As a '76 grad of USAFA and a dad of a 05 USNA grad and a current cadet at USAFA, I can say that the quality of military academy cadets and midshipmen is not declining.
Below are the numbers for the USAFA Class of 2009:
2009 Demographics:
Applications 9601
Offers 1746
Males 1149
Females 241(17%)
Minorities 260(19%)
Athletes 320(23%)
Avg GPA 3.90
Avg SAT 1280
Please note these are AVERAGE numbers for class entry. Also if you haven't lettered in a sport or led either as a High School class officer or been a community leader, don't bother applying.
The Academies are in good shape and maintaining their high standards. This is what drives the liberals nuts and makes the Academies such a rich target.
Good Point. I know the numbers for mine were about 1 in 10. Heck I didnt even get in until my second shot. I also think 30 percent of each class had some prior college experience.