Q17: If you could have an AOG that did whatever you wanted, what would it do?

Additionally, 1130 graduates provided 1191 comments. The strongest message is that grads want the AOG to take an advocacy position representing grads on issues with the Supe, DOA, DOD, and Congress. The second strongest message is a desire for more AOG support of grads going into civilian life and already in civilian life, primarily with respect to employment and networking. Third is communications and information. More information was desired, particularly more candid information on internals of WP, and increased use of on-line services was encouraged. The responses can generally be categorized in the following manner. [NOTE: These numbers have been corrected but are not significantly different from numbers presented previously.] 
 

[001]  1. AOG should be dedicated to representing USMA Graduates.

[002]  Focus more on the average cadet, rather than on the athlete, or on the physical plant.

[003]  See answers to 16.

[004]  Quit acting like they are a military extension of the Sup. They are employees of the graduates who support AOG and have their loyality to their clients....the grads, not the Sup. If the Sup says squat and pee, they'd do it regardless of the graduates or AOG mission statement/"goals".

[005]  Send updates of current legislation affecting the Academy; via email etc.

[006]  Divorce from the West Point Fund.

[007]  Emulate Ivy League alumni organizations in promoting the school's image and providing similar services.

[008]  All us to search for other grads that live in our area, perhaps by zip code.

[009]  I see a lot on money be solicited, and would like to know the projects it goes against other than once a year. I have the impression WP is not cutting or reorganizing to take advantage of the information technology out there. The systems are changing that will allow for more optimal use of money. I get the impression that WP is not changing but soliciting money to keep up with the "old" way of business. How is WP saving money these days? What proactive projects to take advantage of information technology are being pursued? WP must change with the times and give this impression, or they will fall prey to all the cuts. The AOG must help in this direction. The goals I see are very broad, generic and old.

[010]  The AOG has become or seems to be attempting to become a replacement for the Congress and the Executive branch in the funding of the USMA. Let the place operate on appropriated funds. If the Congress doesn't want it, then let it end.

[011]  Do a better job of keeping us informed. Some decisions are so big they should be run by the entire AOG membership before deciding /implementing. It's our AOG; not the Board's AOG.

[012]  Don't have a good enough knowledge of what AOG really does to be able to comment.

[013]  I think the AOG should also solicit [financial & other] support from grads based on their interests while at the Academy. For example, I recently contacted the Glee Club OIC about their assumed spring trip in 1998 to see if they would pass through TX, where I now live. Found out a few weeks ago the trip might be in jeopardy due to funds issues. Not sure if I can help with this short notice to respond, but the point I am making is if AOG had maintained a list of glee clubbers living in/around TX, LA, and AR, then a "hot email" or "blast-fax" could have been used to solicit quick funds support, or other assistance, from former glee-clubbers. I'm sure such an approach would work in almost any other area of interest (ie...sometimes a grad won't donate to the AOG a-large for whatever reason, BUT if he/she knew their club or varsity sport needed some urgent help, would possibly have much greater PERSONAL interest in helping that entity which they were more personally involved with at WP. BTW - my comments are NOT a major point of improvement...because I think the AOG is doing a fine job. But as you seek to move towards 100% participation, this modified strategy might help to reach those grads who seem oblivious to general AOG funds & support needs. How to accomplish this ? Conduct an AOG survey before cadets graduate and poll them for interest while at the Academy, etc. Such a bio would be highly-useful for long-term management of grads.

[014]  Concentrate on promoting the Academy to cadet prospects and the Americam public

[015]  Improve the career advisory service

[016]  Provide more information about cadet life today without numerous filters from USMA. I am interested in what "normal" cadet life is like today and how that accomplishes the goals set by the Supe. A possible example would be to have a guest cadet columnist describing cadet life, etc.

[017]  Provide a job list for retirees and graduates to browse through

[018]  Provide Headhunter Services both inside the Army and outside. This includes Interview/Industry-Specific preparation for grads preparing to leave the service. Military-specific Headhunters exist because this need has gone underserved Referral Lists of those Grads willing to talk confidentially about a career in their organization, branch, or Industry. Grads will be happier in their career opportunites if they are making informed choices. Promote commerce among grad-owned or operated businesses. Not unlike USAA, use the clout of the association to continue to negotiate discounts on member-valued services and products. Review those deals to ensure they provide value to the membership. Communicate to grads about Military-owned resources available to them, i.e. space-A travel/Lodging/AFRC/DRMO/AAFES/ Whatever. It seems a shame that someone might stay in a hotel or rent equipment off-post when a BOQ room or on-post recreational resources go underutilized. Take a hard look at improving participation in local WP societies, and boosting the number of societies. Aim marketing approaches at specific targets, for example recent grads versus older ones. Dissect the needs of the target population. Schedule activities which interest each market segment. Measure the success of each effort.

[019]  Be more accountable to graduates. Current structure seems inbred

[020]  I am not close enough to the AOG to comment.

[021]  More communication with Congress to keep funding for the Academy alive and well.

[022]  Plan a more complete Army/Navy weekend football package. (i.e. secure group rates and travel deals for grads, so as to encourage attendance at the game) I believe that you will get more support ($$$) from grads if you can get us more involved. I have been to the last 12 out of 13 Army/Navy games. A larger turn out would be a great start for more support. The AOG could sponser various activities over the weekend. It could almost be a "mini reunion" each year. This year's activities were much better than years past, however NYC is not a "transportation friendly" venue. I hope that next year in Philly an organized pre/post game get together will be planned.

[023]  Develop and implement a nationwide public relations campaign, drawing upon workdwide USMA resources, to continually educate the Great American Public on the contributions of USMA graduates and the need for USMA

[024]  In addition to what is currently being done--- I would get the AOG membership more politically involved with Congress to develop better support for the needs of WP. I would be prepared to do those things that the politically correct Army leadership does not chose to do. I would be prepared to disagree with the Supe in private first, and in public if needed, to do what is best for the future of WP. I would lead the charge in getting AOG membership to write letters to members of congress concerning serious needs of WP.

[025]  Stronger Career assistance package, Materials, Network of listings etc.

[026]  See answer to #16. The AOG does many very good things. I applaud its support of programs, athletics, etc. It should continue to do those things and more. I was in a meeting the other day. One of the participants was a Ranger School graduate. Even though he went through it several years after me, by the time that evening's activities were through, we were fast friends, having shared many stories of a common experience. The AOG should promote the same sort of thing, by bringing graduates of all ages together and fostering the feeling of kinship which will undoubtedly develop. In this era where many graduates are leaving active duty, much much more effort should be made by the AOG to help fellow graduates find good, meaningful jobs in the civilian sector. I received almost no support at all when I sought help from graduates after I left active duty. Indeed, at times I felt as if I were being treated as a traitor for having left active duty. Additionally, there was absolutely no help from any local chapter or the AOG itself in helping me find a position within the USAR or the National Guard, so that I may continue to serve. This is an area the the AOG could provide enormous support.

[027]  React better to graduates and arrange visits etc. for graduates. Should be our point of contact at the Academy.

[028]  Very actively recruit students for USMA.

[029]  Furnish more information on changes in cadet life, privileges, curriculum. Recent article by BG St. Onge in Assembly on how current policy on alcohol was arrived at was good -- I don't agree with it but knowing the background, I can accept it.

[030]  I have no arguement with what the AOG is doing. I'm more concerned with the things being done and not done for the Army

[031]  Also assist those graduates who have left the service.

[032]  Seess data base. Start by putting someone in charge of it who will listen and knows what he's doing. We paid for Herbert Hall. Why are we given no more access or trust than the public at large in its use? Why are grads treated as untrustworthy intruders and an inconvenience by your non-graduate AOG staff? Publish all positions and salaries. Keep up the good work on the web stuff.

[033]  Provide additional information about donations and trust establishment, and how these donations to various organizations and groups are used to serve the goals of the association.

[034]  Current plus comment in #15 above.

[035]  Provide alumni services such as the Stanford, Harvard, and Yale alumni associations do.

[036]  I wouln't worry about instilling pride in the AOG membership. We are already proud to be West Point graduates. It is more important that the nation learn and value what West Point means. The AOG should have organized, funded programs to communicate and educate the populace and its leaders. Consider: engaging a PR agency; funding a lobbyist; equipping alumni with promotional materials; providing copy or story ideas to local newspapers and other publications; surveying public attitudes regarding West Point. Sounds hucksterish, but these things can be done honestly and in good taste. Will cost, but can be started modestly. The important thing is to recognize the mission and to get organized with whatever resources can be had. Tap the alumni skill base.

[037]  Focus on fund raising to permanently endow cadet activities for their development.

[038]  1. Speak for the majority of the graduates. 2. Do not confine the organization to being dictated to by the Supe. 3. Don't screw up the Annual Meeting in the Messhall as you did in 1996. It was an organizational disaster and a poor example to the cadets present.

[039]  Get more minority graduates involved by provideing a medium for exchange of ideas to support the stated intention.

[040]  I think it does a fine job now. I think the networking help it has given graduates is good but could get better.

[041]  Heed the Graduates more than the Supe.

[042]  Send out more information about AOG, its purpose and the benefits to grads

[043]  MAKE A JOB SERVICE WEB PAGE STRICTLY FOR USMA GRADUATES.

[044]  In the times that no graduate can count on a career in the army I feel that a major functiion of the AOG should be in assisting graduates to transition to the civilian world

[045]  Be more proactive in reaching out to and being inclusive of younger classes. I happen to be still in the Army, but many of my classmates who are quite successful having left the army with the drawdown are not as actively sought after for support.

[046]  I think the AOG needs to represent the graduates to the administration on substantive issues involving USMA programs and goals and particularily those issues affecting cadet education and training. While the USMA Administration has the authority and responsibility for decision-making, I firmly believe that they have the responsibility to consider the opinion of the Long Gray Line. The AOG needs to formulate this opinion and present it to the Administration.

