You guys are missing the point. Lt. Karl Bolt, as expressed by Academydad and by Lt. Bolt himself, wants to serve in the United States Air Force. He has requested of the Secretary of Defense an exception to his commitment to the Air Force.. not an out. He has requested that he be allowed to pursue baseball while working in an adapted duty to the Air Force.
West Point has a graduate currently doing the same thing. He plays baseball and works as a recruiter. In fact, ARMY may have more than one doing that. They had two get drafted this past year who signed contracts.
Baseball can be used as a recruitment tool not only for the Academies, but for the armed services themselves.
ARMY, NAVY, and Air Force all compete at the DI level. They need quality athletes to compete at that level. Some of them are going attract attention from MLB scouts.
If you don't want baseball players from the Academies to be drafted, please work to shut down the other sports programs supported by the armed forces that allow military personnel to compete in competitions throughout the world in track, swimming, etc. Might as well be equal, right?
quote:Originally posted by J.Weaver #5:
I'd say being drafted counts as a special circumstance.
Bulldog,
I think that this was the point in question. And I don't think I missed it.
IMO, pro baseball is the low job on totem poll as far as priorities. My response was to the above comment.
The only people I think I may have offended are those whose sons do this for a living, the same as mine. Until you or your sons are in that situtation some day don't be so quick to judge the importance over other things in life.
quote:Baseball can be used as a recruitment tool not only for the Academies, but for the armed services themselves.
With all due respect....I hardly think the Academies need a "recruitment tool" other than the desire to serve one's country at the highest levels....assignments to the Academies are highly selective and competitive where the demand greatly outnumbers the supply. That is one of the reasons why assignments are held with such prestige.
After dropping my youngest off for his first year of college (no, I did not squall), I stood in the airport waiting to board a plane to head to Chicago to watch my oldest for the first time, when a large group of soldiers arrived to a thunderous round of applause.
It struck me hard that what my family was enjoying was the result of those men and their predecessors have done.
On this board we applaud the success of those that continue to thrive in their baseball careers.
Here we have a young officer has two options that many of us would be proud for our sons to have either offer.
He faces a formidable task in attempting to do both.
Let's wish him well.
It struck me hard that what my family was enjoying was the result of those men and their predecessors have done.
On this board we applaud the success of those that continue to thrive in their baseball careers.
Here we have a young officer has two options that many of us would be proud for our sons to have either offer.
He faces a formidable task in attempting to do both.
Let's wish him well.
quote:You guys are missing the point. Lt. Karl Bolt, as expressed by Academydad and by Lt. Bolt himself, wants to serve in the United States Air Force. He has requested of the Secretary of Defense an exception to his commitment to the Air Force.. not an out. He has requested that he be allowed to pursue baseball while working in an adapted duty to the Air Force.
I didn't miss it, I was trying to stay out of any "personal" discussion when it came to Officer Bolt and was trying to dicuss the military in GENERAL when it comes to our service men and women.
A question I would ask you...what kind of disruption to the military would it cause if every service man and woman who wanted to "pursue a career opportunity" outside of the military requested a deferrment or adapted duty assignment? Lets even take out of the equation all of the military men and woman who have to deal with unbelievable "hardships" in order to serve (ie, moms and dads BOTH being sent overseas leaving behind small children) and if THEY were all granted deferrments or "adapted assignments", which according to stories I see on the news periodically...they are not? Or, all those stories you hear about reservists being called, served their time only to come home and be re-called to duty after having re-established their personal lives and careers? They all go and serve without benefit of deferrment or adapted assignements. Actually, I know of a couple of our websters who have family members who are in these situations.
I think this is an illustration of why the particular case can be a real hot button issue. And why some might question the issues of commitment and ethics. Unfortunately, I see it more as another indication of how the allure of professional sports is dissproportionately valued and revered in our society that we are even discussing this and that a deferrment or adapted assignment is an option in the U.S. military to accomodate a sports career...altho, I can't say I'm surprised.
