Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!watmath!att!cbnews!military From: emery@aries.mitre.org (David Emery) Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Re: The Value of a Military Education Message-ID: <14510@cbnews.ATT.COM> Date: 6 Mar 90 04:22:40 GMT References: <14399@cbnews.ATT.COM> Sender: military@cbnews.ATT.COM Organization: The Mitre Corporation, Bedford, MA Lines: 77 Approved: military@att.att.com From: emery@aries.mitre.org (David Emery) I am a graduate of a 4-year private military college (Norwich University, if anyone cares). I've thought about this quite a bit over the years. In my case, money was not a major consideration (I had a 4-year ROTC Scholarship), but at the time I was planning to make the Army my career (but that didn't last too long on active duty..) I spent my Junior year at another, non-military school (Bucknell University), so I think I do have some basis for comparison. Also, one of my best friends is currently teaching at West Point, and we've talked a bit about his experiences, too. So I've asked myself, what did I get from that experience: Good: * Ability to work within a system. In particular, the value of personal credibility and relationships. A lot of people I know STILL haven't learned this lesson. * Leadership. It's a bit hackneyed, but true. Military schools do teach leadership skills. * Discipline. Another cliche, but also true. The problem I had away from Norwich my Junior year was that it took me a long time to get re-adjusted to the civilian climate. In the years since, I've had a lot of call to thank Norwich for my ability to stick with something. But at the time, it was a rather traumatic experience, which is why I went back to Norwich to graduate. * Organization. This goes hand in hand with leadership, but is another skill altogether. In particular, I've learned the hard way about Murphy's Law, and how to give "commands" that are clear, concise and comprehensive. * Writing/communication skills. This is true of me, but not all military school graduates. My writing often reflects my G.I. style, particularly in terms of organization. I like to think of myself as a good writer (but you can judge for yourself...) Also, don't go to the boss without a problem unless you've at least thought about a solution. This principle has contributed significantly to my professional success. Bad: * Social Skills. Military schools are NOT the place to go to meet girls! Also, your peer interactions are fairly well regulated. This is an area where I was badly hurt by attending Norwich. * Academic-oriented education. In general, the emphasis is on the practical. Norwich's greatest strength was its engineering, which emphasized practical engineering over the academic approach. I was rather unprepared for any sort of advanced degree from my time there. Summary: As an engineer (I do think of myself that way), a military education (coupled with some active duty experience) has made me a much better engineer, by giving me the tools to focus my activities on the task at hand. As a person, I have to say that a military education has made little contribution to my overall intellectual and social growth. Would I do it over again the same way? No, given what I know now. I would have capitalized on my academic bent and attended a good undergraduate engineering school, but that still wouldn't have contributed to my social growth. Would I recommend it to someone? Yes, if he is interested in making the military a career. Conditionally yes, if he thinks he needs development in leadership and organization. dave emery Norwich Univ, '78 emery@aries.mitre.org p.s. Norwich admitted females into the military school starting my freshman year (fall 1974). It was a rather traumatic time, but in the long run it was the right decision. If a woman asked me about attending Norwich, I'd personally respond "Only if you plan to make the military your career. Otherwise, no." p.p.s. Contrast with VMI and the Citadel, where they are currently in hot water for not admitting females.