is this sincere or just an automatic response?

TopTier
Thu, 22 Jan 2015 04:49:23 +0000

@radgreek‌: This is more important than the “sincerity” of Coach Brown’s reply.

I served 20+ years as a naval officer (and 20+ more at Lockheed Martin, which was a natural adjunct to my senior officer service). The purpose of this post is to ensure you understand some vital facts very well:

1. The USCGA is a superior undergraduate school, admission is very difficult, your classmates and instructors will be superb -- and in areas the go far beyond the academics -- and you will learn SO much more than you would at an elite undergraduate institution that does not (and, truly, cannot) place similar emphasis on leadership, ethics, character development, teamwork, self-discipline, and so forth.

2. However, **DO NOT consider an appointment to the USCGA if you have any question or concern regarding a lifetime of sacrifices and service as a commissioned officer.** Attending the USCGA -- or accepting a commission in any of the armed forces -- is absolutely unlike any other profession or career. I know that may seem like hyperbole, but here's a solid -- although inconsequential -- example: in EVERY other American job, one can quit at will. Yes, rarely, one might be sued for contractual breach and, yes, you may receive terrible references (etc.), but the essenial fact is you can walk away at any time (this includes all public employees except the military). However, for armed forces personnel, if you quit (and retirement/commission resignation can take many months and not infrequently is denied) you eventually become a deserter and you're quite likely to spend some time in Leavenworth Military Prison. This is a small and unlikely example, I know, but I use it to demonstrate that military life extraordinarily differs from civilian life. **For your own sake, DO NOT enter the USCGA if you are not absolutely aware of -- and entirely comfortable with -- the concomitant responsibilities, the probable sacrifices, and the pervasive "culture" which you will assume the instant you say "I do solemnly swear."**