How proud I am of Officer Bolt and his brother!
I wish the Air Force would really publicize his success across this country for him to be a role model for our young men and women in this day and age of Barry Bonds, Michael Vick, and Lindsay Lohan!
Here is one example of someone who has excellent character, an athlete at the top of his game who is getting to compete at the next level, and also wants to serve his country!
I wish the Air Force would really publicize his success across this country for him to be a role model for our young men and women in this day and age of Barry Bonds, Michael Vick, and Lindsay Lohan!
Here is one example of someone who has excellent character, an athlete at the top of his game who is getting to compete at the next level, and also wants to serve his country!
Very well said, luvbb. Please read her post, Bulldog, as that is, indeed, the point.
With the current situation of extended and multiple tours of duty in Iraq for the active military and reserve personell, the idea of an academy grad enjoying a modified assignment with playing minor league ball being used as a recruiter for the military is dishonest, as the military has no intention to adapt assignments for each signee's individual schedules; it would be impossible to operate that way.
I also don't understand using one as a "recruitment tool" for the Academies. With the number of young Americans vying for those spots, why would the Academies want to attract more cadets hoping to serve modified assignments while pursing a professional sports career which, if successful, would mean leaving the service completely without fulfilling their five year commitment?
Service personell from many countries compete in Olympic individual sports with the name of their country on their chests. The comparison to paid, professional team sports is invalid.
Like luvbb and TPM, I have been trying to avoid making this a personal issue, but a discussion of the principle involved.
With the current situation of extended and multiple tours of duty in Iraq for the active military and reserve personell, the idea of an academy grad enjoying a modified assignment with playing minor league ball being used as a recruiter for the military is dishonest, as the military has no intention to adapt assignments for each signee's individual schedules; it would be impossible to operate that way.
I also don't understand using one as a "recruitment tool" for the Academies. With the number of young Americans vying for those spots, why would the Academies want to attract more cadets hoping to serve modified assignments while pursing a professional sports career which, if successful, would mean leaving the service completely without fulfilling their five year commitment?
Service personell from many countries compete in Olympic individual sports with the name of their country on their chests. The comparison to paid, professional team sports is invalid.
Like luvbb and TPM, I have been trying to avoid making this a personal issue, but a discussion of the principle involved.
quote:With the current situation of extended and multiple tours of duty in Iraq for the active military and reserve personell, the idea of an academy grad enjoying a modified assignment with playing minor league ball being used as a recruiter for the military is dishonest, as the military has no intention to adapt assignments for each signee's individual schedules; it would be impossible to operate that way.
I just read this thread today for the first time. If this was my son, boy would I want him to have a chance to pursue being drafted. However, the posts that recognize to single out any military person for a special opportunity such as this presents problems.
My son has a HS friend that was 20 years old, and a year into the marines (now in Iraq), when his 17 year old girlfriend gave birth to a premature baby who was in NICU for weeks. He was allowed to come home (for a week I believe), but missed the birth of course and left this young single mother to deal with a preemie with health issues. That was a special circumstance. If we brought home all the young men and women in Iraq alone who were having "special circumstances" at home right now, there would be a lot. Not to mention, in the entire military.
It's not as simple as letting someone pursue pro ball.
Please read this article;
Notice who is publishing this article?? EH
Hill, Dinga Excel During First Months Of Pro Careers
Courtesy: Army Athletic Communications
Release: 07/27/2007
Courtesy: Army Athletic Communications
http://www.goarmysports.com
Nick Hill
Nick Hill's Minor League Statistics
Milan Dinga's Minor League Statistics
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Nick Hill and Milan Dinga spent their collegiate baseball careers dominating enemy batters. A move to the professional ranks hardly changed all of that.
Little more than a month into their respective professional baseball careers, both have experienced a great deal of early success in their first stops in the minor leagues.
