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What exactly do they do at the service academies? I am including both the federal ones such as West Pont and private ones like the Citadel. Is it basically the same style curriculum as a regular 4 yr university?
Do they teach you any war fighting skills, any strategy? Do you learn how to actually command troops in battle?
From what I gather from wiki, is it really is geared more toward academia, with boot camp mixed in. It does not seem like very advanced training, you think future military officers should and could receive in 4 years time. Apparently, only during the summer time, they have what can be considered their version of an internship, each cadet can go and spend time with an actual military unit doing what they do.
But seriously, they have 4 years, and should they not be getting even more in-depth military training like almost special forces like? If not, then why spend 4 years there?
Heck why is Uni or even High school 4 years? I will start another thread for that.
What exactly do they do at the service academies? I am including both the federal ones such as West Pont and private ones like the Citadel. Is it basically the same style curriculum as a regular 4 yr university?
Do they teach you any war fighting skills, any strategy? Do you learn how to actually command troops in battle?
From what I gather from wiki, is it really is geared more toward academia, with boot camp mixed in. It does not seem like very advanced training, you think future military officers should and could receive in 4 years time. Apparently, only during the summer time, they have what can be considered their version of an internship, each cadet can go and spend time with an actual military unit doing what they do.
But seriously, they have 4 years, and should they not be getting even more in-depth military training like almost special forces like? If not, then why spend 4 years there?
Heck why is Uni or even High school 4 years? I will start another thread for that.
At least in the Army, I know that West Point grads get their in depth training through the officer training schools/courses such as Officer Basic. They attend these schools alongside officers commissioned through ROTC and OCS. You have to remember that Army officers are assigned to a specific specialty upon commission (e.g. infantry, armor, quartermaster, signal, etc.), so "in-depth training needs" can't be assessed until then.
At least in the Army, I know that West Point grads get their in depth training through the officer training schools/courses such as Officer Basic. They attend these schools alongside officers commissioned through ROTC and OCS. You have to remember that Army officers are assigned to a specific specialty upon commission (e.g. infantry, armor, quartermaster, signal, etc.), so "in-depth training needs" can't be assessed until then.
Then why not let them choose upon entering the academies? Arent they already sworn in by then anyways?
Included in the above majors are Military History, US Naval History as well as other military type courses which include Leadership.
The site lists various STEM majors which you can get at a regular University. So what is the point of the service academies then? It seems like they make give you the same university education, but they add in some very strict guidelines on what to do, when to do it, how to walk, how to dress. Looks like a waste of resources and time.
The site lists various STEM majors which you can get at a regular University. So what is the point of the service academies then? It seems like they make give you the same university education, but they add in some very strict guidelines on what to do, when to do it, how to walk, how to dress. Looks like a waste of resources and time.
It's a valid debate. Ideally, the service academies help develop career officers by integrating one into the culture of the armed forces early while obtaining an undergraduate education. I believe the stats show, however, that more career officers come from ROTC.
But I think more General Officers come from the Academy. or more officers from the Academy who do not make it a career slide over to executive jobs in industry. AKA ringknockers.
have no statistics to back that up, just my experience.
But I think more General Officers come from the Academy. or more officers from the Academy who do not make it a career slide over to executive jobs in industry. AKA ringknockers.
have no statistics to back that up, just my experience.
Most officers commissioned through OCS/ROTC (at least in the Navy) are Reserve officers. Academy graduates are regular Navy.
That plays a part in promotion and retention. When forces are being drawn down (as they are now) Academy graduates have a leg up for both.
The site lists various STEM majors which you can get at a regular University. So what is the point of the service academies then? It seems like they make give you the same university education, but they add in some very strict guidelines on what to do, when to do it, how to walk, how to dress. Looks like a waste of resources and time.
Their purpose is to create military officers. Do you really think any uni would be able to do that? West Point and those other military academies are for the elite of the elite in any case, you need a Congressman to recommend you, so there really is no comparison to a regular uni.
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