Joining a foreign military?

[Gatordev]

It sounds like it has the potential to be.... I know if someones daddy was a congressman it would certainly give him the edge over another guy.

Again, you're not understanding how the system works. There's a chance of this, but it's oh so ever small and the process is fairly transparent.

Each congressional member only gets 5 slots for each academy. The Naval Academy alone has 12,000 applicants a year. They only take ~1200 (or less). Each congressional member is usually going to have 4 slots filled (one slot for each Plebe, Youngster, Junior, Firstie) and then one slot for an applicant. Some will have an extra slot because someone at the academy quit. But in many districts, there's lots of applicants.

The "committee" is not some sub-committe on Academy selection in Washinton DC. It's a board of a couple of people and some admin support. Just like what happens in the military when someone goes to a board. They interview and make recommendations. It's actually very apolitical (most of the time).

 

[LET73]

Dude... every scenario ever has the potential for corruption. Do you think someone whose daddy is an admiral has a better shot at OCS? Probably yes. It's not a reason to give up. Most people's daddies aren't admirals or congressmen, and they make it into the academy or OCS or whatever other commissioning source just fine. USNA turns out some great officers. It also turns out some officers I wouldn't follow out of hell, let alone into it, but again, that's got nothing to do with a patronage system. Do you want it? Go for it. For what it's worth, I don't know any admirals' or congressmen's kids, but I do know plenty of outstanding naval officers.

 

[jacks]

Dude... every scenario ever has the potential for corruption. Do you think someone whose daddy is an admiral has a better shot at OCS? Probably yes. It's not a reason to give up. Most people's daddies aren't admirals or congressmen, and they make it into the academy or OCS or whatever other commissioning source just fine. USNA turns out some great officers. It also turns out some officers I wouldn't follow out of hell, let alone into it, but again, that's got nothing to do with a patronage system. Do you want it? Go for it. For what it's worth, I don't know any admirals' or congressmen's kids, but I do know plenty of outstanding naval officers.

Oh I'm going to apply alright I'm just being realistic. Thanks

You really won't let this go, will you? Congressman Fred can nominate his nephew if he wants. If the interview board and BGO (who also interviewed him) also think he's competitive and qualified and Admissions also finds him competitive and qualified, he'll be offered an appointment. Along with any other candidates who are also nominated, competitive and qualified (as mentioned, they can submit more than one name). If Congressman Fred's nephew is an idiot, he won't be offered an appointment, so what was the point of giving him his nomination?

See my point?

While we're at it, let me tell you what's wrong with Ireland. I've never been there, but I looked at a website.

Oh I do indeed I'm just saying congressman Fred's nephews best friend who doesn't get the nomination might have been a better candidate yet isn't given a chance to be interviewed by the military. Quit making Ireland jokes... I'm not Irish I just live here... I can tell you what's wrong with America too but I won't because that would be counterproductive.

 

[jacks]

Again, you're not understanding how the system works. There's a chance of this, but it's oh so ever small and the process is fairly transparent.

Each congressional member only gets 5 slots for each academy. The Naval Academy alone has 12,000 applicants a year. They only take ~1200 (or less). Each congressional member is usually going to have 4 slots filled (one slot for each Plebe, Youngster, Junior, Firstie) and then one slot for an applicant. Some will have an extra slot because someone at the academy quit. But in many districts, there's lots of applicants.

The "committee" is not some sub-committe on Academy selection in Washinton DC. It's a board of a couple of people and some admin support. Just like what happens in the military when someone goes to a board. They interview and make recommendations. It's actually very apolitical (most of the time).

Yeah but I don't see why politicians need to be involved in the process at all.. the USCGA system is better in my opinion.

 

[Gatordev]

Yeah but I don't see why politicians need to be involved in the process at all.. the USCGA system is better in my opinion.

I don't know what to tell you.

a better candidate yet isn't given a chance to be interviewed by the military.

Again, they're not interviewed by the military. It's a panel of former academy alum that volunteer for the congressional member.