While Hill was chosen in the seventh round by the Seattle Mariners during June’s Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft and later assigned to the Everett (Wash.) AquaSox of the Northwest League (Class-A, Short Season), Dinga was snared in the 10th round by the Los Angeles Angels and assigned to the Orem (Ore.) Owlz of the Pioneer League (Rookie League).
Named to the ABCA Northeast Region First Team for the third time in four years last month, Hill closed his collegiate career by copping Patriot League Pitcher of the Year honors for the third time in four years. He established or tied 46 school and conference records on game, season and career levels across a brilliant four-year collegiate career.
A two-time All-America choice and the first player in Patriot League history to win conference pitcher of the year honors outright three times, the native of Bluff City, Tenn. (Sullivan East H.S.), stands as the first player since the league’s inception to earn first team all-conference honors four consecutive years. He ranks as Army’s career leader in pitching victories (modern era), strikeouts, shutouts and innings pitched, among others.
After starring for the USA National Baseball Team last summer, Hill has sparkled during his debut season in the professional ranks. The most decorated baseball player in Army history has allowed just one earned run across 13.1 innings of work, spanning 10 appearances. Hill has yielded just 12 base hits and six walks, while striking out 18. Despite sporting a gaudy 0.68 earned run average, he sports a deceiving 0-3 record.
Hill has been used exclusively out of the bullpen this summer by Everett in an effort to limit his workload. It is believed the Mariners will return Hill to starting duties next spring. In his most recent outing on Monday (July 23), Hill fired two perfect innings of relief against the Vancouver Canadians, fanning four of the six batters he faced.
“It’s been everything I could have hope for, getting to play baseball every day,” explains Hill. “I’m having the time of my life right now. We’re playing games every day. We’re always either playing a game or traveling to a game. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity the Army is giving me to live a dream.”
Dinga experienced similar success before being felled by shoulder troubles, which have landed him on Orem’s Disabled List. Prior to the setback, Dinga had emerged as Orem’s closer, posting one save and a 1.35 ERA across four appearances. He struck out six and walked one, while permitting six base hits and just one earned run in 6.2 innings of work.
The finest closer in Army history, Dinga successfully converted a school- and Patriot League-record 27 career saves during his days at the Academy. He regularly dominated batters during the late innings for four consecutive years while at the Academy, blossoming into one of the nation’s top relief specialists. Dinga successfully converted 27 of 29 career save opportunities, including 23 in a row during a three-year span that ended in his next-to-last collegiate appearance this spring. In all, he established or tied nine Army and Patriot League pitching records.
The Tampa, Fla. (Robinson H.S.), native was scored upon just five times in 61 career appearances, registering a microscopic 1.14 earned run average during that time. The "lights-out" stopper permitted just seven extra-base hits (all doubles) during his Army career, posting 28 consecutive appearances without allowing an extra-base hit during a stretch that spanned his junior and senior seasons. In all, he did not yield a triple or a home run across his collegiate career en route to posting a 4-1 record with 27 saves. A four-year letterwinner, he fanned 71 and walked only 10 for a remarkable 7:1 strikeout-walk ratio, allowing just 43 hits in 63.1 innings pitched.
Scored upon just once during both his junior and senior campaigns, Dinga scripted a school record consecutive scoreless appearance streak of 32 that spanned his junior and senior years, before yielding two runs during his next-to-last career outing. In six career pitching performances against arch-rival Navy, he went 1-0 with three saves and did not allow a single run. He struck out four, did not walk a batter and yielded just three hits in 5.1 innings of work versus the Mids.
“Ever since I was a little kid I dreamed of playing pro ball and it’s been everything I ever dreamed of,” states Dinga, who is currently at the Angels spring training facility in Tempe, Ariz., undergoing rehabilitation for his injured shoulder. “It’s very disappointing being injured, but I’m trying to stay positive and continue with my rehabilitation to get my shoulder better. The Army has been understanding enough to allow me to continue to play the game I love playing and I am very grateful for that.”