[047]  Promote knowledge about the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and unConstitutionality of the United Nations--and remind graduates of our solemn oaths.

[048]  Must confess, I don't know---because I pay little attention to AOG pontifications---as one stationed in Europe in the '70-'75 timeframe, I was turned off in a major way by a recent AOG head---and I'm USAF, not Army!

[049]  Be more vocal with congress in spt of USMA. We are in danger and have a good story to tell. We need to be more in the media and in the minds of younger prospects.

[050]  Improve support to reuion classes. Change the attitude to clearly recognize that the AOG supports the graduates, and not vice versa. The AOG comes across to me as overbearing; although this is based on incidences of one and probably six years old.

[051]  Allow writer of Assembly obits to proof it before publication so that the AOG "experts" don't screw it up as they did with my father's.

[052]  I feel the responses to old grads in publications sometimes are very pro forma and perhaps somewhat snide or condescending. I would like to see an acknowledgement that perhaps there is a point in what the old grad said before the "explanation".

[053]  Be more visable. All I see is requests for money. I am, at this time, flat broke so I ignore them. This will change someday soon. In the meantime, I'd like to know what AOG is doing besides fund driving. "Assembly" is fine, but is reflective rather than oriented to now and the future. How about a monthly newsletter, 4-5 pages, showing what's up at USMA, what folks are doing, highlight the people behind AOG. Bottom line: Stop hiding.

[054]  Put the military back into the military academy.

[055]  active support for intercollegiate athletics

[056]  Establish a more thorough networking base for those now in the private sector.

[057]  Become more involved politically: speak out against social/political forces wishing to subordinate national interests to international interests; speak forcefully for a strong anti-ballistic missile shield; speak out against the use of the military as a laboratory for social change.

[058]  * Greater motivation of Cadets and prospects for a lifetime of service to the Nation and the Army, as opposed to 'advertising' USMA as an academic, athletic, business-network, or other individual 'good deal'... * Working in positive ways to increase the competetiveness of USMA graduates among their contemporaries to be professional Army officers through infuencing the military training program, academic cirriculum and cadet activities. Competitiveness trends are not good and are causing increasing numbers of policymakers to question the efficacy of USMA.

[059]  The Military is changing rapidly. What was reality when I graduated and today is totally different. West Pointers start out technically and tactically ahead of many of their peers but do not maintain that advantage. AOG should consider mentoring junior officers to make proper career choices and advise them on how to get ahead and maintain the West Point Edge. We tend to get sterio typed as arrogant, by the book officers. If West Point is to survive the budget cuts of the furtur we must clearly prove to the Army and the public that the values and ideals of West Point make a difference in the Army and in the civilian sector. Bottom line AOG members need to mentor junior officers so they become outstanding senior officers and make the right choices.

[060]  Create a minority alumni staff position.

[061]  As noted in numerous communications from the Supe, The West Point infrastructure is in decay. We need to focus upon restoration of the this infrastructure; i.e., The Chapel, Mahan Hall, Michie Stadium, Arvin Gym, Weight Room facilities, etc., without compromising the traditions intertwined in the very existence of The Academy and the West Point community.

[062]  improve its assistance to graduates leaving or out of the Army.

[063]  See my response to question 16.

[064]  Assist recruiting, admissions and local support of visiting cadet teams/oranizations while in a Society's area.

[065]  Again, I feel a representative sea-change in direction of the organization should be made. Why not have the AOG address the threats and serious issues. We are the members who have greatly benefited from the Academy and Institution.

[066]  Put a stop to competive giving. That's why I don't give any longer. I gave up competion long ago. I am not looking for some sort of merit badge for the amount of money I might donate. I never give to any organizations who bestow special "distinction" and "eminence" to those who donate more than others.

[067]  More actively involved in networking for graduates out of the Army or preparing to leave the Army

[068]  My comments in question 17 probably apply more here.

[069]  Recommend a real simple mission for the Academy. Get away from these long convulted mission statements. Try this: Produce America's Best Leaders to Fight the Nation's Wars. How's that for reenergizing a warrior spirit!

[070]  but do it in a less formal, "stuffy" way.

[071]  See purpose Statement above.

[072]  That is a great question. Provide server space for local West Point Society Chapter home pages, perhaps providing template web pages so they would be uniform throughout and easily maintained by the local chapter.

[073]  Once we move, notify the local region association of our move into their area. Notify us of other graduates, especially classmates, in the area.

[074]  Have an equal focus on supporting graduates and improving the Military Academy.

[075]  Better commo on job opportuinites

[076]  This shift to more clearly stated goals is great - like it or not, there has been some historical suspicion of how money is spent (it happens with older people all the time) - new goals are much better in showing how Grads are benefiting.

[077]  Whatever

[078]  Help grads

[079]  work actively with alumni

[080]  Better communication about operations and key decisions. (Meeting minutes, etc.) More involvement of all grads in decisions - this survey is a good start.

[081]  I know there are various intiatives at the Academy, some controversial, others mundane. If I had not been instructing there several years ago, I would never had known about the controversy around the baseball field. Then, lo and behold, we not only did not tear it down, but we improved the facilties. I know there was a move by the then Supe to get his vision ramrodded through, by hook or by crook. If an alumni could go to the AOG with an issue that it wanted raised with the other alumni, a mechanism should be in place. If it is now, then never mind.

[082]  Keep grads better informed on contentious issues with which USMA is dealing. Eg. Hallums, Regular Army commissioning, etc.

[083]  It would represent the graduates of USMA and speak for the graduates, not for the Academy administration

[084]  Help de-link the politically correct from the army and West Point. Our mission doesn't change with political fashion. Our job is to defend the nation in time of war. The entire sex scandal fiasco was poorly handled and it reflected on everything the army did, including the Military Academy. I realize that USMA feels that they have integrated more successfully than others, but I think the Marines did the best job because they obeyed but did it their way. No one has stood up and said, "women are different than men and should have a place in the army, but our physical requirements and standards will not be lowered. (as they have been). We are not showing great bravery by not insisting on what's true and right.

[085]  Arrange for better accomodations at The Academy. See the above suggestion. Get back to basics with respect tothe purpose of USMA. It is an institution for producing CAREER military folks. It is NOT a liberal arts college with the purpose of providing a good background for progress/wealth in the commercial/industrial world.

[086]  greater assistance to alumni ie. networking, business-to-business, career help, benefits eductation.

[087]  I accept that you have to do the stated goals but they should not be the true focus. I would like to see the AOG go after 1-5 year problems such as helping support adequate funding by Congress as well as alumni and business, dealing with the male/female issue in coordination with the Supe, understanding the current status and trends of the honor system in coordination with the Supe and Commandant of Cadets, helping to understand the focus of undergraduate and graduate degrees for officers, and to work on getting the "military service" focus out in front of academics to preserve the basic foundation of West Point.

[088]  1. Assist graduates in their careers (Army and otherwise). 2. Do more to encourage graduates to remain in the Regular Army. 3. Work with the academy in making a career in the Regular Army a norm for graduates as opposed to the abberation it is today.

[089]  What is currently being done, in addition to aggressive career networking/enhancement. For example: It would be great to know what grads live in my area, where they work, what their position is, and which ones are committed to assisting fellow grads in career enhancement.

[090]  1. COMMUNICATE with the membership before, during and after decisions are taken on key issues. 2. EMPHASIZE the goals and values of West Point. 3. CURTAIL the runaway economic exploitation typical of the past year (cruises, Credit Cards etc.)

[091]  --Be more politically active --Obtain grass roots support at the local society and parents group meetings

[092]  By the way, the new AOG facilities are absolutely incredible. They are something of which we can be truly proud.

[093]  Get of the ivory tower and make USMA more supportive of the Army. It is no mistake that it's recent graduates (myself included) have dropped so quickly from the active ranks. USMA must be more relivant to the Army and society.

[094]  Concentrate on providing services to graduates, for example, to classes: help in tracking class members, help in communicating with classmates, help in planning and executing class activities especially in capturing ideas from other classes.

[095]  1-assist alumni with employment services. 2-provide alumni with means to influence academy goals, curriculum, general direction. Right now alumni have little influence except if high ranking active duty or politician. Ie, voice in academy governance similar to that of other college alumni. 3-outreach to find alumni and link together in local societies. I see areas with plenty of alumni but no attempts made to bring together alumni.

[096]  Provide and official Forum for more input from Grads regarding operation of the Academy,major changes in values and traditions etc.

[097]  Listen to the Graduates and not some highly liberal officers on active duty and political appointees. The name is Association of GRADUATES!!!

[098]  Be much more active in soliciting input from graduates and in informing them about their concerns and offfering ideas to them about constructive participation. As it is, we get a lot of party line and little interaction.

[099]  fight to retain the values of the profession of arms

[100]  See response to the above "goals" question.

[101]  Not to be rude, but much of what emanates from the academy to or through the AOG falls into the "so what?" category. Have someone who is in position to do so write and issue an annual "State of the Academy" letter. Provide them with an outline of subjects to cover (academic program, athletics, honor system, military education, leadership development, faculty and staff training, branch makeup, promotion and selection trends, etc.) Send it via email and post it on the Web. Even include it in Assembly. Do not politicize it. In fact, it would be best if the responsibility rotated and no AOG or academy official had the opportunity to edit or censor it. That way we would get a series of observers' opinions and over time could draw our own conclusions. I'm thinking of something similar to what the Encyclopedia Britannica does each year when they have a well known writer do an introductory essay to their Book of the Year. I think it would be a very valuable service. No doubt the AOG would occasionally (or even often?) get miffed when their chosen spokesperson contradicted the current AOG orthodoxy or priorities. But over time, it might turn out to be one of the programs of which the AOG could be most proud.

[102]  better networking for grads

[103]  see previous suggestions

[104]  The AOG should be in the business of bonding the separate classes together for the common good of the Academy.

