Recent content by MidCakePa

Had the honor and pleasure of witnessing DD's promotion to O-2 at Camp Lejeune (as well as that of her roommate). It was simple, meaningful and moving all at once. DD kept it simple, choosing the lawn just outside her workplace at 0800. Her platoon was present, as were her battalion commander...

I think it's less this and more that military members -- officers, certainly -- are expected to be discreet when it comes to politics. The commander-in-chief is their leader, regardless of political beliefs. Since DD and DS embarked on their respective commissioning paths, we've refrained from...

No so. The certificate that SAs send say "offer of appointment." That is, in fact, what the candidate earned. They're not actually appointed until they take the oath on I-Day or R-Day. So keeping the certificate, even if they decline the offer of appointment, is perfectly legit. Being offered is...

This, a thousand times over! Even in the civilian world, this is true. In my corporate days, I used to tell my underlings: "If you want to be a leader here, then start leading now. If you're waiting for the 'right' title to start leading, then you're probably not really a leader." if you're...

If you can pull it off, I suggest staying within walking distance of the Yard. (My version of "walking distance" is within about 20 minutes.) We did this, making that walk to Alumni Hall as a family. DD had an early report time and it provided an opportunity to expend some energy, get the...

@Polaris_117, you've received very good advice above. I caution you against spending more time here seeking feedback on your essay from anonymous strangers. You get what you pay for (and that includes this particular advice). It's time to take a breather, apply a couple of the concepts or...

Awesome advice. USNA is N*OT COLLEGE. Don't spend your time trying to preserve your so-called normalcy in an attempt to turn the experience into "regular college." That's not what you signed up for. And an awesome addendum. I'm 100% for trademarking THAT PLEBE. 😂 Aside for @OiledPancakes: I...

There's a parents Facebook page?!?! 😳

So true, so true! Semper Gumby applies to all of commissioning week, and even the big day itself. I second @justme points about optimizing the experience. To wit: We didn't do this. Hence, none of DD's living grandparents could attend due to health- and age-related concerns. We couldn't pull...

As a college professor, I've seen some incredibly impressive enlisted personnel who are completing their degree to eventually earn a commission. They're Marines enrolled in MECEP (look it up -- great program). These are some of the best students I've had -- usually not the highest grades, but...

To echo and amplify @justdoit19: Both SAs and ROTC are very challenging, just in different ways. The kind of challenge -- and ultimate college experience -- that you seek should dictate your best choice. DD found plenty of challenge in tackling academics (STEM major) alongside athletics (club...

Simplest advice you'll ever get, whether for an admissions essay or interview. I've been in position to read essays and evaluate candidates based on that work. Not a fun task. Frankly, it's mind-numbing. Because you're faced with essay after essay of the same old stuff -- boilerplate...

My hope next week is that I pin on DD's O-2 bars rightside up. Unlike at USNA graduation, when I accidentally pinned on her 0-1 bars upside down. DW nailed her side of the butter bars. Of course, she's more into proper style than I am. 🤭 The nice thing is that no one noticed. Not even DD. 🤗

I'll be on hand next week at Camp Lejeune to pin on DD's O-2 bars. I'm curious myself about how it all goes down. Should be fun.

Friends and family of 2024, enjoy this glorious achievement. And then hang on to your hat for the journey ahead. It's been two years since 2022 commissioning and next week, I'll be on hand at Camp Lejeune to pin on DD's 1LT bars. That went by quickly!