Notes: A third alumnus of Army’s baseball program, Josh Holden (USMA’03), is currently toiling in the minor leagues ... Holden is currently a member of the Sarasota (Fla.) Reds of the Florida State League (High Class-A) ... Holden (USMA ‘03) is in his third season with the Reds’ organization, spending the past two summers at Billings (Mont.) (Rookie League) and Dayton (Ohio) (Low-A), respectively ... in 56 games this year (146 official at-bats), Holden is batting .267 with 14 runs scored and 14 runs batted in ... the speedy outfielder has collected two doubles, four triples and nabbed seven stolen bases in 10 attempts ... following a slow start at the plate, Holden is batting .302 in his last 31 games, spanning two months ... he batted a blazing .357 during the month of June and is hitting .333 overall with runners in scoring position this season.
Notice who is publishing this article?? EH
Hill, Dinga Excel During First Months Of Pro Careers
Courtesy: Army Athletic Communications
Release: 07/27/2007
Courtesy: Army Athletic Communications
http://www.goarmysports.com
Nick Hill
Nick Hill's Minor League Statistics
Milan Dinga's Minor League Statistics
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Nick Hill and Milan Dinga spent their collegiate baseball careers dominating enemy batters. A move to the professional ranks hardly changed all of that.
Little more than a month into their respective professional baseball careers, both have experienced a great deal of early success in their first stops in the minor leagues.
While Hill was chosen in the seventh round by the Seattle Mariners during June’s Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft and later assigned to the Everett (Wash.) AquaSox of the Northwest League (Class-A, Short Season), Dinga was snared in the 10th round by the Los Angeles Angels and assigned to the Orem (Ore.) Owlz of the Pioneer League (Rookie League).
Named to the ABCA Northeast Region First Team for the third time in four years last month, Hill closed his collegiate career by copping Patriot League Pitcher of the Year honors for the third time in four years. He established or tied 46 school and conference records on game, season and career levels across a brilliant four-year collegiate career.
A two-time All-America choice and the first player in Patriot League history to win conference pitcher of the year honors outright three times, the native of Bluff City, Tenn. (Sullivan East H.S.), stands as the first player since the league’s inception to earn first team all-conference honors four consecutive years. He ranks as Army’s career leader in pitching victories (modern era), strikeouts, shutouts and innings pitched, among others.
After starring for the USA National Baseball Team last summer, Hill has sparkled during his debut season in the professional ranks. The most decorated baseball player in Army history has allowed just one earned run across 13.1 innings of work, spanning 10 appearances. Hill has yielded just 12 base hits and six walks, while striking out 18. Despite sporting a gaudy 0.68 earned run average, he sports a deceiving 0-3 record.
Hill has been used exclusively out of the bullpen this summer by Everett in an effort to limit his workload. It is believed the Mariners will return Hill to starting duties next spring. In his most recent outing on Monday (July 23), Hill fired two perfect innings of relief against the Vancouver Canadians, fanning four of the six batters he faced.
“It’s been everything I could have hope for, getting to play baseball every day,” explains Hill. “I’m having the time of my life right now. We’re playing games every day. We’re always either playing a game or traveling to a game. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity the Army is giving me to live a dream.”
Dinga experienced similar success before being felled by shoulder troubles, which have landed him on Orem’s Disabled List. Prior to the setback, Dinga had emerged as Orem’s closer, posting one save and a 1.35 ERA across four appearances. He struck out six and walked one, while permitting six base hits and just one earned run in 6.2 innings of work.
The finest closer in Army history, Dinga successfully converted a school- and Patriot League-record 27 career saves during his days at the Academy. He regularly dominated batters during the late innings for four consecutive years while at the Academy, blossoming into one of the nation’s top relief specialists. Dinga successfully converted 27 of 29 career save opportunities, including 23 in a row during a three-year span that ended in his next-to-last collegiate appearance this spring. In all, he established or tied nine Army and Patriot League pitching records.
