Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!shadooby!ginosko!brutus.cs.uiuc.edu!psuvax1!rutgers!att!cbnews!military From: ssc-vax!shuksan!major@beaver.cs.washington.edu (Mike Schmitt) Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Re: Hackworth (About Face) Message-ID: <10187@cbnews.ATT.COM> Date: 13 Oct 89 02:40:04 GMT References: <9933@cbnews.ATT.COM> <10008@cbnews.ATT.COM> Sender: military@cbnews.ATT.COM Organization: The Boeing Co., BAC MMST, Seattle, WA Lines: 51 Approved: military@att.att.com From: ssc-vax!shuksan!major@beaver.cs.washington.edu (Mike Schmitt) In article <10008@cbnews.ATT.COM>, baldwin@cad.usna.mil (J.D. Baldwin) writes: > > >From: "J.D. Baldwin" >In article <9933@cbnews.ATT.COM> moscom!de@cs.rochester.edu (Dave Esan) writes: 1) West Point (USMA). Yes, enlisted men get a chance to be selected for USMA. Once selected, they must attend the West Point Prepatory Academy, mostly to bring up any 'academic' deficiencies. I understand the drop out rate among these personnel is quite high. I've had a couple of prior-enlisted West Point graduates as my subordinate lieutenants - they are the ones that describe the wash out rate and how difficult it is. Remember, West Point is still basically an academic college - with uniforms. Cadets don't get too much of a taste for the 'real' army until after graduation. 2) On the other hand, prior enlisted - now in college in ROTC programs seem to be 'above average' in their programs and graduate very high - 'a lot' becoming 'distinguished graduates' and receiving Regular Army Commissions after graduation. 3) I spent five years as an enlisted man before going to Infantry Officer's Candidate School (OCS). I entered as a sergeant and graduated a second lieutenant. Now, I'll give a biased opinion. I believe an OCS graduate/prior enlisted second lieutenant is ready to command troops and perform his tasks 'better' than an ROTC or West Point graduate. But, as their rank increases and their experience increases - the differences fade quickly (senior captain - major). But as far as second lieutenants go, none are more ready to command then OCS graduates. (Infantry OCS class of '66) I've run into West Point Colonels who wouldn't make a good corporal. I've known OCS officers who were treated badly as enlisted and now want to 'get even'. On the other hand I've served under and have commanded outstanding officers from OCS, ROTC, and West Point. Once commisioned and on duty - its up to the 'professionalism' and integrity of the individual to become a good officer. One of the finest General Officers I ever served under was an infantry sergeant first class (SFC) in the Korean War and won a battlefield commission. 'Course then again - there is always WPPA to contend with. (West Point Protective Association) :-) major mike