Should service academies be abolished?

2015-01-06T15:39:48-05:00

http://www.salon.com/2015/01/05/lets_abolish_west_point_military_academies_serve_no_one_squander_millions_of_tax_dollars/

Let’s abolish West Point: Military academies serve no one, squander millions of tax dollars

Our military academies aren't filled with best and brightest. They are a boondoggle, on your dime, and serve no one

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jan 6 at 2015 3:51 PM

2015-01-06T15:51:02-05:00

LOL!, are you trying to get my ire up?

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/would-you-be-in-favor-of-repurposing-our-service-academies

Would you be in favor of repurposing our service academies? | RallyPoint

How would you feel if the service academies primary mission changed completely and no longer existed? How would you envision the service academies providing the best value to our military? http://www.salon.com/2015/01/05/lets_abolish_west_point_military_academies_serve_no_one_squander_millions_of_tax_dollars/

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 6 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-01-06T16:06:25-05:00

This argument has raged on for years. From what I know, the person who wrote is an English instructor at the naval academy. Some have commented that he is disgruntled and trying to make waves there. I don't know if that is true.

One thing they don't talk about is what happens when service academy guys leave the military. Because of my time at West Point, I know for a fact that the experiences, education, and environment have made me a better person.

I hear one quote back in the mid 90s when i was considering the academies that there are more fortune 500 execs from the service academies than the ivy league combined. many grads do great work in the military, civilian sector, government sector, and a whole host of other industries that have made our country stronger.

I am proud of my alma mater, and without going into each of the details of rebutting the article, I disagree that the service academies should be abolished.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-01-06T16:10:55-05:00

SGM Private RallyPoint Member. ABSOLUTLY AND POSITIVELY NO!!! The US Military Academy Programs produce a uniquely tempered and highly reliable and deeply committed brand of officer . . . who is impossible to produce in any other academic or institutional environment. I would far rather be under the command, serve with, train, and be backed up by any national military academy graduate vs any other kind of officer. Warmest Regards, Sandy