The Tampa, Fla. (Robinson H.S.), native was scored upon just five times in 61 career appearances, registering a microscopic 1.14 earned run average during that time. The "lights-out" stopper permitted just seven extra-base hits (all doubles) during his Army career, posting 28 consecutive appearances without allowing an extra-base hit during a stretch that spanned his junior and senior seasons. In all, he did not yield a triple or a home run across his collegiate career en route to posting a 4-1 record with 27 saves. A four-year letterwinner, he fanned 71 and walked only 10 for a remarkable 7:1 strikeout-walk ratio, allowing just 43 hits in 63.1 innings pitched.
Scored upon just once during both his junior and senior campaigns, Dinga scripted a school record consecutive scoreless appearance streak of 32 that spanned his junior and senior years, before yielding two runs during his next-to-last career outing. In six career pitching performances against arch-rival Navy, he went 1-0 with three saves and did not allow a single run. He struck out four, did not walk a batter and yielded just three hits in 5.1 innings of work versus the Mids.
“Ever since I was a little kid I dreamed of playing pro ball and it’s been everything I ever dreamed of,” states Dinga, who is currently at the Angels spring training facility in Tempe, Ariz., undergoing rehabilitation for his injured shoulder. “It’s very disappointing being injured, but I’m trying to stay positive and continue with my rehabilitation to get my shoulder better. The Army has been understanding enough to allow me to continue to play the game I love playing and I am very grateful for that.”
Notes: A third alumnus of Army’s baseball program, Josh Holden (USMA’03), is currently toiling in the minor leagues ... Holden is currently a member of the Sarasota (Fla.) Reds of the Florida State League (High Class-A) ... Holden (USMA ‘03) is in his third season with the Reds’ organization, spending the past two summers at Billings (Mont.) (Rookie League) and Dayton (Ohio) (Low-A), respectively ... in 56 games this year (146 official at-bats), Holden is batting .267 with 14 runs scored and 14 runs batted in ... the speedy outfielder has collected two doubles, four triples and nabbed seven stolen bases in 10 attempts ... following a slow start at the plate, Holden is batting .302 in his last 31 games, spanning two months ... he batted a blazing .357 during the month of June and is hitting .333 overall with runners in scoring position this season.
quote:“Ever since I was a little kid I dreamed of playing pro ball and it’s been everything I ever dreamed of,” states Dinga, who is currently at the Angels spring training facility in Tempe, Ariz., undergoing rehabilitation for his injured shoulder.
Eh....I do not think ANYONE is questioning whether this happens or not in the Academies. However, I DO find the above quote particularly interesting. I would THINK that those who attend any of the Military Academies might have a different "dream"...like serve their country in a high level military capacity????
I also find it interesting that this story does not mention AT ALL how these two men are going to fulfill their obligations to the US Military.
quote:I also find it interesting that this story does not mention AT ALL how these two men are going to fulfill their obligations to the US Military.
Officer Bolt starts work as a Logistics Officer at MacDill AFB in Tampa on Monday. He
has already gone over (about 15 minutes from the Phillies Training Facility in
Clearwater) and met his 3 levels of Superiors over him. He thinks so far they're
great. Each one of them has already stated they would like to see him continue
(live the All-American Dream), and if it can be done on a local level, they're
going to try. At least until the Pentagon makes some sort of decision. I just
saw an article on Nick Hill and Dinga (07 West Point grads) who are both playing
MiLB path is already set... in the off-season they report as Recruiting Officers for
the Army. That's their Active Duty.
EH
Now does anybody have a problem with that.
The Military doesn't think they have a problem.
In fact they promote it.
Why would they [ The Military ] embrace this.
Why.
WHY.
If I have to explain it. It will just fall on Deaf Ears.
EH
The Military doesn't think they have a problem.
In fact they promote it.
