One of the Founders argued against professional military academics, as it would lead to elitism (I think it was Benjamin Franklin, but I’m not sure). Better to train all future officers at colleges. We know that program today as ROTC.
That idea has some merit. Or should I say, had some merit. Because we are now stuck between a rock and a hard place. Do we want our future generals to come from woke West Point or from super-woke Harvard?
When I was in the army in the mid 60's, believe me, there was one helluva big difference between an ROTC and a West Point man..
During tough times, discipline and trust can go a long way...
Unfortunately, there are courses of study that no college will offer as it's just not viable for the few graduates who would go into the military.
Conversely, recruiting students into a few large non-DoD military colleges such as Norwich University (VT), The Citadel (SC), Texas A&M University, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech, or the University of North Georgia still isn't the answer.
One distinction between college students and cadets at the service academies is that cadets at the academies have signed the line. They're not civilians.
Arguably the academies would be better served by getting rid of the liberal arts programs and returning to military studies. If they have to shrink enrollment, so be it.
It was from these observations that my faith in their righteousness was formed, to lead the enlisted class of the Army (and Air Force and Marine Corps as well) to glory.
Now, with this American Thinker article, my confidence is quite eroded.
Upon whom can I trust other than those officers of the past whose fine character has been preserved in their later civilian roles, even unto death?
I have visited Quantico in times when the heroes of Guadalcanal were present and honored while they were yet alive. The MG Commandant came to our table to visit with us for a while, so at least it has been a privilege to briefly associate with such a decorated leader of Real Men.
I have been there again a couple times for significant events for my nephew, a graduate of University of Florida after which he gained his first bar, and also later in his career served on the staff there. My faith in the excellence of our military was sustained there (though being questioned elsewhere), but NOW, TODAY:
Where is Quantico positioned,
and our Beloved Corps, on a scale of absolute fidelity to our Constitution and its merits, in an age of disappointment and death of the characteristics of our Presidential staff who use the Corps and Delta Forces to enforce their policies?
To whom shall we turn in distress for organized protection?
-- A local 2nd Amendment (now forbidden) organized militia?========
-- A State Police cadre?
-- A County (elected) Sheriff or (appointed) Police?
-- A local church body assembled for the Coming (Armed) Prince of Peace?
. . . (He will be coming with peace, but not in it; His servants being prepared?
. . . Luke 22:36)