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Anyone familiar with Fleming’s work will clearly recognize this as classic Fleming. Same criticism of the academy, same "marginal set asides," although a shift from the usual focus on blue-chip athletes and minorities, to monitories alone. Interesting.
A decade ago the focus was on increasing women. Mission accomplished. Now the focus is on increasing minorities. Being directly involved in that recruitment effort, I would be dishonest in saying I have my concerns. IMO, it should be the “best of the best," regardless of color. But I am not at the helm, nor have I served in any military capacity. I can no more speak as to what is needed than Fleming. But what I can say is that I seek out the best.
I now cover schools that in years passed, were not on the radar screen. I look for, and want, the top of the class. My job: "to interest the qualified, not qualify the interested." I take that seriously.
The concern of all involved is to make sure the standards set at USNA, academically, militarily and professionally, are not diluted or eroded. There are many keeping their fingers on that pulse. I trust that Adm Fowler knows what is needed and how to accomplish it. Time will tell.
I will also add that, as far as I know, the Board of Visitors is on-board with this effort.
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