Why would they [ The Military ] embrace this.
Why.
WHY.
If I have to explain it. It will just fall on Deaf Ears.
EH
quote:Now does anybody have a problem with that.
The Military doesn't think they have a problem.
In fact they promote it.
Why would they [ The Military ] embrace this.
Why.
WHY.
If I have to explain it. It will just fall on Deaf Ears.
**************
Eh..can you hear me now?
quote:Eh..can you hear me now?
Yes. Loud and clear. LOL
This individual's are fine young men, In fact the finest.
All are Military Are the finest in the world.
And I know for a fact, That if and when the Military calls on these individuals to be Stationed anywhere the Military want's to send them.
They will go, No questions asked.
They will do it with Commitment and with Honor.
EH
quote:And I know for a fact, That if and when the Military calls on these individuals to be Stationed anywhere the Military want's to send them.
They will go, No questions asked.
They will do it with Commitment and with Honor.
Actually Eh...the military DID call (when they entered the Academy and an agreement was entered into) and they DID ask a question when the time came for them to be assigned (can I have a deferred or alternate assignment?). Because I honestly do NOT think the Academy and the US Military had "part time recruitment officer in the pro-ball off season" as a job description in mind when they entered the Academy for that four-year prestigious education!
"Individuals", EH? In the military?
The question isn't about individuals; it's about the principle of commitment, in this case a commitment to serve your country for five years, partially in repayment for the gift of a $400,000 (the Academies' figure) education and certainly out of a stated desire to serve. And about fair play; if you commit to serve whether as a well-educated officer or a private, that commitment should be fulfilled, not deferred because of an elected "better offer".
West Point's motto is Duty, Honor, Country; I'm sure the other Academies have similiar rallying points. But I bet none of them are Duty, Honor, Country...On My Schedule.
The question isn't about individuals; it's about the principle of commitment, in this case a commitment to serve your country for five years, partially in repayment for the gift of a $400,000 (the Academies' figure) education and certainly out of a stated desire to serve. And about fair play; if you commit to serve whether as a well-educated officer or a private, that commitment should be fulfilled, not deferred because of an elected "better offer".
West Point's motto is Duty, Honor, Country; I'm sure the other Academies have similiar rallying points. But I bet none of them are Duty, Honor, Country...On My Schedule.
My son plays baseball at West Point. West Point is the currently the only service academy with a "pro service option" that will allow a player to pursue a pro career after graduation (they cannot be drafted in baseball after their junior year like normal college players).
The pro service option has the player serve as an Army recruiter for his first two off seasons. If he continues in pro ball, he buys out a remainder of his obligation, currently around $33,000, and his remaining three years of obligation would be doubled to 6 and placed in the inactive reserves. This means, that at anytime, the Army can call him back...as they see fit.
Army baseball had its best recruiting year ever this year, including 6 or 7 players that would have been drafted if not for their committment to West Point. The pro service option opens the door to a higher caliber player in all sports that support pro endeavors. My son would have never attended without the option to play professionally. These are agreed upon terms by both player/cadet and the Army. Some players drafted in the past, played for a year in the minors and then quit baseball to rejoin the Army and be shipped overseas. It's what they wanted to do. Whichever route these players go, either pro or military service, there are no losers, only winners. None of them that I have met, for a second think of military service as an obligation, they all view it as a privilige, the same as they view pro baseball. Personally, I find that quite refreshing.
Take a look at it from the Army's perspective. The US Army is the #1 advertiser in all of pro sports. By placing West Point grads in the pro's they are holding up for the country, examples of their fine institution. Pure gold from a marketing perspective, and the cheapest advertising the Army could buy. It works on every level for both the Cadet and the Army.
To try and end the debate about "what about the person who didn't get into West Point and would have preferred to serve in the military?" West Point is not the only way to serve in the Army as an officer. If that is truly their goal, they would hardly be dissuaded by rejection from West Point. Those that never serve active duty and go on to the pro's, they serve their country as examples held up for scrutiny every day. And every day they answer the call with head held high. They feel great affection for their country, their comrades, and their institution...and carry that message forward wherever they go.
