Could I be considered for an appointment to NAPS?

Whistle_Pig
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:43:44 +0000

Applauding Napster 11 and your enthusiasm for NAPS, along with your rationale for its strength. I’d beg to differ, suggesting that each year there are 1,000 or so plebes who’d mightily disagree with your contentions.

NAPS provides enormous flexibility for USNA officials for deferred appointments for athletes, students who were either in need of refreshment or remediation of academic skills, and appointment for students who failed to receive a nomination in their first go-round seeking one. For the Napster appointees, at least the vast majority, it provides a reprieve and an answered prayer knowing there were many, make that MANY who were deemed more qualified and were provided neither an appointment nor a year @ NAPS. Not to denigrate but to edify '11’s allegations, many if not most appointees from the Fleet would be counseled that if they don’t absolutely need refreshment/remediation, avoid NAPS @ every cost.

Lastly, and returning to my own contention. Absent a psychotic plebe, none who are @ The Yard would hope for a previous year @ NAPS unless they needed a nom, 50 lbs to aid their defensive line play, or enhancement of their chemistry, writing, and/or pre-calc prep.

Suffice it to say, I understand NAPster '11’s enthusiastic apology for an extra year @ NAPS and youthful exhuberance … and as noted, for many it has the merit of being one of God’s answered prayers … but given your druthers? Were you able, choose NAPS … not. Choose USNA.

While only personal opinion, NAPS would be an outstanding candidate for mothballing with diminishing defense budgets. Foundation schools could and would provide any/all functions that NAPS does at a vastly lower pricetag. This one’s a no brainer, but for one major deterrent. USNA likes being able to control 200 - 300 appointments that otherwise many would never see the light of day for various reasons.

Let me finish with one thought: For Napster beneficiaries, you rightly should be proud of receiving the gift of this opportunity. For most, a lifeline to a dream, even if it is for candidates excluding Napster11, not the preferred route and requires another year of preparation prior to the real deal. Receive it with joy, pride, gratitude. :)