<p>Don’t make that silly leap Shiloh, based upon one’s silly comment.</p>
<p>Stand back and look at this. It’s not about posturing, but rather simplifying and cooperating vs. trying to run parallel systems. This only makes sense and it’s not about ratings because in the end, as 69er’s noted, there will be no more qualified candidates.</p>
<p>However, that said … remember what Adm Fowler’s principle mandate is. Diversity! And while regardless of this issue, combining the application into a sort of “common” app makes enormous sense and benefit for a great many young people who desire a USN commission and the benefits of both appointments and ROTC scholarships, what this does have potential to do is to identify female and other minority candidates who were considering Michigan or Penn State or NC State or … and now may be enticed to consider the USNA.</p>
<p>I believe these are the 2 reasons for this: </p>
<p>1)Cooperation/common app to simplify for candidates and </p>
<p>2)Notably to ID and encourage non-traditional candidates.</p>
<p>Either way, it makes total sense. Give the Admiral a plus for this one.</p>
<p>Isn’t it interesting to watch the transformation of his tenure? And especially upon the arrival of a new 'dant. But I digress.</p>