Go Army...Beat Everybody
The pro service option has the player serve as an Army recruiter for his first two off seasons. If he continues in pro ball, he buys out a remainder of his obligation, currently around $33,000, and his remaining three years of obligation would be doubled to 6 and placed in the inactive reserves. This means, that at anytime, the Army can call him back...as they see fit.
Army baseball had its best recruiting year ever this year, including 6 or 7 players that would have been drafted if not for their committment to West Point. The pro service option opens the door to a higher caliber player in all sports that support pro endeavors. My son would have never attended without the option to play professionally. These are agreed upon terms by both player/cadet and the Army. Some players drafted in the past, played for a year in the minors and then quit baseball to rejoin the Army and be shipped overseas. It's what they wanted to do. Whichever route these players go, either pro or military service, there are no losers, only winners. None of them that I have met, for a second think of military service as an obligation, they all view it as a privilige, the same as they view pro baseball. Personally, I find that quite refreshing.
Take a look at it from the Army's perspective. The US Army is the #1 advertiser in all of pro sports. By placing West Point grads in the pro's they are holding up for the country, examples of their fine institution. Pure gold from a marketing perspective, and the cheapest advertising the Army could buy. It works on every level for both the Cadet and the Army.
To try and end the debate about "what about the person who didn't get into West Point and would have preferred to serve in the military?" West Point is not the only way to serve in the Army as an officer. If that is truly their goal, they would hardly be dissuaded by rejection from West Point. Those that never serve active duty and go on to the pro's, they serve their country as examples held up for scrutiny every day. And every day they answer the call with head held high. They feel great affection for their country, their comrades, and their institution...and carry that message forward wherever they go.
Go Army...Beat Everybody
quote:West Point's motto is Duty, Honor, Country; I'm sure the other Academies have similiar rallying points. But I bet none of them are Duty, Honor, Country On My Schedule.
Then WHY oh Why, Did the Military agree to these Individuals Request??
Orlando, You seem to be worried about that Dollar amount being paid back to the Tax Payers.
It must be driving you crazy to have Billions and billions and billions of Tax Payers money being unaccounted for in Iraq.
EH
quote:To try and end the debate about "what about the person who didn't get into West Point and would have preferred to serve in the military?" West Point is not the only way to serve in the Army as an officer. If that is truly their goal, they would hardly be dissuaded by rejection from West Point.
CPZL..thank you for the elaboration on "how things work" at West Point. It was very interesting, and best of luck to your son. Actually, one of my son's good friends/teammates from high school is a team mate of your son's.
Re: the above, perhaps I "mistyped" before..but only one of the many issues brought forth so far had to do with taking the military academy EDUCATION, prestige and advantages (ie, life-long contacts and opportunities) away from someone who's dream is to serve in the military...and give it to someone who's dream is to play professional baseball (as mentioned in the article posted by Eh). It wasn't necessarily "just" about becoming an officer in the military. Obviously, that can be attained several different ways and thru different avenues.
Oh, EH, for heaven's sake. I mentioned the figure to demonstrate that the facilities and education provided by the service academies is of a different level than civilian universities. I'm not "worried" about anything here and would hardly engage in a debate with you about military accounting.
I'm long past thinking I can have any impact on the military's decisions. But the rationale that they can accept and educate a young man to be an officer in wartime in order to hold him up as a professional ballplayer recruiting tool to enhance their advertising efforts to get more young people to send off to that war seems cynical in the extreme.
I'm long past thinking I can have any impact on the military's decisions. But the rationale that they can accept and educate a young man to be an officer in wartime in order to hold him up as a professional ballplayer recruiting tool to enhance their advertising efforts to get more young people to send off to that war seems cynical in the extreme.