[105]  I think the AOG currently does what it does very well. I would like to see more graduate support focus added.

[106]  More I-NET based communication... I'd create an electronic version of the Assembly.

[107]  For the most part, I am pleased with the role of the AOG. Please note earlier comments above with respect to management goals. While the fund raising is important, let's not forget the grads.

[108]  Be less active with regard to societies. Provide them with more resources and less taskings.

[109]  Continue to work with list servers, these have been a main source of contact with fellow classmates.

[110]  Continue increasing support to military-civilian career transitions; reduce AOG involvement in fund-raising; seek to improve AOG support to local societies and to active duty military; seek more involvement of younger graduates in AOG and societies; continue to improve and increase support to reunion activities; examine affiliate relationships with other like alumni associations such as Ivy League schools who might offer affiliate benefits such as Army-Navy does with the Harvard Club.

[111]  Figure out who/what this amalgum of grads is. What do they want (this is a great way to start) Listen to us. USE us. Only then direct the focus to the institution.

[112]  It would speak for members as well as academy and have a more open policy without being bound by a few who have put out questionable policies at the academy. Exxplain and push for more open elections without regard to who has contributed $$$.

[113]  Local associations need more information on how Aog can support i.e. what resources are available (to local socities) Also need to do something about concerns that socities bring to their attention or let them know why not.(Namely our concern with current ALO. no action taken and no reason given)

[114]  Get my rank correct on the letters it sends me. I left the service a Captain, not a 1st Lieutenant. I am now a Captain (P) in the Army Reserve.

[115]  I would like to see it have more influence on how things are run at the academy. I realize the difficulty in this since USMA is federally funded, but I would like to see the AOG influence in the academy.

[116]  Publish more about what the Association does to assist transitioning officers from the military workplace to the civilian workplace.

[117]  Pretty much said my piece. I was a little disappointed at my ten year reunion when The Dean didn't really seem to realize the urgency of external communication until a fellow classmate working at Michigan in the B school's recruiting told him how they live and die by rankings.

[118]  Do more charitible work. Sell donations to worthy causes, not consumer items.

[119]  how much influence does it have over the cir. at the academy?

[120]  Try to get more email activity at the class level.

[121]  Focus on getting the best possible cadets into the school and supporting their training to produce the best officers in the world.

[122]  Recognize the existance of the Reserve Components and the value USMA grads provide to the US Army by serving in the components that make up a majority of the Total Army. See Question 5 for your bias. (Where is the answer about serving in the RC?)

[123]  Create a closer network among the graduates, especially those in the business world for professional networking purposes

[124]  Benchmark other association groups from prestigious intituitions like Harvard, Notre Dame.

[125]  see above comments

[126]  Lobby the sdministration on behalf of old grads to change the course of USMA

[127]  As mentioned previously, increase network referrals i.e. jobs; business opportunities. Unless grads begin to see that networking is worth money, the association will continue to be a great social group with little influence outside of the Academy.

[128]  1. Focus on improving USMA's reputation as an academic institution. 2. Not be an adjunct of the AAA. 3. Ensuring that the Academy's focus is on producing quality officers and that standards are high (but achievable). 4. Forcing the Academy not to accept applicants whose SATs/ACTs are substandard (e.g. less than 1,000). We don't need kids floundering about the Army for five years and demeaning the institution in the process because USMA turned a blind eye for four years (I saw more than a few when I taught).

[129]  Work more closely with DIA to maximize the coordination between potential donors to athletic needs and the inventory of athletically related benefits (tickets, parking, seating and trips with teams)

[130]  I went to this past A-N game but I had to get tickets through the Pentagon and had to sit on the Navy side. I want to go to future games but would like a decent chance of getting tickets. No organized tailgate other than the Army "warm-up"? room?? My son asked how we could go to something like that. Told him that I didn't know, but I know to myself that I wish I knew how. Somehow I get the feeling that it has something to do with money and how much.

[131]  Plus: -Lobbying for more appropriated funds. -Pushing to permit athletes who make professional teams to serve their obligations as Reservists and recruiters. -Improved stadium to include a small upper level on the visitor side.

[132]  Work more closely with local WP societies to achieve common goals and objectives. Help them set realistic but challenging goals especially in the area of community service.The ideals of the Academy are best furthered through active participation at the local level, and institutional advocacy is best served through the collective actions of graduates in their local communities.

[133]  Also, see above.

[134]  Revise the Goals to apply equally to all graduates. Also, why is Herbert Hall made available to cadets on the weekends? I have not considered purchasing a "brick paver" simply because every time I have been to USMA to attend a football game, the Alumni Center has been reserved by cadets.

[135]  The AOG should do more to help graduates transition from the military to civilian life. Resume assistance, employment postings and a structured networking channel are just three additional services the AOG should provide.

[136]  I don't mean to compare with OSU, but Ohio State is the only other Alumni Association that I am familiar with. 1. Reach out beyond the Hudson River. 2. Improve the catalogue, particularly sports clothing and casual wear. The last shirts I bought were second class compared to the Champions and Nike clothing from OSU. Get a new designer for the clothing. Get a new buyer. Follow the footprints of major Un and change and add new pieces each year. We spend probably $800-1000 annually on casual wear. Your WP stuff is NOT attractive or appealing. 3. Have trips that are truly at a cost-savings. I don't know who plans the AOG trips but they are very expensive. If costs were more reasonable many of us still working could afford to go on them. Make the trips shorter. If you had a cruise of 5 days we would probably go. To escape for 2-3 weeks is impossile. 4. Change the Assembly. You are attempting to cram too much into its pages. Have a separate sports bulliten, a special academic addition, put class notes on a separate mail-out, let's hear about faculty at WP- what academic achievements have they made, bio some cadets. I would love to hear how academics have changed, what's in store for the coming year, what electives are available, etc. Instead we get cramped ineffective articles. 5. Change style to hit the baby boomer graduates. It seems like the AOG is run by old foggies and the oldest grads.

[137]  As stated in the proposed mission statement, the focus would be unity of graduates in fraternity and service.

[138]  See #15 comments

[139]  Send out info/ articles/ stories to make all graduates proud to be alumni.

[140]  Do a much better job of assisting graduates in finding civilian employment

[141]  What it is doing, plus participating with USMA in long-term planning for concrete action on the part of AOG. Given the number of qualified applicants per opening, I'm not sure we need to work quite so hard on recruitment, but maybe I just haven't got the info needed to understand this issue.

[142]  see above comments

[143]  Place the register of Graduates on line, and include E-Mail addresses

[144]  When I graduated, I went into the Air Force and left the service after 4 years. The AOG seemed to be interested only in graduates who made the Army a career. With the peace time Army, I'm seeing a shift. But, we can do more. We need to provide a stronger support group for grads leaving the service.

[145]  Provide all services on-line. Put registry of graduates on-line and update continuously. Put Assembly on-line. Provide on-line buying service for tickets and WP memorabilia.

[146]  Increase activity of societies in drawing in new members. For large areas like around DC, consider breaking into smaller societies that promote greater opportunities to get to know members.

[147]  Clearly publish the results of current investments so that classes could determine the ROI for monies contributed and being managed by the AOG.

[148]  and add the previous mentioned...

[149]  Provide a bulleted list of the things that AOG does. I know a lot of what you do, including fund raising and providing Civil Prep scholarships, but having it on a list would make it easier to understand and to assist.

[150]  Be more successful in supporting USMA financially.

[151]  Allow the graduates to get closer to the West Point of today. I am not sure how exactly to accomplish this but we need, I believe, to get to know today's system, routine and cadets better. I think that by doing this our purpose to support Academy goals can be better accomplished and more fully supported.

[152]  Disseminate Football scores and records via e-mail to those who are interested. Disseminate Army-Navy football scores to everyone (gives a friendly reason to make contact with graduates) by e-mail. Give information on how USMA graduates are doing each year (Rhode Scholars, number graduating, number admitted, etc.). In other words, build more contact. But keep the e-mails relatively short (under a printed page in length).

[153]  Procure addtional membership benifits such as discounts and exclusive offers for AOG members Expand the networking opportunities for AOG members Rally more active participation. ie have more events

[154]  I would expand the goal below and make it a primary objective. The other goals seem somewhat "incestuous", that is, the Association is only for the good of the Graduates. The Association should maintain a list of organizations, efforts, programs that it feels are key to promoting the ideals of the Academy into the general public, and push grads who are interested in helping out into them. Some examples would be to work with Habitat for Humanity on a project where grads would be the majority of the work force. This would promote the Academy within the general public. Organize a 10K run on the academy grounds and allow the general public to enter. Assist graduates who have aspirations for public office. Focus more outwardly, not inward. This would help in recruitment of talented young people for the corps and make fundraising that much easier. Continue to improve the communication process between the AOG staff, AOG membership, the extended West Point family, USMA, the U.S. Army, and the American public.

[155]  A structure for mentoring graduates. Support job search on the Internet. Support the locator service on the Internet.

[156]  Be more responsive to the views of graduates with respect to such issues as deferred regular army commissions . Be less aligned with the current USMA administration with the political correctness of female appointments to the staff.

[157]  Continue to acknowledge that many graduates enter the civilian sector, and let's build up our network in this area.

[158]  Wow, see above. While I applaud AOG's recent moves to become more relevant by career support to graduates, I encourage it to refocus attention and resources to supporting, and enhancing, the infrastructure (physical and other) of USMA. This is a big one, need lots of debate on this, but more importantly - action.

[159]  Stronger lobby for soldiers benefits (especially retirees) and promote reutrn of the draft for public service, whether it be in the Military or other public areana.

[160]  See answers to previous two above. We could be strong, loyal and organized, but we are hiding our heads in teh proverbial sand.

