had applied to a handful of civilian schools and didn’t get in—USNA was the only option he had once decisions came out).

It worked out well for him, but it wasn’t until moving to DC that I learned it’s considered prestigious. I assumed at the time it had been his safety school since it was the only one he got into, lol.

Almost the same here - my father was drafted and still refers to those two years as the most miserable two years of his life except for having just married my mom. Where I grew up, the only people who would go into the military are people too stupid to get into college who just smoked weed and were going nowhere in life. When I was in 9th grade, my brother was in 12th and between all four grades of over 1,000 kids, we know exactly ONE kid who went into the Coast Guard.

Interesting. My father was drafted and despite being a Thom Hartmann liberal, speaks nothing of respect and admiration for everyone who chooses to serve, their commitment, and their hard work: from the youngest enlisted to the highest officers.

Note the difference though - my father was drafted along with everyone he was there with. Nobody was CHOOSING to enroll and go to Vietnam. My father had to interrupt his education, his brand new wife had to go on food stamps while she was in college and working two part time jobs, so this was not a choice.

My father was drafted too. He still didn’t raise children ignorant of the prestige of service academies, or who think only dumb people serve.

Of course he taught you that. He didn't want his kids to think he's some dumb loser who didn't make good decisions.

Lol. Do you know what the draft is?

Yes. A reason to go to Canada.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it, OP. I come from a part of the country where I didnt know a single military member/vet other than my drafted grandfathers. Not a single person from my graduating class of 550 went into the military. When my sister’s boyfriend ended up attending the naval academy the following year, we were all fairly shocked—it wasn’t a typical path. (To be completely transparent though, he had applied to a handful of civilian schools and didn’t get in—USNA was the only option he had once decisions came out).

It worked out well for him, but it wasn’t until moving to DC that I learned it’s considered prestigious. I assumed at the time it had been his safety school since it was the only one he got into, lol.

Almost the same here - my father was drafted and still refers to those two years as the most miserable two years of his life except for having just married my mom. Where I grew up, the only people who would go into the military are people too stupid to get into college who just smoked weed and were going nowhere in life. When I was in 9th grade, my brother was in 12th and between all four grades of over 1,000 kids, we know exactly ONE kid who went into the Coast Guard.

Interesting. My father was drafted and despite being a Thom Hartmann liberal, speaks nothing of respect and admiration for everyone who chooses to serve, their commitment, and their hard work: from the youngest enlisted to the highest officers.

Note the difference though - my father was drafted along with everyone he was there with. Nobody was CHOOSING to enroll and go to Vietnam. My father had to interrupt his education, his brand new wife had to go on food stamps while she was in college and working two part time jobs, so this was not a choice.

My father was drafted too. He still didn’t raise children ignorant of the prestige of service academies, or who think only dumb people serve.

Of course he taught you that. He didn't want his kids to think he's some dumb loser who didn't make good decisions.

I just don’t get how someone could think that serving one’s country is not making a good decision. Do you also think that other selfless pursuits are bad decisions?

Ones that will potentially get you killed, yes.

Do you understand the meaning of selfless? Someone who engages in selfless behavior is more admirable than someone who is selfish and only cares about their own good. It might be hard to under the motivations of people who do things for others if your mind just doesn’t work that way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it, OP. I come from a part of the country where I didnt know a single military member/vet other than my drafted grandfathers. Not a single person from my graduating class of 550 went into the military. When my sister’s boyfriend ended up attending the naval academy the following year, we were all fairly shocked—it wasn’t a typical path. (To be completely transparent though, he had applied to a handful of civilian schools and didn’t get in—USNA was the only option he had once decisions came out).

It worked out well for him, but it wasn’t until moving to DC that I learned it’s considered prestigious. I assumed at the time it had been his safety school since it was the only one he got into, lol.

Almost the same here - my father was drafted and still refers to those two years as the most miserable two years of his life except for having just married my mom. Where I grew up, the only people who would go into the military are people too stupid to get into college who just smoked weed and were going nowhere in life. When I was in 9th grade, my brother was in 12th and between all four grades of over 1,000 kids, we know exactly ONE kid who went into the Coast Guard.

Two whole years of service left him with life long bitterness? Wow. Successful folks with military backgrounds are many different things - but bitter for 2 minutes of duty is not one of them.

The responder must be young. Anyone who was around during Vietnam knows it was a terrible war for the US and the poor guys who had to go there.

[Anonymous]

From the Vietnam War until 9/11, the country was not "rah-rah" about the military like it is today. Then Bush led us into war in countries we don't belong. Most of the 9/11 terrorists were from Saudia Arabia. We don't fight them because of oil there.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it's considered prestigious. A lot of the students accepted could get into many other elite universities. However, there are also additional requirements like passing a physical fitness exam, demonstrating leadership, acquiring a nomination from a member of Congress, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i was chatting with a friend who mentioned that their high achieving rising junior was hoping to attend a service academy (West Point or USNA). They don't have a family military background and are certainly not hurting for money. My sense is that the kid could go to any school they wanted. It's not an understatement to say that choosing a service academy path totally floored me. What is the draw here or what am I missing? Is this considered a prestigious route in some circles?

They are harder to get into than the Ivy League. They are well regarded everywhere.

Well, they have additional requirements that Ivies don't have. You generally have to demonstrate interest and ability in physical activity and leadership. You have to pass a fitness test, and you can't have any disqualifying health conditions. You need a Congressional nomination. You do need high grades and test scores -- the service academies are not test optional, and West Point requires the ACT writing test as well . The scores are "super-scored" and need to be competitive, but generally not as high as Ivy. You also generally need to show ability in math. USNA is very STEM oriented. I believe most students at all of the academies have some sort of engineering major.