 

[Uncle Fester]

Dude. No one will stop anyone from being interviewed for an appointment. The most a politican could do to 'put his thumb on the scale' would be to submit his nephew as his primary nominee. Doesn't mean he'll get in. Doesn't mean another candidate won't be considered.

Congressional nominations were originally a way to assure that every state would be represented at the Academies, not just the home states of whoever was Secretary of War/the Navy at the time. It's essentially harmless and serves a purpose, so why not? Your suspicions of patronage and corruption are unfounded.

 

[jacks]

I don't know what to tell you.



Again, they're not interviewed by the military. It's a panel of former academy alum that volunteer for the congressional member.

Ex military then, I would operate on the principle of once an officer always an officer.

 

[RadicalDude]

If you're gonna complain about the potential unfairness or corruption in the selection process for service academy selection, you have a long road of mental anguish ahead of you when it comes time for service selection/platform selection/coast selection/shore tour billet selection.

Some shit in life isn't "fair," it's just the way it works. These guys are trying to help you out and being very patient in their responses. Play the game or go home.

 

[Uncle Fester]

Jacks, I really don't know where you're going with this. You've got a bunch of Academy alums telling you that's not how it works, and you're coming back with, but it COULD! What do you want us to say?

 

[jacks]

Dude. No one will stop anyone from being interviewed for an appointment. The most a politican could do to 'put his thumb on the scale' would be to submit his nephew as his primary nominee. Doesn't mean he'll get in. Doesn't mean another candidate won't be considered.

Congressional nominations were originally a way to assure that every state would be represented at the Academies, not just the home states of whoever was Secretary of War/the Navy at the time. It's essentially harmless and serves a purpose, so why not? Your suspicions of patronage and corruption are unfounded.

Perhaps they are I'm just saying it's a possibility. But yeah I'll apply alright and it's my dream to be accepted.

 

[LET73]

Honestly, jacks, if you come to a forum looking for advice, and you get it from people who know what they're talking about, and you keep arguing with them, what's the point of asking? It's almost as if you don't like the answers you're getting, since they don't fit with this idea you've got of academy appointments being politically motivated. If you want to be a US Navy officer and will go for that goal whatever route it requires, good on you, and best of luck. People on here will help you out. If you're not going to listen to the advice you're getting, people will eventually give up. That's true in life, as well as internet forums.

 

[Brett327]

Perhaps they are I'm just saying it's a possibility. But yeah I'll apply alright and it's my dream to be accepted.

Here's something else you may find unsatisfying about the officer accession programs: "Hey new guy. Shut the fuck up because you have no idea what you're talking about and nobody cares about your opinion." Get used to hearing that - a lot.

 

[BusyBee604]

Just sayin'... theres better ways of doing it, not disputing that we have been fortunate enough that the politicians have chosen some fine officers.
But yeah I am curious about my chances.

It sounds like it has the potential to be.... I know if someones daddy was a congressman it would certainly give him the edge over another guy.

Jacks, ATTITUDE! Stop trying to "game the system", by setting yourself up for with an excuse if you fail to select. No one here can predict your CHANCES.

In reality, Candidates "pick themselves" with hard work, outstanding GPAs, leadership positions in clubs, volunteer work/community involvement (no organizer'ing lol), physical fitness, work records, excellent LORs & other achievements. If you want it, go for it....you're wasting your time (and ours), whining about a well-oiled, proven selection system... that you are totally clueless about, yet seem to repeatedly reject what is offered to you here by "Pros". Poop or get off the pedestal!
BzB, out!

 

[HAL Pilot]

Here's something else you may find unsatisfying about the officer accession programs: "Hey new guy. Shut the fuck up because you have no idea what you're talking about and nobody cares about your opinion." Get used to hearing that - a lot.

For once, I agree with Brett.

 

[jacks]

Sorry to you guys if I appear to be complaining, or arguing I would call it being critical and debating, after all it is an extra-curricular of mine... I'm just saying that it is my opinion that the USCG academy system saves a lot of bother for all parties!