Accelerated Degrees: Process v Outcome - 4wk BA, 7Wk MA,Ph.D?

West Point includes physical exercises and simulations, not just the classroom study of a typical univeristy. A person who already has combat experience is not expected to attend West Point before they can command a platoon.

 

Can't a 17-21 year-old be socialized on the job or in his or her community? Is the university campus the only place to grow up? Have you never seen an immature senior on the college campus? I've seen many. What positive, effective socialization skills are learned on campus that can't be learned in the community and/or on the job?

I submit that the skills needed for interaction aren't necessarily learned on campus either. Doesn't an attorney learn much more about the dynamics of the law and the people under its authority *after* he graduates and takes his first job?

Sure, not all degree programs fit nicely into the BA-in-4-weeks model. But West Point isn't the best example. There is a distinct difference in the student-professor relationship between the service acadamies (as well as other military schools) and civilian schools. The military schools actually *do* mentor students. Academy students are saddled with leadership responsibility and real authority that civilian students are not. The cadets are held accountable for bad leadership, not taking responsibility, and not using their authority properly. But, other than that, I agree. There is no reason why a West Point cadet couldn't theoretically test out of his classes and move on to his or her first assignment. The new LT will have a lot more learning to do upon arriving at his new unit and taking a platoon. I have, in my 15 years in the Army, seen many West Point grads' real education begin after West Point. (Boy, oh, boy--have I!)

Tracy<><