<p>I agree that the majority of applicants/candidates understand what they are getting into; and accept that committment eagerly. I never said differently. But there are still plenty of others who either don’t know what they are getting into or are accepting the committment in exchange for the education. This is evident by those who go to summer training and quit prior to becoming a cadet and attending school. This is obviously figured into the numbers by the different academies. This is also obvious when 1300+/- start, yet only approximately 900+/- actually graduate. Also, if you look at the numbers, of the 1300+/- who enter, about 5% will drop out during the first 6 weeks of training. (This doesn’t include the medical turnbacks). That’s what I base my opinions on. Then there’s some that are pretty obvious; such as the navy cadet this past year who should have graduated, but decided not to accept his commission in hopes of being able to buy his way out and possibly play football instead.</p>
<p>[In</a> From the Cold: Taking a Pass](<a href=“http://formerspook.blogspot.com/2007/08/taking-pass.html]In”>In From the Cold: Taking a Pass)</p>
<p>Now, I haven’t followed the results, but his initial decision isn’t unique. As I’ve said, the majority of candidates/cadets have no problem accepting the challenge and the committment. I would say that most of them even do it for the right reason and not as a payback for their college. (I’ve never looked at stats showing how many graduates ONLY do the mandatory 5 years and get out). My only point here is that it’s better than candidates know what they are truly getting into. (Knowledge never hurts anyone). That they really want this way of life and not just a means of getting an education. That those dropping out in the first 6 weeks is reduced because they aren’t surprised at what they got into. And as posted by so many others, that the candidates are taking on the sports, ec’s, classes, etc… because that’s the type of people they are and that they would passionately do those activities anyway whether they were applying to an academy or not. This makes for better and more successful candidates and eventual officers.</p>