What is your opinion of Service Academy graduates who separate as soon as their commitment for attending the academy is up?

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 05 May 2016 19:21:52 -0400

Response by LTC Kevin B. made May 5 at 2016 7:24 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 05 May 2016 19:24:19 -0400

If their commitment is up, then I have no problem with them leaving the force. The military is not for everyone. If they want to move into a different direction for their career, best of luck to them.

Response by LTC Joseph George made May 5 at 2016 8:09 PM

LTC Joseph George — Thu, 05 May 2016 20:09:27 -0400

Understanding that the military may not be for everyone, then why waste the resources, time and effort trying to train someone to be a leader if they have no desire to serve beyond a commitment? To be sure that leaders want to be leaders and continue to use those skills, maybe everyone should serve as an enlisted soldier for at least 2 years. This should include ROTC as well. I believe that if you are sincere in your convictions as a leader, maybe some enlisted time would help.

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 5 at 2016 8:12 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 05 May 2016 20:12:55 -0400

A deal is a deal. They made the commitment and followed through. I see no issue. By the same token, I'd have no problem if the services decided to lengthen it (for new enlistees).

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 5 at 2016 8:44 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 05 May 2016 20:44:57 -0400

Lot of talented folks, wish we could keep all of them but how would that work? Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians. Every system needs some Attrition and that is one way.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 8:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 May 2016 20:58:41 -0400

It would be interesting to see a study on why Service Academy grads leave the military, or why anyone leaves the military. But we don't collect such data and thus have no basis for understanding this phenomenon.

As for Service Academy grads who choose to leave after their service obligation, I think we should thank the, for their service and wish them the best of luck.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 9:04 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 May 2016 21:04:22 -0400

I don't even see a reason for the question.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 5 at 2016 10:18 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 05 May 2016 22:18:06 -0400

Interesting enough, I've been around former Boat Schoolers and the like. It's a mixed bag of reasons but mostly because it wasn't a fit for what they wanted to get out of life so they moved on. They left because of the BS Factor or too much a world of inertia around them to keep the adrenaline up. Some were spectacular but a stupid injury ended it all.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 5 at 2016 10:25 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 05 May 2016 22:25:17 -0400

As long as the serve there commitment, who can say otherwise! They serve honorably.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 5 at 2016 11:37 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 05 May 2016 23:37:51 -0400

As @LTC Kevin B. stated (he blocked me for some reason?) If your service obligation is completed, than we should salute and applaud your service. Only a small portion of our ranks stays for a career. We need to value and applaud all service.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made May 5 at 2016 11:57 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Thu, 05 May 2016 23:57:20 -0400

As long as they meet their obligation it's all good. If they want to move on, more power to them and best of luck.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 1:08 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 May 2016 01:08:37 -0400

I have no problems with those folks - just like I have no problem with the Enlisted folks that bail when their contract is up.

The ones that get me are those that have Reserve Commissions, Integrate and THEN resign their commissions after they are promoted.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made May 6 at 2016 2:27 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Fri, 06 May 2016 02:27:20 -0400

As long as they have fulfilled their contract I believe it is their decision to make. The workforce is competitive for a lot of Academy graduates and if the military wants them to stay they need to make it more desirable to keep them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 11:59 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 May 2016 11:59:19 -0400

If their time is up, and they served honorably, then I wish them luck in their future travels and adventures.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 6 at 2016 12:05 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 06 May 2016 12:05:30 -0400

Anyone who finishes their commitment deserve a thumbs up if they decide to get out.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 6 at 2016 11:19 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 06 May 2016 23:19:14 -0400

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen - My opinion is that they served their time honorably... in accordance with their contract.