USMMA path to USCG

USMMA2009
Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:53:47 +0000

If you want to go into the USCG, you should definitely pursue USCGA as your first choice of schools. To be honest, I even have a tough time recommending KP to someone who wants to go into the maritime industry, let alone active duty. I say this because the quality of the education, as well as the students has plummeted in over the last 4 years.

I have no idea what is going on in the admissions office, but there is no doubt in my mind that the “bar” has definitely been lowered. When I took certain classes (Terrestrial, Celestial, Meteorology, Tanker Ops) people did not fail. Granted, some people did poorly, but it is no where near I have seen in the classes of 2010-2013. It is honestly pathetic. It seems the admissions office is concerned with recruiting more athletes, and fairly dumb ones for that matter. I hate to break it to you, but its a division III school. To say you were “recruited” there is a joke. Besides, if you came to KP to play sports, that’s a whole other issue that I’m not getting into right now.

Its also obvious that the whole infrastructure of the school is falling apart. I know KP has been budgeted a lot more money, and that there are plans to make it the premiere maritime school in the world, but the state of a lot of the classrooms, facilities and waterfront are embarrassing. The food is terrible, and there are not nearly enough facilities for recreation and what not on campus.

Lastly, the administration has really suffered over the last few years. This is due to a variety of things. Its obvious that KP is amidst some sort of identity crisis. It is hard to justify keeping KP around when there are 6 other maritime academies, so KP has decided to offer a commissioning route into any branch of the armed forces. This is great, but in reality KP has to focus on one or the other, because it can’t really do both. Another problem with the administration is the fact that they are so easily pressured by parents concerns. For example, IT has been done away since some ■■■■■’s parents called and complained that he can’t get enough rest. I know its a tough pill to swallow for some, BUT THIS IS A FREAKING SERVICE ACADEMY. These kids are going to be officers, and if the administration keeps treating them like a bunch of little girls, it is going to reflect in their careers. I think this should be an serious cause for concern as more and more graduates are going active duty.

I know there are parents on here who will tell you that KP is the best thing since sliced bread, but the reality is that it is not. Yeah, you have options, but besides a mediocre maritime program, there are better ways to pursue them. Until KP gets its act together, stay away. If you want to go active duty, go the branch’s respective service academy.