[161]  .Major emphasis on the recruiting of Cadets of the highest caliber. .More active surveying of Graduate interests, opinions, and direction for the Academy. .Fewer mailings to promote cruises as fund raising activities for AOG. If you are going to promote them, they should be tied into USMA areas of interest. I did my graduate work at Harvard, and when they promote a cruise or similar activity, it involves a faculty member who conducts seminars on topics related to the itinery. In other words, if you are going to advertise a cruise for USMA graduates, it would make sense to link it to military history, or other suitable topic. A cruise to France with focus on World War I and II and representation of the Military HIstory Faculty would be more appropriate and more interesting than simply hawking cruises.

[162]  Be more active and creative in presenting Alumni views on critical issues to USMA leadership rather than just rubber-stamping that leadership's positions.

[163]  Do a better job of helping career service graduates transition to the civilian job market, especially now that we are putting more emphasis on graduates serving a career in the military service.

[164]  take visible positions with Congress on behalf of graduates and cadets, perhaps separately, from USMA which must yield to Army leadership.

[165]  Provide more job referral services.

[166]  1. I'm okay with current focus with the addition off WPPC inclusion.

[167]  A class should have a strong post military network. We do not use the network effectively to assist each other with jobs, information of a common interest as we get older, nor to share our experience with others. AOG should consider adding an effort to assist grads out of service with job seeking, networking for jobs, or other business matters.

[168]  AOG is West Point's equivalent to an alumni association at other colleges and universities. I am surprised that it is not as strong as the other leading schools such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame. We (USMA grads) should want to go to the AOG for various services.

[169]  Get rid of cheap souvenir shops, excessive fund raising and any other activities which detract from core/corps values!!

[170]  See Above.

[171]  I would like to see the AOG more involved with carreer transition assistance. The SABRED is great but I feel we could do more. For instance, I think you could have sections that people could subscribe to. If you are a lawyer, you would subscribe the lawyer section and get information about opportunities in the legal field. You could do the same for engineers, sales, etc.

[172]  Actively assist graduates in finding employment after military service.

[173]  I would prefer more focus on alumni affairs and less on the affairs of the Military Academy. I was more satisfied with the direction and focus of the AOG in 1980 than I am in 1997. Fund raising, no matter how noble the purpose, is an activity that can have a very long arm!

[174]  Provide greater career counseling and more Job search support.

[175]  As above

[176]  The AOG might consider buying and operating a "for profit" corporation of some kind with the potential to earn returns in excess of current investment returns. Profits could then be used to further augment the efforts of USMA to diversify funding sources and insulate USMA from future possible budget tightening allowing us to maintain the competitive edge.

[177]  See 29, below.

[178]  Increase its job placement activities.

[179]  Communication among and to grads

[180]  Pay more attention to assisting active duty graduates - specifically regarding making the service a career. Most of the fault for USMA being a training program for the civilian world belongs to USMA and its' politically correct agenda and academic program. Cadets major in everything including dogcatcher.

[181]  send me a lot of money

[182]  focus on producing competent and dedicated graduates who stay in the Army for full careers, rather than departing at rates equal or greater than the much less expensive ROTC & OCS sources of commissioning

[183]  It would provide graduates with a powerful lobby at West Point and with Congress to influence policy, resource allocation, legislation, and other issues affecting the Academy's future.

[184]  Needs more analysis! Compared to other alumni associations in SC the USMA's assoc is inactive. I suspect we have well over 800 members and growing! Why cannot we have a more visible impact on and in the community?

[185]  1.Listen to graduates. Do what they want. 2.Get out of fund raising. Separate the WPF from the AOG. 3.Put more emphasis on serving the needs of graduates. This is not meant to imply selfishness, but WP is a government not a private institution.

[186]  As silly as it sounds, get the AOG to upgrade the "image" things that we see in the marketplace. How do we, for example, get our "logo" to be as recognizable as "UCLA" or "Notre Dame"? Somehow, there has to be good marketing groups that can convince people to want to wear our colors, etc. Not certain the propriety, but it would be great to see newer - and classier -- clothing (ties, etc.)

[187]  Consider working together with USNA & USAFA societies to further interests of all academies collectively

[188]  Promote the institution & its graduates & alumni. Facilitate the alumni gatherings of all stripes.

[189]  Keep in touch with the widows and children of graduates to insure that they are not in need. I suppose this should include husbands of graduates now who are unable to provide for themselves.

[190]  Cease being primarily a fund raising organization.

[191]  Shape policy that was not "politically correct" but that was based upon the talents and qualities of the people selected for admission to the student body.

[192]  stop hiring retirees from in-house & consider hiring nationwide to get "best" possible candidate... I keep seeing the same names - officer retirees - retiree working for AOG

[193]  Provide a more positive link between graduates and current Corp functions

[194]  Provide more support to alumni activities.

[195]  Be proactive as far as Grads are concerned. We are informed of the Supe's actions or decisions AFTER they have been taken and we get no input into the process.

[196]  See above.

[197]  Serve the interests of the Academy, not the stated goals of the Superindendent. AOG should ensure that the Academy remains true to its mission. It is currently serves as an information tool for an administration that has implemented programs and philosphies that have dramatically decreased the quality of recent graduates.

[198]  See above comments

[199]  get grads some priority on the WP golf course

[200]  AOG seems to be behind other schools in finding its alumni and maintaining contact. By comparison, I left the University of Idaho in 1972 after teaching and attending graduate school there. I have never sent them a change of address or given any notice of my new location. Nonetheless, although I have although I have moved many time since this, they have always been the first to find my new address and continue my alumni magazine and, of course, financial solicitations. I cannot believe West Point can't do better!

[201]  Focus on retaining young officers in the Army. Retention of company grade officers is important to keeping USMA viable in light of initiatives to clsoe it and use ROTC only.

[202]  I believe that the AOG, in addition, should be organizing the graduates (and others like ex-cadets) to communicate with the American people, and their elected representatives, to ensure that the welfare of the Academy is not under-funded in order to provide funding to projects more effectively advocated by other organizations and interests. While I know that this is contrary to our tradition, as long as we remain silent, we will continue to be a "bill payer."

[203]  Influence USMA to get back to basics.

[204]  More career support to grads leaving active duty

[205]  Take further steps to locate my classmates. I can't understand how so many have old and superseded addresses.

[206]  Actively provide a forum for successful (civilian) graduates to network and interact in business affairs. I have certain people with whom I keep in touch, and do not need as Association to facilitate that. But to provide a framework for graduates, people of known ability and character, to meet each other in business, would be a great boon.

[207]  Concentrate on improving contacts among graduates and provising information on USMA. Pass off fund raising to the West Point Fund and drastically decrease fund-raining activities.

[208]  1. Provide more electronic-based communications. 2. Provide increased analysis of USMA-related national issues. This seems to have increased over the past few years, and I believe that it is a crucial step in keeping graduates informed when a hostile administration is in office.

[209]  not sure

[210]  As stated earlier, more career info for graduates seeking employment

[211]  Provide a support function of providing job listing. Local societies are beginning these efforts.

[212]  Form a PAC, to be voluntarily supported by concerned members of the Association. Employ the PAC to lobby on behalf of USMA, particularly in the area of justifying an adequate level of federal funding. Take positions on other public issues which impact the health of the military academy and the welfare of the armed forces. Keep members advised of pending legislation and congressional positions on matters affecting USMA. By the time I found out about the abolition of the RA commission, the mandate for civilian faculty, the downsizing of the active Army, and other adverse government actions, it was too late to do anything. Advocate the restoration of the draft, Universal Military Training, strengthened national defense. Take a look at VFW positions and emulate them!

[213]  Would have to write a thesis. The problem, as I see it, is that AOG is important to USMA because it is a source of $$ for projects which are not funded from Appropriated funds. If AOG did not do this, the powers to be at USMA would pretty much ignore the association. On the other hand, since $$ is what makes AOG important, AOG concentrates on that role and not on other roles which could be undertaken. Those roles could include social programs to assist former graduates in dire straits, support of prep schools which could prepare students for USMA, and a dozen of other social benefit programs. As long as AOG concentrates on fund raising for glitz programs for USMA and not on programs to support graduates, the association will lose support from many of the graduates.

[214]  Have more independent actions other than those apparently driven by USMA leadership.

[215]  BETTER REPRESENT THE GRADUATES IN THEIR RELATIONS WITH WEST POINT AND IN PARTICULAR THE SUPERINTENDANT

[216]  KEEP US INFORMED OF IMPORTANT EVENTS, SUCH AS THE NON-COMMISSIONING OF GRADUATED CADETS TO REGUOAR ARMY STATUS AND THE USE OF A FEMALE AS "MASTER OF THE SWORD" WHO NEVER COMMANDED A BATTALION.

[217]  WORK TO RETURN WP TO ALL MALE AND ONLY COMBAT BRANCH REQ

[218]  addressed in item 15

[219]  Minimize solicitations; allow graduates to decide when, and what, they can contribute.

[220]  See my response to #15. This in combination with the AOG's present operation and goals, meets my expectations.

[221]  I like what they have been doing but I would add, spending some long term effort on promoting USMA nationally. Given the lack of a draft and a national emergency requiring service, I think few Americans (except for WWII and Korean War Vets)know what USMA is all about. This will take some planning and sustained effort (10-20 years).

[222]  See cmts in 16

[223]  Help West-Point.Org when necessary.

[224]  If it doesn't already, the AOG could sponsor research into the role and effectiveness of the military academy.

[225]  Do a better job of PR for USMA in the civilian community.

[226]  Simplify the funding situation so that anyone can understand it. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.

[227]  Beef up transition assistance and bringing reality to infrastructure demands from USMA.

[228]  Support the current goals with a stronger emphasis on Army athletics.

[229]  Make it as easy as possible for graduates to contact/communicate with each other at any time.

[230]  See above statement.

