I can guarantee that a firstie would not have asked about SAT scores in the DEI era, precisely because it would have revealed inconvenient truths about DEI.
While I did not go to a service academy I did go thru OCS in Fort Benning in the summer of 1980. I remember many a fond weekend, standing at attention for a uniform inspection, hoping they would get to me before the sun melted the shine on the toe of my combat boots, earning me walking tours across the parking lot of bedroom 4, better known as the Infantry School Building. Ah, what fine memories.
Tail End Charlie in my class ended up becoming a lawyer - an absolutely accomplished individual. Another fellow actively tried to graduated last - certifiable genius by all accounts, retired airline pilot.
Jeff, you don't think that McCain got any help from daddy and grandpa. He probably took someone's place that was more deserving. My father was a pilot in WWII and served 25 more years in the navy. he would be ashamed of the DEI in the navy today. Could you imagine some kid today invading Iwo Jima today. Those were real men, who were just boys, who did their duty came home and never complained. They were just happy to be alive.
I do not think that McCain "took someone else's spot". Not relevant to DEI anyway----with regard to McCain. I am sure today, DEI has given spots to unqualified people just like major universities. Unfortunate. The academies always rose above that shit. Obama brought them down.
McCain's demerit record was a major driver of his low class standing. No doubt he knew that he wasn't going to get booted because of his lineage, and took full advantage of it.
Didn't know that McCain was at bottom of his class. I would not be surprised if strings were pulled to get him admitted, and I sure wasn't a fan of his grandstanding as the "reasonable Republican," but I think you have to have at least a few brain cells to get through flight school and take off/land from a carrier at sea.
I don't know that strings were pulled. His family had historical legacy in the military (not just his father). I myself was very borderline academically. Everyone back then at least had to qualify and do the work. I had a friend, his grandfather was a three star. He was smart, but physically not the best. Remember, there are fitness requirements too. On the last day in Jack's Valley, he was struggling. I stopped, and I ran the entire way with him to make sure he made it. We did it together.
Forgot to add that when he was diagnosed with cancer in 1995 the first thing he said was I could have been shot down by a JAP but that didn't happen. Also McCain got help his entire carrier from daddy.
When our former Congressman and later a Presidential Cabinet Member Donald Rumsfeld, told my dad he would be willing to assist with my entry into West Point, my father laughed as hard as I've ever heard him laugh and as I was walking into the room I heard my dad say that, given my somewhat rambunctious and rather reckless behavior at that age, I would likely be booted in the first month and with no thought process whatsoever, I smiled and replied:"...more likely the first week".😄
I am so grateful we are witnessing a return to sensibility, structure and discipline, with a focus on competency.
Great post. Thanks for the mentions.
I can guarantee that a firstie would not have asked about SAT scores in the DEI era, precisely because it would have revealed inconvenient truths about DEI.
While I did not go to a service academy I did go thru OCS in Fort Benning in the summer of 1980. I remember many a fond weekend, standing at attention for a uniform inspection, hoping they would get to me before the sun melted the shine on the toe of my combat boots, earning me walking tours across the parking lot of bedroom 4, better known as the Infantry School Building. Ah, what fine memories.
Tail End Charlie in my class ended up becoming a lawyer - an absolutely accomplished individual. Another fellow actively tried to graduated last - certifiable genius by all accounts, retired airline pilot.
Jeff, you don't think that McCain got any help from daddy and grandpa. He probably took someone's place that was more deserving. My father was a pilot in WWII and served 25 more years in the navy. he would be ashamed of the DEI in the navy today. Could you imagine some kid today invading Iwo Jima today. Those were real men, who were just boys, who did their duty came home and never complained. They were just happy to be alive.
I do not think that McCain "took someone else's spot". Not relevant to DEI anyway----with regard to McCain. I am sure today, DEI has given spots to unqualified people just like major universities. Unfortunate. The academies always rose above that shit. Obama brought them down.
Jeff he went to the academy back in the 50s both his father and grand father went there and both were admirals so u know strings were pulled.
McCain's demerit record was a major driver of his low class standing. No doubt he knew that he wasn't going to get booted because of his lineage, and took full advantage of it.
Didn't know that McCain was at bottom of his class. I would not be surprised if strings were pulled to get him admitted, and I sure wasn't a fan of his grandstanding as the "reasonable Republican," but I think you have to have at least a few brain cells to get through flight school and take off/land from a carrier at sea.
I don't know that strings were pulled. His family had historical legacy in the military (not just his father). I myself was very borderline academically. Everyone back then at least had to qualify and do the work. I had a friend, his grandfather was a three star. He was smart, but physically not the best. Remember, there are fitness requirements too. On the last day in Jack's Valley, he was struggling. I stopped, and I ran the entire way with him to make sure he made it. We did it together.
Forgot to add that when he was diagnosed with cancer in 1995 the first thing he said was I could have been shot down by a JAP but that didn't happen. Also McCain got help his entire carrier from daddy.
When our former Congressman and later a Presidential Cabinet Member Donald Rumsfeld, told my dad he would be willing to assist with my entry into West Point, my father laughed as hard as I've ever heard him laugh and as I was walking into the room I heard my dad say that, given my somewhat rambunctious and rather reckless behavior at that age, I would likely be booted in the first month and with no thought process whatsoever, I smiled and replied:"...more likely the first week".😄
I am so grateful we are witnessing a return to sensibility, structure and discipline, with a focus on competency.