Free Republic

<p>Want to trim the federal budget and improve the military at the same time? Shut down West Point, Annapolis and the Air Force Academy, and use some of the savings to expand ROTC scholarships.</p> <p>After covering the U.S. military for nearly two decades, I've concluded that graduates of the service academies don't stand out compared to other officers. Yet producing them is more than twice as expensive as taking in graduates of civilian schools ($300,000 per West Point product vs. $130,000 for ROTC student). On top of the economic advantage, I've been told by some commanders that they prefer officers who come out of ROTC programs, because they tend to be better educated and less cynical about the military.</p>

I am tired of Democrats saying they are patriotic and then insulting my commander in chief... I am tired of Democrats who tell me they support me, the soldier on the ground, and then tell me the best plan to win this war is with a “phased redeployment” (liberal-speak for retreat) out of the combat zone to someplace like Okinawa. I am tired of senior officers and commanders who fight this war with more of an eye on the media than on the enemy, who desperately needs killing. I am tired of the decisions of Sergeants and Privates made in...

By: Laura Limón, Senior Staff Writer Issue date: 1/26/06 Section: Tempo Article Tools:Email This ArticlePrint This Article Page 1 of 1 Media Credit: Courtesy Photo Imagine applying to an educational institution where, on top of keeping up with academics, you're required to do extreme physical training and participate in boxing matches. That's exactly what goes on at the exclusive United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, where only 1,200 of more than 50,000 applicants are accepted. In the new movie, appropriately titled "Annapolis," movie-goers are able to get a glimpse behind the scenes of this cutthroat training ground. "I didn't know...

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - As President Bush vowed to keep fighting in Iraq, midshipmen who are poised to graduate from academic life to combat said Wednesday they were reassured by the president's determination. Despite debate about the direction of the war, the president refused to set a timeline for withdrawing U.S. troops, a decision that was greeted with enthusiasm by midshipmen who are months from graduating. "It's a great feeling knowing that you're going to be a part of freeing up Iraq," said midshipman Jason Copare, of Pittsgrove, N.J. "You have a direct impact on the freedom of another country. It's...

LIVE THREAD for the speech by President Bush starting at 9:45 AM at the US Naval Academy. Thought I might as well start it as I live 5 miles from the USNA! GO NAVY!

Steve Rasmussen stood earnestly, his voice cracking with emotion describing his father’s love for the U. S. Military Academy and his privilege to witness something that meant so much to his father with the hope it will mean the same to its new owner. His father, James Asa Rasmussen, USMA class of 1945, who died October 26, had a last wish of contributing his class ring to the Class Ring Memorial Program. His ring was included among the 12 present at the ring ceremony conducted at the Pease & Curren Refinery in Warwick , R.I. , March 8. In four...

WEST POINT, N.Y. - Graduating U.S. Military Academy cadets - who came here just weeks before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks - were told Saturday they were a special group forged by historic events. Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the class "one of the few since the early days of the Vietnam War who came to West Point in peace time, saw the nation transition to war and chose to stay, knowing you would raise your right hand and take an oath and swear to defend the constitution of a nation that was still...