[231]  spend less money sending me travel brochures

[232]  See my responses above

[233]  Provide more networking activities

[234]  More help for class reunions - templates for hotel contracts, transportation contracts, etc.

[235]  Plus speak up in the maintenance of traditions.

[236]  More emphasis on member assistance wiht job placement and search. This is an area which has improved dramatically recently and needs continued emphasis.

[237]  It would advertise the kinds of things an AOG can do to further the goals and objectives of the class committees and it would do a better job of letting its membership know what is going on on the political from and how its membership can help.

[238]  and minor expansion in electronic medium and support network

[239]  Comit more resources to the internet as the primary means of communication, sales, service, fundraising, and promotions of special events or deals for AOG members.

[240]  Include the Total Army in it's program - Active, Guard, Reserve and Civilian. See my comments at question 16.

[241]  Business relationships- graduates are spread throughout large and small organizations. Coordinating and pooling assets / resources would benefit all.

[242]  See previous comments. AOG also needs to lobby in support of USMA and its graduates in Washington. AOG has latent political power, but doesn't appear to be using it.

[243]  Work Congress to get adequate funding to support USMA. There is too much fund raising for things graduates should not have to support.

[244]  Report on unstated policy factors that drive some Academy decisions.

[245]  quietly and effectively network

[246]  Help the Academy and the Army leadership get back on track in inculcating a spirit of selfless vs selfish service in the cadets. Get the cadets focused back on fundamental leadership training at the platoon level instead of training them to be little league war college graduates solving national security policy problems. Help remind the Army and the nation that USMA exists to supply a core of professional soldiers, disciplined in thought, word, and deed, and is not an alternative to ROTC and OCS. The academy is a unique institution. Making it look and behave like a mainstream college is not in the best interests of the nation.

[247]  Assist more graduate networking.

[248]  More corporate contributions and fund raising. Building a substanstial endowment (professionally managed)

[249]  See answer to #16. Cadet relationships should be fostered in addition to the other relationships that are described.

[250]  How about "To enhance the support of USMA by graduate classes with improved communications on USMA activies and issues." "To facilitate increased levels of support for USMA from individual graduates and graduate classes." "To act as a source of information on areas of USMA outreach for interested graduates, and to facilitate such activities."

[251]  Focus on involvement and communication with alumni to support USMA and less on "the official party line."

[252]  It's a fine organization, and you're doing well. What I'd like, I cannot have--an activist organization which can assist the anti-West Point factions.

[253]  The AOG should stop being a blank mouthpiece for the Superintendent. You support him blindly. Usma is greater than any superintendent and some of the politicians that have recently been called sups deserve nothing but disdain. Look at that old retired idiot riding the mule at the recent A/N game and lok at the present sup for letting him ride it.

[254]  More job assistance services

[255]  I'm generally satisfied with AOG but I'll have more suggestions in a month or so. See #16.

[256]  Basically, the organization should strive to accomplish two things - 1. Support the needs of USMA. 2. Support the needs of graduates. In doing this, the AOG must stay focused but also flexible in order to meet changing needs. I am not sure that this is being accomplished in the most efficient manner.

[257]  Wow- The AOG could sponsor internationally-recognized conferences and forums relating to -- --The War on Drugs --Terrorism --Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons Proliferation --Regional Issues, including US leadership interests in the third world, China, Russia, and others by country These conferences might be held annually at West Point, in the summer, with primary accomodations available in a much-refurbished Thayer Hotel, with West Point recreational (boat rides, golf, theatre, historical tours, hikes etc) and Conference Hall facilities (Thayer, Eisenhower etc) available to all participants. West Point could become an international defense center of intellectual retreat similar to Chatauqua in scope and attitude. The conferences should be apolitical and while on government property, they should not have formal US-government sponsorship and should be self-funding. -- you asked.

[258]  See response to Q15. Separate AOG and West Point Fund. Be an organization with a marked degree of separation from the USMA administration, an independent voice for graduates.

[259]  Continue to help graduates find civilian jobs after leaving the military

[260]  See above.

[261]  Provide more gift items for sale.

[262]  see above

[263]  Communicate more often through e-mail/Internet Update board more frequently Create chat areas???

[264]  Do a better job of obtaining public support for the Service Academies. Promote National service and recruit the best and the brightest to go to the instituition.

[265]  fix my summery data in the register of graduates#41811 Also need a better method of accessing the class homepages, the access codes that I was using stopped working.

[266]  Assist graduates in career assistance, regardless of whether they are on active duty or not. Also, reunions need more help from AOG. We need a new and bigger hotel. It would be nice to have better accommondations on post for reunions.

[267]  AOG should get out of the business of soliciting contributions to capital improvements at USMA. The proper Military Academy for the USA is the one that the people and Congress are willing to support. The Academy administration, and the Army headquarters, should adjust their plans so that operations, maintenance and capital improvement expenditures correspond to the level that the people will support. One obvious possibility is to reduce the size of the Corps of Cadets, commensurate with reductions in the active duty force.

[268]  Be an honest means of feedback to the USMA administration on its activities. For example, I am highly incensed about the Supe inviting the self-admitted Communist Pete Seeger to address the Cadets on "Freedom". We have many distinguished graduates who could serve this function better than the aged hippie. What is the world is this "with-it" Supe doing to the Academy? Where has been the AOG in this kind of nonesense? Going along with "It is not appropriate for the AOG to comment at this time." When if not now?

[269]  See #16 - Also - more activily lobby in the political arena to see that USMA and its graduates are protected politically/legislatively.

[270]  Authorize my receipt of a Cl'78 class ring, in that my separation from the Academy was precipitated by a catastrophic parachuting accident (Yearling year), and therefore wholly involutary and undesired. Still hurts (the separation AND the ankle).

[271]  I would like to access a list of classmate e-mail addresses.

[272]  Provide more interface with the civilian employment community, particularly in the career transition arena, for mid-term (5 to 15 years) officers who separate from active duty.

[273]  see anwer to question #19

[274]  see above

[275]  AOG in my limited association with it seems to be doing what I expect. I just don't care for the proposed goals.

[276]  See above

[277]  Switch roles from a USMA fund raising body to a graduate service organization. AOG should facilitate fund raising for USMA but not be focused on it. My primary impression of AOG since graduation has been "Send us your money!"

[278]  Don't know enough to answer this one.

[279]  1.Discourage personnel from leaving the Army prior to the end of their obligation. 2.Not advertise JO searches in the Assembly.

[280]  Ibid

[281]  Help more in the transition from active duty to private sector

[282]  Your buttons do not work to let one change directions. AOG would have an active role in promoting USMA and the military as necessary and successful institutions in the future of the U.S.

[283]  improve the co-ordination with local societies---impementing aog programs could be vastly enhanced by utilizing the leadership of the local societies

[284]  1. Focus on Alumni: Where they are and what they are doing. 2. Social functions that facilitate support to USMA. 3. Focus on Cadets: Who they are, what they are doing, and where they are going. 4. Quarterly USMA Status reporting on: Personnel Logistics Training Budget. 4. Quarterly AOG Status reporting on: Personnel Logistics Training Budget.

[285]  Keep the assmebly. keep the webpages. Keep on post services. Increase ties between prospective cadets, cadets and graduates. Increase post army job help.

[286]  I would like better information on how to get tickets for Army games and the Army-Navy game. (ie, phone numbers, email address, etc.) I also think it might be interesting to open links up between cadets and active (online) officers to help the transition process from cadet life to military life.

[287]  Support the development of a strong bond and communication between all members and associates to the long grey line.

[288]  See Above. With the cold war behind us, more and more graduates are going to be forced to or choose to live a non-military life. The AOG should represent these graduates as equally well as it does those that remain in the military.

[289]  Make USMA a MILITARY Academy again!!!! Faculty should be young officers from COMBAT arms!!

[290]  Can't say I really know. The alumni association at the school from which I just retired as Dean (16 yrs there, 27 in Army but you didn't give me 2 choices back on that question), seems mainly involved in raising funds for scholarships, loans and such - and sticking its nose into how the school should be run since they, as hallowed graduates, are therefore experts on the subject. And naturally, the usual attitude is that the school HAS! Sounds familiar. I think keeping track of graduates and keeping them informed about the "old school" - in a neutral manner - might be the AOG's best function. I have little interest in (expensive) cruises and buying expensive souvenirs.

[291]  The AOG often seems like an organization of the few, rather than a place for all graduates. I think that it's purpose(s) are too hazy and members are not embraced as a group. Rather, a select group runs it and determines its future. I think this needs to change somehow. I have never seen anything that says how AOG Board Members are selected/chosen ... maybe I didn't read the fine print somewhere.

[292]  Current activities plus... Step up the "networking" among former alumnists. Use the internet and email capabilities to better network alumnists who seek employment in certain specialty areas that may be in demand. Develop inter-networks among differing vocation areas-- DoD-related as well as purely commercial enterprises. Doing this would help stimulate post-military employment opportunities for alumnists, and would have a highly favorable impact on member appreciation and loyalty to the AOG.

[293]  Actively inform me of activities via e-mail.

[294]  Do current work. Add the three goals I have listed.

[295]  Grads and AOG both need to be more aggressive in maintaining locations/addresses of grads.

[296]  I would like to see the AOG make a little more effort to reocgnize that many of us spent our careers in the Air Force, not the Army. It is difficult to remain enthused about contributing to the West Point Fund or whatever when everything I see in writing from the AOG or the Academy itself is Army, Army, Army, and never a mention of those of us who served (or even are currently serving) in the Air Force. I feel like I don't exist as far as West Point is concerned. I believe the AOG and West Point are being very parochial and shortsighted to foster that kind of an attitude.

[297]  probably to put more effeort in ensuring a smooth transition from the military life to the civilian professional life and to provide better networking opportunities for grads in the civilian professional world.

[298]  become more politically active.

[299]  As it is currently doing PLUS the function stated in Question 16.

[300]  Focus more on alumni support groups.

