<p>I just finished watching the Bob Woodruff special on ABC and it definitely made me think about what it is im putting on the line applying to the SA’s. I’ve had this “conversation with myself” before, going over what it is im actually risking joining the military. but seeing the condition that some soldiers are returning in, big strong guys reduced to a fraction of what they were before phsyically and mentally, definitely made me have that conversation again.</p>
<p>i think we all get caught up in the glory and prestige and honor that goes along with attending a SA, and it is an honor. Im proud to even be someone who is seriously considered for admission. but i think especially now, as accpetance letters go out, that all candidates and appointees should just one more time think about what they are getting into and what they are putting on the line for their country. i know i will.</p>
<p>There are many reasons candidates choose to attend service academies, and for each candidate that reason should be deep seated enough to give them the determination to succeed at an academy.
While there may appear to be “glory, prestige and honor” in being accepted to an academy (yes, it is a great achievement), there will be little evidence of it by the end of R-day :), and once you are commissioned, yes, there may be a heavy price to pay. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, and I have the utmost respect for those who do make the commitment.</p>
<p>br2011…there’s a MAG group that goes to Bethesda to visit with the severely injured patients… It might be something you’d consider doing when you get to USNA. It’s good for everyone involved.</p>
<p>I find many (most if not all) that go to a service academy to be absolutely great people to look up to. The desire to be an officer, to risk their lives, and to accept the challenges surrounding the service academies and the time spent after those 4 years. Those were people I wanted to surround myself with. As some may know, I did apply to the United States Military Academy for the Class of 2011. I recieved a nomination from my congressman. But I decided I’m not ready for this. Like br2011 said above, I really spent a lot of time thinking about this decision and I found I can’t do it. Not now. I really respect those who consider the academies and especially those who go on to attend the academies.</p>
<p>Doing something like this, as you guys all know, is a tough decision. As one who has decided to pass for the time-being, I just want to thank those who do take the challenge. And I want to really encourage anybody considering a service academy to really spend some time and really make sure it is what you want.</p>
<p>The thoughts you convey in your post take my breath away. You are very honest, mature, insightful & sage beyond your years. For you, who has searched the depth of your soul in making this life-changing decision, I give you a standing ovation. You are absolutely right on the money. </p>
<p>My hope & prayer is that ALL those who choose to apply to any SA, do so with the realization of what their committment means. And a clear sense of obligation with an unwavering heart as you have. One has to be true to themselves above all.</p>
<p>Your intelligence & honesty will take you far in life, no matter what journey you choose.</p>
<p>I understand the clear sense of commitment part - but I’m not so sure about the unwavering heart.</p>
<p>Perhaps I am misreading the post, but that seems to be a tall order for a young person facing the rigors of academy life and a military career in uncertain times. Isn’t a bit of second guessing and soul searching part of the process, even for those who are deeply committed? I don’t know about the other academies, but at West Point it is almost guaranteed that the time will come when a cadet will want to quit. The program is designed to stretch and test your limits. I think that the fact that few act on that feeling is testimony to their commitment to succeed despite a sometimes wavering heart… </p>
<p>hops_scout: good luck to you - you have made a decision that is right for you - something all candidates need to do before they send in that yes/no card.</p>
<p>Sad that ABC did a special on Bob Woodruff. I feel for him and his family but he was there working as a civilian, being protected by our soldiers who were putting themselves in harm’s way for him, and making millions of dollars in salary. Maybe ABC should do a special every week on the soldiers who are actually making a sacrifice, not a salary, for all of us. Now Brian Williams is in Iraq because his ratings are dropping and he and his management have realized that having idiots like William Arkin (“our troops are mercenaries”) on the payroll of NBC might cost them money.</p>
<p>Sorry - off topic but upsetting to me how biased the press is. Good luck on your decision. Being part of something bigger than you are is always something to strive for.</p>
<p>actually if you would have watched it you would now that about 75% of the show was about the soldiers, what they sacrificed, and their struggle to get adequate medical attention after returning home. </p>
<p>br2011’s right. The Woodruff family is setting up a fund to help soldiers, sailors and Marines who are suffering from TBI. You can donate throught the Brain Injury Association of America website. Be sure to click on the Bob Woodruff Family Fund to make sure your donation goes to the wounded military members.</p>
<p>Facts such those stated by BR always seem to get in the way of those who want to pick on the press.</p>
<p>The show, in fact, did spend a consderable amount of time on soldiers that were injured. The show highlighted Traumatic Brain Injury [I think I recall that correctly] that many soldiers suffer and that this administration --via the VA–is fighting recognizing.</p>
<p>But, as usual, it’s just as easy to criticize the press as anything else. Oh, yeah, wouldn’t want to give any credit to the Woodruff family for what they are doing to help. As a percentage of income, have *you *give a comparable amount to assist the soldiers in some way?</p>
<p>Oh yeah, wouldn’t want to give credit to the numerous stories ABC [and the other neetworks] have done on injured soldiers in various formats. In particular, I am touched EACH WEEK, when, on Sunday mornings, the names of each soldier killed in action that week are read by ABC’s Stephanopoulous. Perhaps if more critics were suffering in the way that those families are suffering, a logical means to conclude this voluntary conflict would be in place by now.</p>
<p>Except that in the case of the press the criticism is usually accurate.</p>
<p>ETA: Oh, and for all of you who have in the past, used the military medicine and VA systems as examples of the wonder and efficiency of socialized single-payer medicine systems, I presnt a mild reality check:</p>
<p>Fully agree with Zaphod, the problems with our military care system are bureaucratic, not medical, and a good indication of where we might be headed if we move to a single payer system. </p>
<p>I wasn’t being critical of Bob Woodruff and how he stepped up - and yes, I give a far larger proportion of my salary to various military support causes than does Woodruff - he’d have to give up one of his vacation houses to match me. And let’s see if one of his children volunteers for military service.</p>
<p>Note - Dana Priest who wrote the Walter Reed story is the same reporter who revealed some of our top secret programs to track terrorist money. Her incentive to write the story - regardless of the positive result - was to harm the Bush Administration and ultimately our Army and our country. As much as we need to improve support and services in military hospitals I haven’t heard of a single serviceman who was medically harmed in any way. And, trust me, if Dana Priest could find someone who had died or had lost a limb due to neglect, she would have. </p>
<p>Wake up - the press today is a fifth column working against U.S. interests.</p>
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