If the service academies are so prestigious, why are they never discussed on DCUM?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Going by the other thread, it would seem that most on here have a great deal of respect for the Service academies. If that’s the case why aren’t they more popular in DCUM land? Every other selective school including some pretty tiny obscure ones get discussed ad nauseum but not these. Why?

because it's too liberal democrat and jewish here. Neither set does ROTC or academies or active duty.

Amy chua’s daughter is Jewish and she’s Harvard rotc

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend the US Coast Guard Academy. Amazing organization. Amazing education. Incredible growth opportunities. My husband went there and right after the academy was given tremendous responsibilities; whereas I was a low level analyst right after college. He has also had a ridiculous amount of fun and alot of time outside of an office environment. He has travelled throughout the world, relaxed on pristine beaches and has scubadived extensively. It's been a great life for him. And, he continues to serve with many of his best friends from the academy. And, as a senior officer, brings home the bacon. We couldn't be happier. I can't imagine him in a traditional 9 to 5 job.

[Anonymous]

New Poster: I think service academies are discussed less because reasonable people understand that they are only right for a pretty small sub-set of young people.

Whereas really anyone can find their place at a big state school or even a LAC, not everyone is right for the service academies. You need a certain level of fitness, a certain attitude toward public service, and a certain plan for your life (which includes 7 years in the armed forces).

The number of 17 year-olds for whom all of these things are true is pretty small, which is fine. But, that's probably why not that many parents are discussing the academies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New Poster: I think service academies are discussed less because reasonable people understand that they are only right for a pretty small sub-set of young people.

Whereas really anyone can find their place at a big state school or even a LAC, not everyone is right for the service academies. You need a certain level of fitness, a certain attitude toward public service, and a certain plan for your life (which includes 7 years in the armed forces).

The number of 17 year-olds for whom all of these things are true is pretty small, which is fine. But, that's probably why not that many parents are discussing the academies.

Not to mention, a not insignificant number of kids have various conditions that wouldn't even let them qualify for admission: color blindness, being overweight or underweight, high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, scoliosis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, seizures, using ADHD/anxiety/depression meds, needing accomodations, psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, anemia...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Poster: I think service academies are discussed less because reasonable people understand that they are only right for a pretty small sub-set of young people.

Whereas really anyone can find their place at a big state school or even a LAC, not everyone is right for the service academies. You need a certain level of fitness, a certain attitude toward public service, and a certain plan for your life (which includes 7 years in the armed forces).

The number of 17 year-olds for whom all of these things are true is pretty small, which is fine. But, that's probably why not that many parents are discussing the academies.

Not to mention, a not insignificant number of kids have various conditions that wouldn't even let them qualify for admission: color blindness, being overweight or underweight, high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, scoliosis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, seizures, using ADHD/anxiety/depression meds, needing accomodations, psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, anemia...

Right. I think OP is looking for an answer along the lines of "DCUM types don't love America" but I really don't think that's it. The service academies are incredibly prestigious and a wonderful path for many young people. They are also pretty self-selecting. If you have a kid for whom it is the right choice, you don't need to spend a bunch of time equivocating on message boards. You'll know. More importantly, they'll know.

[Anonymous]

I imagine part of it is the demographics of DCUM, but I also imagine it has something to do with the fact that the Service Academies are a very specific, narrow path taken for a very specific reason. The vast majority of students just aren't going to take that path regardless of personal politics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I imagine part of it is the demographics of DCUM, but I also imagine it has something to do with the fact that the Service Academies are a very specific, narrow path taken for a very specific reason. The vast majority of students just aren't going to take that path regardless of personal politics.

Very strong kids from my HS (2000 person AAAA public HS) went yearly. One wanted to be fighter pilot (he was in an F16 at age 25 at Springfield AFB), JAG attorney (she did), and Navy doctor (she is still and stayed in for 20 years). Also know a princeton Air Force ROTC fighter pilot, MBA and successful tech company founder now on company #2.

In grad school I met more and all are very successful in their private civilian jobs now or military careers. All I know are under age 45 so shall see what careers they do afterwards. Well one played hockey for AFA, then MBA, then straight to private equity - triple threat of highly intelligent, excellent leadership/social skills and athletic team player.

Many of those who hack it those 4 years emerge with lifelong friends, formidable leadership and people mgmt skills, strong STEM/engineering base, and a 4-year pay back or more if go to more schooling or training. I'd hire most of them in a heartbeat - for consulting, investing, research, medical, law, teaching, sr management, coaching.

[Anonymous]

My 8th grade Civics class trip to DC included a tour of the Naval Academy. It was awesome. No way I would have been exposed to that in my sheltered 9-12 private school back in SF.

By now I've also toured the Air Force Academy - also awesome - and taken in a Team Handball tournament at Westpoint.

Re Why never discussed?
I honestly thing most parents and even high schools do not know much about them.

Now that I think about it, I am definitely taking my kids once they are older to tour Annapolis and then Colorado Springs next ski or hiking trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can pay for my kids education myself. They don’t need to risk getting a bullet in the head for education. I see pics of young men and women killed in wars... for what, I wonder.

Only a small portion see that kind of combat. You clearly don't know much.

Not sure what movies you have been watching.

You graduate an academy as an Officer, that is several, several levels about entry level. You are an asset; there to lead, train & teach others, manage teams, run technology, and communicate well amongst U.S. departments.
Sure you can go sign up for Seals or Rangers, but most officers are in charge of 100s or 1000s of people at age 23 when they go live all around the world and country.

[Anonymous]

I would be freaking ecstatic if either of my kids went to a service academy but after a lifetime of coddled upper middle class amenities, prestigious private schools, and doting nannies, I don't see them being willing to give up comfort for service.

If I am wrong, I will truly be thrilled.

[Anonymous]

My wife's youngest brother went to the Air Force Academy, purely for the athletic & academic challenge and wanting to fly jets. Non-military family from Chicago.

When I went to his wedding at the chapel there I was blown away. By the school, facilities, tour, well-spoken teenagers running the school, the 5-tier GPA composites, and most of all the 7 AFA men and 1 AFA woman that stood up in the wedding. Great group of 30 yos, very professional, managing people and gov't challenges as best they can, improving processes, making a difference in ways I never did in investment banking or private equity.

They flew in from everywhere - flying F16s, helos, Air/Ground SOCOM support, int'l soccer leagues, teaching at Uni's, Asia, Germany, etc. Fantastic reunion for them and great set of people with values you can count on.

And I say this as an ignorant Oxbridge Brit who had no clue what a service academy is anywhere, even the Prince Harry one. I cannot wait to see what they do once they choose to release from service.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can pay for my kids education myself. They don’t need to risk getting a bullet in the head for education. I see pics of young men and women killed in wars... for what, I wonder.

Only a small portion see that kind of combat. You clearly don't know much.

Not sure what movies you have been watching.

You graduate an academy as an Officer, that is several, several levels about entry level. You are an asset; there to lead, train & teach others, manage teams, run technology, and communicate well amongst U.S. departments.
Sure you can go sign up for Seals or Rangers, but most officers are in charge of 100s or 1000s of people at age 23 when they go live all around the world and country.

so, it's just for the benefits then.

[Anonymous]

DS is applying to the USNA. He toured and loved it. Fingers crossed.

[Anonymous]

OP, I always thought they were for lower class people who couldn't otherwise afford college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I always thought they were for lower class people who couldn't otherwise afford college.

That says a lot about you.