[301]  Further enhance the communication between graduates of the same class; Improve the information data base of each graduate and make an additional effort in locating missing graduates

[302]  Be more involved in the mission of USMA.

[303]  Become active in lobbying for a strong and continuing military academy. I feel that the very concept of government-run military academies and even perhaps the whole military structure are under attack.

[304]  Establish a program for the WP of the second millennium, with clear, measureable objectives that the graduates can get behind and enthusiastically support.

[305]  NOT FORGET THAT GRADUATES SERVED IN MORE THAN JUST THE ARMY!

[306]  Fight some of the politically correct decisions that have been made. Such as no RA Commission on graduation and women attending the academy etc.

[307]  According to the goals and comments above.

[308]  More support to DCA.

[309]  More real personal interaction..Don't feel they really care except about $$$

[310]  assist graduates in career, both military and civil

[311]  Class newsletters by e-mail. Could use some fresh class news (there's only news about the same small group of people, which is why I no longer subscribe to the Assembly).

[312]  Speak out strongly when West Point ideals are compromised at USMA. [see below *]

[313]  As mentioned, develop this unique relationship with other service academies.

[314]  Establish presence in the media! In all of the nationally televised games that I have seen, I noticed that important facts about the players' lifestyles, accomplishments and career plans are almost always missed! How often do we hear that a star player may have gone elsewhere because their understanding of USMA was vague when they were being recruited? Recruiting the best will be a lot easier if the public knows about the mission of USMA and its rich history of contribution to the Nation. Leo Rodriguez

[315]  I am uncomfortable with the recent emphasis on raising funds, especially now that such a large portion of all gifts just goes into fund raising.

[316]  Since AOG seems to be unable, or unwilling to create a more advanced version of what west-point.org has been able to do very cost effectively, attracting nearly 10,000 graduates, then AOG should contract with the seperate non-profit Organization to carry out its technological communications functions on a stable, financially secure basis. I believe it could be done better, cheaper, and more technologically advanced than could AOG internally.

[317]  Focus on making the U.S. Army a source of pride for Joe Q. Public, the best fighting army in the world, and not the employer of last resort.

[318]  Provide to each class treasurer, on a regular basis and in generally accepted format, financial account statements that show transactions and balances for all class accounts administered by the AOG (e.g., gift, administrative, endowment).

[319]  Put a little more thought into what it offers to sell as fund-raising items. I'd be happy to explain in detail.

[320]  Put Assembly on line. While this would probably be the demise of the hard copy, it would be much more functional. Imagine being able to search for specific's on classmates, events, etc. It could still be funded by a subscription service. The reason I do not subscribe to the Assembly is the bulk of the magizines. On line submission of information for articles etc.

[321]  I would like to see more attention paid to the graduate that returns on an occasional weekend. For example, I returned after 10 years with my family of 4 and was told I needed tickets to sit in the reviewing stands at the Sat Parade. No one said where or how to get them. We finally were admitted after the parade had started. I fault myself for not doing a proper recon; however, it would be nice to have a check list for persons like myself to do prior to the visit. I was a little embarassed that I could not get seats by just showing my ring.

[322]  Not sure what else.

[323]  Pay more attention to the average grad. We should respect our "stars", but we sure the heck overdo it!

[324]  Separate itself from WPF

[325]  Reduce fund drives to once a year. I receive mailings year around, and recommend you have a single campaign (possibly timed to match United Way) so that supporters would give it more thought and consideration.

[326]  Continue / improve lobbying efforts with leadership to ensure the continued success of the Academy.

[327]  Unite graduates as a politically viable lobby group to bring political pressure to bear in all political districts. Take the AOG out of the antiquated era of a social organization and unite its graduates into a viable political force in all alumni's walks of life (private enterprise, commercial, military, industrial, retired,..) to create a strong political voice against the countries current trends of immorality, corruption, dishonesty, and socialism. In this way can the alumni of West Point be a considerable service to returning this country to a freedom loving democracy rather than an orverregulated socialist police state the U.S. is rapidly becomming.

[328]  Keep doing what it is doing, but keep striving to cut overhead, thus maximizing the amount of gifts and money available to the Academy and cadet programs.

[329]  Allowing grads returning to West Point to be treated differently (access & parking) than the general public. The AOG pays lip-service to this end but the reality of it when you actually visit the AOG at West Point is zero! If there are or ever were parking passes, they're not "available."

[330]  Get closer to its "constituents" by being more "in tune'" with its needs and desires. Improve its image of being a bureaucratic self-serving group with a questionable charter, by improving its communications with the Graduates.

[331]  More independent and less tied to the current Academy leadership (ie, Dean and Supt). Because the Supt has such influence in the AOG, the AOG is an extension of the Academy's administration and, therefore, cannot adequately represent the opinions/desires of all graduates.

[332]  I have been working this past year with a local company to improve the design and production of the AOG mail order catalog. First reports this fall indicate initial success. Therefore, I just want us to continue to build on that success to raise sales from the catalog even further in the years ahead.

[333]  Provide greater contact with former honorably released non-graduate cadets

[334]  promote reduction of land mines around the world.

[335]  Help arrest government erosion of the USMA ideal

[336]  Stop catering to the wealthy (eg Al Dunlap) in publications such as Assembly. Make maximum use of cost-effective email to reach and hear from all, not just those who can afford to travel to board meetings several times a year.

[337]  Become more politically active

[338]  Be specific in what it is trying to get its membership to do and support.

[339]  Maintain closer contact with Graduates and more importantly, provide regional contacts so that gradutes who move can be placed in contact with graduates living in that area.

[340]  Don't have sufficient information

[341]  Currently doing a good job. Would, however, like to see more information on civilian jobs available with USMA graduates currently in the corporate business world.

[342]  I would want the AOG to be the benchmark for Harvard and Texas A&M on how to do fund raising and getting 100% participation from all graduates of USMA. I would want all grads to be connected by listservers for instant communications. I would want AOG to stay out of all commercial activities that are readily available to all grads at equal or cheaper rates. I might want to have dues collected annually if there was a service being provided that made it worthwhile. I like the AFA model for dues collections from cadets over their four years to be life members by the time they graduate and that might be about $400 in escrow at the AOG for each commissioned graduate.

[343]  Continue to facilitate keeping up with Classmates

[344]  Increase information to graduates on transition to civilian life and networking among the various graduates. Every time I go on active duty (I am in the USAR) I am struck by how many young graduates still on active duty want to know "what it is like in civilian life". Their wives in particular want to know more about opportunities "on the other side".

[345]  1. The AOG is doing a terrific job. No doubt about it. 2. Areas in which the AOG could help follow: a. I have felt disconnected from fellow alumni mostly because I do not who they are. The local chapter did send me a list about three years after I arrived in Oregon but I think that the AOG could, albeit at some cost, send out lists of alumni in each graduates area. Permission would have to be obtained for release of such information I suppose but I think it would be useful for communications and networking to just know of and have the opportunity to get together with fellow graduates. 2. The AOG could encourage alumni to get involved in specific activites such as the MALO program or sitting on the admissions committees of representatives and senators or whatever else has been useful. I found out what could be done by asking what could be done. If I had known what could be done, perhaps I would have volunteered sooner. 3. I think the academies need to work together and the alumni and alumni organizations need to support that. The civilians I work with do not differentiate between the service academies - all are good, or bad. We should serve a common cause. How can we do that? (1) I would appreciate knowing who all the service academy graduates in my area are. Why not? We have done something others have not. Why not join together and celebrate that once in awhile? Perhaps we can learn from what others are doing. (2) When I have worked with the MALO program I have made information on the other service academies available to candidates and I believe that my apparent willingness to put the interests of the applicants ahead of any parochial bias increased my credibility and served USMA better.

[346]  1. Help to unite graduates and families through meaningful civil activities in each area. 2. Take the focus off recruitment and money for athletics and help future classes to have the best citizenry in their ranks, not just the hottest athletes. This includes getting out into the junior highs and high schools and making USMA a real choice for all the students. Fund visits from cadets to junior highs and high schools (which is also good for the cadets -- public speaking, poise, preparation, to name a few needed skills). 3. AOG can work with local churches, Lodges, civic groups and get cadets to work with youth, community groups, maybe on projects like building houses in poor communities, and other programs designed to do actual good in the communities, while promoting the image and values of USMA. 4. Stop begging members for funding. Use the ingenuity of the members to come up with fund raising events that may also serve number 3. above.

[347]  See above statement.

[348]  What it is currently doing, AND provide assistance for placement, etc. for those in civilian life.

[349]  See comments in question 16. I've not worked closely with the AOG recently. Reunion support, big picture summaries of the challenges and strategies of the academy and its future are of special interest. Also of importance is information about the underlying values and principles that set the direction of the academy: leadership, interpersonal communications, the honor system, the mission of the academy, and the academic program. I find it always comforting that someone in key leadership at the academy continually emphasizes such items as Schofield's Definition of Discipline -- especially in these times when tough talk, demeaning behaviors, and degrading rituals not only what we read and see in contempory movies and news media. Unfortunately the military is the top news stories in these events. I suggest the AOG sustain candid communications with the alumni to help us think through these trying events.

[350]  have not heard of any other doing what ours is

[351]  Recruit future cadets from former cadets.

[352]  They're so far away from here, and I'm so busy just working and being a dad these days....they have almost zero impact on my life.

[353]  Keep better status of Class activities, events, and information -- and stay open better hours at West Point -- especially on weekends when most grads and families are there (for sports, weekend trips, etc.). Been there twice in last several years (football game and visit) and both times the AOG building (pretty as it is from the OUTSIDE) was closed.

[354]  Focus on maintaining USMA's excellent reputation in the public and private sector by publicizing the achievments if its graduates.

