West Point...Grrrr....
Today, Travis got a letter from the Director of Admissions at West Point, inviting him to apply. Travis called, and with his permission, I opened the letter and read it to him. He was unimpressed and uninterested.
I'm pretty sure these letters aren't sent to every young man in the country, right?
He has to choose his own destiny, I reckon. I just hope he doesn't end up regretting some of his choices.
I'm pretty sure these letters aren't sent to every young man in the country, right?
He has to choose his own destiny, I reckon. I just hope he doesn't end up regretting some of his choices.
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Just the fact that he was invited to apply is, in itself, an honor. I'm also not sure he knows that an education from West Point opens many doors in later life. Sounds like he's a full grunt![V] 0 -
A FREE education which will open doors both inside and outside the Army.
Do it!0 -
Depends. Did the letter arrive from the Academy unsolicited? If so, then Travis' record was pulled because he falls within the parameters set for West Point admissions.
If Travis took it upon himself to inquire, well, then he simply received a form letter reply.
Always good to put oneself on the waiting list, though. You never know. I wish him well. Joe
(PS..and he will be shown more deference by the upper-classmen than an "off the street" cadet..his being a combat veteran). I just hope the letter came unannounced.0 -
You might want to drop IDS a line, IIRC, he went there.
Don0 -
If I were in your shoes, I would encourage him to apply. If accepted and he graduates his opportunities in life will much better. 0 -
Just last week, Son Doug II, mentioned that he regretted ignoring one piece of advice that I had given him and his siblings. This was after 10 years as a combat soldier.
The advice ?? "Become an officer".
Advice I've given all my Kids, which none have yet heeded.
Doug0 -
I wouldn't go to West Point if they accepted me without me having to submit an application. I don't blame him for feeling that way about it. 0 -
Does he need to be appointed? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Zulu7
I wouldn't go to West Point if they accepted me without me having to submit an application. I don't blame him for feeling that way about it.
It was a invitation to apply.0 -
Don't worry. In 25 years he can still join the Seabees. [:D] 0 -
Military academies are awesome - the scholarship is worth between $300K to $400K. My son is a freshman in the USAFA and is having a blast. Travis should reconsider. Good luck! 0 -
Depends on his ability to put up with oatmeal! (BS)
[B)]JM0 -
quote:Originally posted by cartod
Does he need to be appointed?
Your congressman would be glad to appoint him.
JM0 -
quote:Originally posted by Zulu7
I wouldn't go to West Point if they accepted me without me having to submit an application. I don't blame him for feeling that way about it.
why?0 -
Sounds to me like the boy has had enough of the military. I can't say I blame him one bit.
Clouder..0 -
David, Was it actually The Academy or the prep school. I got one from the prep school when I was a young soldier. If so, Joe is correct. They review records and send letters to those that have the proper scores and such.
I never regretted NOT going. If I had known that I would make a career out of the Army, I would have.0 -
The invite was to apply to the USMA. It mentioned that he could also apply to the USMA prep school, so it sort of left the door open to go either way. The letter came unsolicited, and stated that there are 230 appointments per year from active duty servicemen. Sounds like a pretty exclusive club to me.
Travis is very sharp. He scored high enough on his entrance tests that the recruiters offered him the whole store. The recruiter couldn't offer West Point, of course, but he did offer four years of college, right now, with Travis serving in reserve/ROTC capacity while in school, and then 6 years active-duty service starting as a 2nd LT. He turned that down, too.0 -
My oldest brother also got an invite in 1968 to West Point while serving in Vietnam. He turned it down so he could pursue a degree in defense electronics.
Great decision, as to where that field has taken him.
Still an honor for you and Travis none the less!0 -
quote:Originally posted by nunn
He has to choose his own destiny, I reckon. I just hope he doesn't end up regretting some of his choices.
Military Academy you say? May I please offer him four words of wisdom:
"R" "O" "T" "C".
Thank you.0 -
Nothing wrong with taking the enlisted path. After what I saw of how the Jr officers were treated during my last few years of service, I really can't blame him. They spent more time doing stats and Powerpoint presentations than they did leading their soldiers. I will say that I found the best officers were the ones that had some enlisted time. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by guntech59
I will say that I found the best officers were the ones that had some enlisted time.
[:D][:D][:D]0 -
Here's USMA's admissions website ...
http://admissions.usma.edu/0 -
Greetings Nunn,
What a great honor it is to be invited to apply to West Point. I send you and your son my Congradulations. As a fellow veteran, I also extend my thanks and gratitude for his service to our country in Iraq and extend my prayers to all who "stand the watch" this night!
Should young Travis answer to the "Call of the Roll", I am sure he will be successful.
Machinist Mate 1st Class, United States Navy, Retired0 -
not trying to be a smart azz, but maybe hes, tired of war. 0 -
He breezed through here last night, saw the letter, still unimpressed.
Any of you want to communicate with him, his email address is ten_2005@hotmail.com
Thanks.0 -
Maybe he thinks the year at USMAPS (US military academy prep school, usually required for "green to gold" program) prior to West Point is a waste of time? I have a friend who went that route and it is worth the work, even though it's like a year of Basic Training.
Also you can only do this while you are young since there are age cutoffs, so this opportunity, (even if it's only an opportunity to apply) won't last long.
We need more Officers from Texas!0 -
I don't understand why this young man, who has shown us to be extremely bright, is turning down these offers of a higher education. Nunn, you told us that before he enlisted you offered Travis a free ride through college (as well as a new vehicle) and he said no. Now there is at least the chance, though slim, that Travis could gain one of the very few slots opened to active service personel at the USMA and for him to show no iterest at all puzzels me. A degree from one of the service academies is perhaps the most respect university degree obtainable and would open doors for Travis, both in the military and when he leaves the service. 0 -
David,
I will give you $100 to kick your son in the back 40 if he refuses the offer.
This country needs good leaders. If HE refuses some pot jerk off from Massachussetts or California will get the spot.
I will pay you $100 to attempt to correct that and help our country.
NO BS.
I've got your son's official email and will proceed to send him my thoughts. He can use his official channels to complain about what I will say to him.
Post a picture of your foot across his back side and I'll send you $100 in a Postal Money Order Priority Mail!0 -
He's seen the elephant, guys, and wasn't impressed. Can you get a clue that with his vaunted intelligence, he's seeing something you're not?
Do your thing, Travis, while you can.
Clouder..0
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