Mess Facts Needed

9/19/03 | SELF

[Robe]

I just delivered my son to the Citadel in Charleston SC this weekend, and as a Knob , during dining (MESS)....he's challenged by the upperclassmen to provide totally useless but interesting facts.

[chudogg]

I undertand that there are programs available (ROTC) that would allow you to become and officer (like you could do at any other school), but a military obligation is not required upon graduation

The first two years of ROTC there is no obligation, but during your junior year you contract and have an 8 year committment after graduation.

[frmrda]

That's similar to how the service academies do it. You can drop out before your junior year, but if you drop out (or get kicked out) after that, you owe the military 5 years, starting as a private, and you have to repay them for the cost of your education.

[RinaseaofDs]

Actually, I do. I can't help but thinking that in a lot of instances, the lessons were such that maybe my father or mother should have taught me.

Thank you notes, 'hard on issues, soft on people', the value of networking, the difference between position power and respect, why 'looks are everything', etc.

[NavyCaptain]

I am not a Citadel gradusate, but I'm guessing for the discipline it affords the person for the rest of his or her life. You know, the military is not the only place we need disciplined people!

[ladtx]

As an old cavalryman I've always been attached to the one in my tagline.

[billhilly]

The lack of disclipine is one of this nation's biggest problems, and has been since the Vietnam war era. Prior to that time the national memory had been galvanized by WWII, and everyone knew that disclipine and self sacrifice was what carried the day.

[Wild Irish Rose]

Why dont you send your Kids to Harvard or Yale,where they will get an elite education for priviliged Children and learn to become the ruling Class when they are of age.They will especialy want to incorporate there knowledge of nose piercing and hair dying to appeal to the happless masses that will see them into political office at that time. Not to mention there astute knowledge of minority interest and needs. After all, the Middle Class will be long gone along with their principles and traditions that somehow seem to be keeping this Country together for the time being.This will be especialy true if Institutions like The Citadel, and the young men who enter and graduate, cease to exist.

[frmrda]

Perhaps you missed my comments in this later post (#75):

I have visited the Citadel and been mighty impressed w/ their honoring of tradition and valor. I certainly would rather hire a grad from there who has been through the type of experiences they have, especially over some Ivy Leaguer (most I've met, hired and been on the other side of are the "A" in School, "F" in life types)