[355]  Obviously, an imperfect organization isn't going to succeed by continuing to do what it's doing. At the moment, though, I don't have any deep thoughts about what I'd like to see changed. I'll never tell an organization to "keep doing what it's doing," though...that's suicide for any organization.

[356]  More direct support of the classes, functions and reunionoins, and assistance finding jobs

[357]  Plus: Serve the needs of its graduates first, then the Academy...it is the A O GRADUATES Focus more money on promoting USMA to the American Public...they have little knowledge about USMA....the Marine Corps and the 82nd have better PR campaigns then USMA

[358]  Represent graduates. Provide information to the grads about USMA re changes and/or proposed changes and be an avenue of communication to the Academy Admin relative to the grads concerns about such changes. The AOG should be an advocate for grads, not the admin to grads.

[359]  Separate fund raising from AOG activities.

[360]  AOG is doing alot of great stuff, esp. the communications that have been established using the internet. However, I get the impression from that AOG's primary focus is on raising money for for USMA. In my opinion, this is a major turn off.

[361]  Provide an effective job assistance program to graduates no longer on active duty. Include grads willing to help other grads.

[362]  Give inputs to the Academy to return to the original purpose for the founding of the Academy.

[363]  Focus more on graduates. AOG is an alumni organization that seems to be functioning more like any other USMA department. AOG members should be the focus of the organization!

[364]  Reverse the destructive focus on winning intercollegiate athletics, have all medically qualified graduates enter the combat arms, eliminate women, return to a "General" BS without major and with attendant required increase in number of academic hours.

[365]  I do not use much from AOG at this time.

[366]  Try to harness the engergy of the graduates a bit better. The key is getting us the information on what is going on at West Point and what is needed. AOG is a tremendous organization though, and I applaud your efforts in general, and specifically for sending this survey out. Makes us all part owners!!!

[367]  The AOG seems to be completely absorbed in fund raising as its primary mission. I would prefer that it concentrate on doing everything it can to produce leaders, particularly combat leaders, for the Army. We seem to be trying to emulate Siwash U. rather than retaining and fostering the uniqueness that is, or maybe was, West Point.

[368]  More active in employment initiatives like SACC (where I as able to land my current job).

[369]  Provide input to Congress on DOD cutbacks and base closings.

[370]  See #16

[371]  See above. The concentration on admissions is nice, but one of the drawing cards of any institution is how well it takes care of its own. The AOG needs to focus on the needs of its members, or risk losing their attention (and funds) to other institutions. (I get a lot more non-fundraising mail from my graduate school than I do from West Point.)

[372]  Do more things that physically benefit the membership. Eliminate these vauge and nebulous goals and establish some concrete objectives. This goal list looks like something come up with by a bunch of people trying to justify their own jobs.

[373]  I know that lobbying for preservation of earned retirement benefits would jeopardize your tax-exempt status. I haven't had time to think about this but I would like to see you find a way to help us.

[374]  Better use of alumni networking

[375]  We need to help bring the Academy back to basics in training new cadets and plebes. Read latest letter from class of 89 Grad...he says what a lot of us feel.

[376]  See above comments. In addition, the AOG is an extension of all of us. However, I rarely have the opportunity to give input. In those few instances when I did provide input, I did not feel that the past AOG management took it seriously unless it fit into their own agenda.

[377]  Provide info about Academy activities that is not the standard USMA propaganda.

[378]  dont bother me for money

[379]  Be more responsive to graduates. Provide better financial reports on: a. AOG Operations, and, b. on funds held for various classes.

[380]  Get a professional development staff and get on with providing financial supoport to USMA.

[381]  See Comments in 15 above ... recognizing that AOG cannot DIRECTLY control, nonetheless, AOG should influence however to return COMBAT and CAREER emphasis to USMA! I firmly believe that that's the ONLY way WP can sustain sufficient uniqueness to survive as conceived (and, AS OPERATED from about 1802 through the tragic mid-1970s). That the $ to operate WP as is could be FAR BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENTLY spent in an enhanced ROTC program is an increasingly difficult argument to refute!

[382]  Quit the big promotion and concentrate on developing leaders and on surviving

[383]  Ensure that USMA produces leaders who will contribute directly to the nation's military security and that the public undertstands and supports that effort.

[384]  A mechanism that when you visit WP a sense that you belong. Last visit there I could not show my kids or family anything that was not a tourist site. When you visit you get the impression that AOG and WP Funding is the primary goal for grads not being welcomed back into the fold.

[385]  Possibly provide a better base for assisting Graduates find post-service employment. I realize that the AOG is performing this role, but it would seem beneficial (especially in today's Army) for the many Graduates if the AOG could serve as a focal point for employment opportunities. I believe that this would be a more modern approach for the current USMA Graduates. This would also assist these Graduates in giving a "lifetime of service to our nation."

[386]  all and see 16

[387]  see above

[388]  create a networking forum for graduates and enhance it's job transition services

[389]  Play a greater role in the military leadership program at the academy (e.g. changes to the fourth class system).

[390]  In addition to the goals outlined would like AOG act as watchdog of WP environment: to insure it doesn't become a victim of the Clinton era of politicized military missions and goals.

[391]  Come off the professional fund raiser trend. The US government does, after all, pay most of the proper expenses.

[392]  Better support of class fund raising efforts such as print sales, even if the sales organization is not the preference of AOG.

[393]  Convey as candidly as possible rationale for dealing with burning issues that bother graduates; ie, RA Commissions; possible reduction in emphasis on combat leadership as the core purpose of USMA.

[394]  What it is currently doing and... Accept the large number of National Guard and Reserve Officers who are graduates as an example of continuing service to the nation. Your block options above (see question 5 above) continue to display bias against the Guard & Reserve Officers who are USMA grads. Simple rhetorical question, whould you rather have your Reserve and National Guard heavily officered by USMA Grads with all the correct schooling, or by others with indifferent schooling and officer training. If you believe in your product, shouldn't it work as well in the reserve forces?

[395]  in addition, getmore than 3 first downs against navy

[396]  Simply, be more understanding and responsive to "dumb" questions of returning grads with a desire to communicate.

[397]  Keep up the good work!!! I am particularly encouraged by the added emphasis on "reaching out" to the grads and the Societies.

[398]  Recommend that AOG really get into marketing graduates in the career transition phase of their life. We can't soldier our entire lives, and a government retirement check is not something most prospective cadets consider very seriously. I would suspect that if candidates could see first hand how valuable their sacrifices paid off (in salary), it would really benefit recruitment of the top high school graduates. After graduation these quality officers could serve as long as their careers remain viable, knowing that their AOG was really in there assisting with career transition. Think of ways to do more!

[399]  Provide some sort of career advisory service for graduates, both for those on and not on active duty.

[400]  More emphasis on getting grads involved and informed about what is happening to the Corps of Cadets, and USMA programs across the board. Less emphasis on raising money! We need to get Congressional and DA support for what we need at USMA. The other Academys got appropiated money from what I understand. USMA must also. The more we try to raise money separately, the less likely we will get Congressional approval for appropriated funds.

[401]  See response to 16

[402]  Promote pride in West Point without strings (gift giving - recruiting - sales of related items). Strengthen local Societies. Open house for grads at home games. Some type of booth at away games promote West Point and serve as focal point for grads.

[403]  In addition to its present tasks, develop an efficient placement system.

[404]  See 16. Also, there is a pervasive lack of integrity in industry and business today. There is a need to provide multiple ways for West Pointers and grads of other service academies to dramatically raise the recognition of the importance of character and integrity in leadership. This is a hugely important issue in all parts of our society.

[405]  It would do what its stated goals are; this is markedly different than what it is currently doing.

[406]  Strong efforts by AOG to restore RA commissions to graduates.

[407]  Better facilitate post-active duty emplyment.

[408]  More in direct support of the institution

[409]  Support more job placement help for grads.

[410]  Publish a list of contacts in certain regions which may be able to help officers transfer to civil occupations that are compatible with their military leadership abilities.

[411]  See above

[412]  Do more to promote the ideals of West Point. This may seem hard to do given that the mission of West Point is to commission officers to serve in the Army. Most of the more active AOG members are not in the Army. With the army drawdown, retention of West Point officers is quite low for some classes. AOG and the local societies now provide valuable career transition services. That has to be a delicate balancing act of offering needed assistance but still supporting an institution that has the goal of producing career officers. Secondly, the academy mission mentions "a lifetime of service to the nation". That needs to be stressed more. Once we leave military service, our service hasn't ended. I'd like to see AOG somehow help lead efforts to promote lifetime of service to the nation, whatever capacity one chooses to do so. Don't have an answer of how to do it but need to look at it.

[413]  The AOG should support the Military Academy by keeping graduates informed of changes taking place and what is happening as far as mission accomplishment in an unbiased manner.

[414]  Foster the development of the AOG as a far more fraternal organization where the bonds of graduates both personally AND professionally can be fostered.

[415]  Find a way to simplify the workings and priorities of the AOG to us who are not there on a daily basis.

[416]  Become a better conduit for information flow. They have don A LOT already (this is an example), but we need to make info less compartmented to make the flow meaningful. Then, AOG can organize the info for us, and present it in some meaningful context that will focus our efforts and maximize the time we have to devote to the efforts. AOG can also highlight issues of relevance to the Academy and its future and help the membership find ways to be helpful in addressing those issues.

[417]  I would add more focus on character development programs. It was the most important thing I learned while at West Point. How I would do this, I really don't know. I would put more funding towards Honor and Character building experiences for Cadets.

[418]  - Aggressively network for graduates seeking new or different jobs

[419]  Help support a West Point Medical Association for graduates who have become physicians

[420]  Put pressure on the Academy to stop trying to be "soft" like the rest of society in the name of "modern progress," and rather the Academy should stay tough, follow the older fashioned ideals that has made generations of great leaders for our nation.

[421]  Actively pursue the reccommended added goal.

[422]  What it is doing plus more emphasis on keeping classmates and graduates communicating and in contact through more local activities.

[423]  "join hands" between the past grads and present in instilling what it means to be a graduate; that handoff of experience was the most valuable and interesting to me as a cadet and the most lacking when i talk to the older classes Duke and other universities mobilize their associations to support job searches, networking, etc. we need to be significantly better at that. TD Decker, 1981, had some great ideas but think no one listened.

[424]  same answer as above plus deimphasize fund raising. Too much staff, jquit worrying about providing the staff with world's greatest benefit package.

[425]  Communicate more and better with us grads. Frankly, info is scarce.

[426]  see 15

[427]  do more, from West Point, to assist graduates transition to civilian life

[428]  I believe that the networking for USMA has dwindled through the years. I firmly believe that we should revive the networking. As an example, I believe that Jewish people do an excellent job networking amongst one another as well as providing for their own i.e. giving business to each other, contacts, etc. USMA should be able to do this and the AOG could be instrumental in fostering these types of activities.

[429]  See comments under question 16.

[430]  Prevail upon Congress & the Administration for the necessary funding to keep USMA a top notch institution!

[431]  see above. I am too old to benefit now but it would have been very helpful earlier in my civilian career.

[432]  Support more athletic team functions (actual sporting events--home and away)

[433]  Provide better [more usable] support to local societies, by routinely providing ACCURATE geographical mailing data. ZIP codes are not reliable. Recent graduates are frequently identified by their parents' address. I started keeping my own data base, but found the effort to exceed the value.

[434]  Do more to network grads to find gainful employment after retirement from active service.

[435]  I would have AOG perform more active lobbying of Congress and the Executive Branch to reinstate the Regular Army Commission for Graduates of USMA. As it is, with USMA graduates receiving a Reserve commission upon graduation, USMA has a difficult time justifying its existence.

[436]  Asssist grads with obtaining medical coverages, insurance coverages, investments, cel phone group rates, etc.

[437]  If there were enough manpower, having the local societies be supported by, and be an adjunct of, the AOG itself.

[438]  I do not know the balance AOG currently has re Corps Squad/Club/Intramural sports and just clubs in general. Although I was a Corps Squad athlete, at the time I attended WP I did not feel that there was a balance. I felt that Corps Squad athletics spent more per person than many other, worthwhile, activities. This may already be addressed, but it did not "jump out" at me when I read the goals.

[439]  See comments above-it is important to take care of cadets while they are at the Academy and to continue to monitor their careers while on active duty.

[440]  I haven't really used it yet, but I would really like assistance in transitioning into the civilian world from the military life.

[441]  see above responses.

[442]  See above

[443]  1. Provide services to prospective Cadets. 2. Provide services to Cadets. 3. Provide services to graduates on Active Duty. 4. Provide services to graduates out of Army. 5. Provide services to retirees.

[444]  no current response

[445]  Try and voice the graduates concerns more forcefully to the administration at West Point (i.e new changes that have dramatically changed the way they do business)

[446]  Solicit articles from graduates for Assembly magazine related to business issues and graduates success in business or community service. More and more of us are fighting battles in the "new economony."

[447]  Provide more support for graduates who are civilians.

[448]  Provide more services re: emplyment opportunites seek feedback ( like this) using e-mail,as it wil be increasingly used, and will be the best way to get the feedback.

[449]  Although AOG has recently begun to realize that all grads will eventually become civilians, some sooner than others, I have seen little recognition of the fact that many grads continue to serve in the Reserves or National Guard. Any information or assistance for these grads would be of much assistance.

[450]  Again the AOG has come a L O N G way in recent years. The means for open discussion are getting in place; the information that the Alumni need to participate in these dicussions is being disseminated; we now need to find a way to get the Alumni to read this information so that they have a accurate basis for their opinions and discussion. Again, we need to promote the Assembly, E-Mail, etc. for all our Army family.

[451]  More networking for job opportunities. More assistance to civilian world because of the military drawdown. I think more graduates are being forced to go into the civilian world than at any other time in USMA's history and the AOG should be a part of meeting this challenge.

[452]  Get my Assembly & Register distributed in a timely manner. Keep me informed of issues effecting our common interests (of USMA). Stop badgering me for contributions. My priorities lie elsewhere, as in starving and needy children.

[453]  See answer to Q15.

[454]  Develop a Professional Development program for Active Duty Graduates who wish to remain in the army...Perhaps a AOG Professional Development Bulletin.

[455]  Get behind graduates who are waging individual lawsuits to get state governments to comply with their own state statutes, rather than letting career bureaucrats interpret the laws to suit their own political purposes. It seems that USMA graduates are in some instances a minority that is discriminated against by administrative agencies that choose to interpret the law to suit their own agendas when it comes to matters of hiring, career progression and retirement benefits. Part of the problem appears to be ignorance of facts of law, inconsistent application of laws and resentment of military benefits earned by USMA graduates.

[456]  see above

[457]  See 16

[458]  The AOG as it exists has much to offer to support the Academy in the "real world." I suggest more be done to actively exercise that support.

[459]  Promote graduates and assist them in employment and search for employment

[460]  A little more P.R. See question #16

[461]  Take a greater role in assisting the Army with it's enlisted recruiting mission. Enlisted end-strength is at risk this year and the Society's across america could do much to help recruiter's penetrate the market.

[462]  Add a member service program. Lobby congress on behalf of West Point and West Point Grads.

[463]  Be more active in recruiting qualified candidates for admission

[464]  See response to 16 above.

[465]  Help influence the administration to not make the experience too easy, too politically correct and not focused enough to produce graduates who will serve longer and better in the Army.

[466]  see above.

[467]  See 16 above. Focus on graduate networking to help each other out.

[468]  job networking very important in many ways

[469]  Whatever it does, it shouldn't be obtrusive and force itself into my private life.

[470]  I have been disappointed with the effort made by the AOG to get local society officers in touch with graduates new to a geopgraphic area. I have move twice since retiring and have had to search out contact and still have not found it here in Gainesville FL. My contact wiht the AOG office said there wasn't a local society for my ZIP Code and suggested starting my own. Not a great response.

[471]  Lobby Congress for benefit of USMA

[472]  Goal 3 in the 1997-99 goals should be goal 1.

[473]  See comments from 15 and 16

[474]  It appears to me, the AOG has focused primilary on helping officers make the transition into civilian life. This has been an admirable and necessary goal. However, the AOG should also focus on establishing a strong professional civilian (post Army)network similar to Harvard, Princeton , Duke etc...

[475]  Increase porgrams that focus on enhancing the lives of graduates themselves (in addition to the current support to USMA/AOG organizations and institutions).

[476]  Do not be overly influenced by a small number of very conservative (read that: "The Corps has...")graduates who beat you up on almost every issue via e-mail, phone, letter, etc. The Supe will do the right thing on most issues. Stay the course!

[477]  More for officers leaving the Army. As distasteful as it may be, the fact is that, in a downsizing Army, many West Pointers are leaving the Army and need help in a very competitive business environment.

[478]  Continue to foster USMA ideals and standards in its graduates. Publicize the accomplishments of graduates to the public.

[479]  Emphasize polling graduates for graduate opinions and thoughts. Interject graduate perspectives into current administration activity. WITHHOLD support for AOG-determined objectionable USMA activity.

[480]  Work more with assistance for career transition and graduate school programs. Perhaps by compiling a data base of graduates by what grad school they attended or what industry/companies they work for. The local society in New York does this, but perhaps one comprehensive listing would be better.

[481]  In addition to the services currently provided, I would encourage the AOG to facilitate business networking. Despite our cohesiveness in the military, USMA graduates in the civilian world do not network the way graduates of Harvard, Yale, Princeton and other Ivy League colleges network. Improved networking by graduates will create better access to job opportunities for those graduates who retire or resign from the Army.

[482]  Plus the networking database above described.

[483]  Support the fundamental characteristics on which the Academy was based even when it conflicts with the new vision of the institution's leaders.

[484]  Improve the services/attitudes at West Point during the reunion weekend. During my 20 year reunion I observed several instances of Academy staff being abrupt and aloof in dealing with the reunion classes. One staff CPT (ironically, from the class of 87) told me that they had been specifically instructed that the alumni were only allowed in select areas that the Academy staff must make sure we were kept within bounds. Most graduates only return to the academy every 5 years and during previous reunions I have had the feeling that the academy welcomed us back. At my October reunion there were no AOG-sponsored events that I am aware of (e.g. the saturday evening dinner in the mess hall), and the Academy seemed to been more concerned with keeping us under "control " than they did with allowing us to have a good reunion. If the Academy wants our support with fund raising, recruiting, and other activities, then I think they must be willing to accommodate us when we come back for our reunions.

[485]  Focus its primary emphasis on "the graduate" and secondary emphasis on "the institution". Often this emphasis is compatible. Sometimes it is not.

[486]  In addition to current activities provide a better explanation of the expansion of the WPF.

[487]  Generally, the AOG is doing a good job. I would like it to facilitate professional connections between graduates and aid in networking.

[488]  Support/sponsor a variety of small academic-related programs that offer more cadets opportunities to get involved. This could include visits to organizations/key leaders relevant to particular courses. Perhaps AOG could offer Ps a menu of what is available. Some grads may be able to sponsor cadet internships during the summer.

[489]

[490]  ADD ASSISTING GRADS

[491]  Focus much more on highly visible functions that take cadets, cadet organizations, and academy personnel out into the hinterlands. West Point must meet the people in their home towns. Once you could see the glee club perform on TV. Not anymore. I have worked 3 times with local groups to bring the glee club to my home town of Wayne, NJ. Twice I led this group. In 1997 the program was video taped and played repeatedly on community access TV. Other groups need to reach communities and schools. There is no substitute for personal contact.

[492]  It would be focused on bringing the alumni together to assist the school and what it stands for!

[493]  See my comments in question 16.

[494]  What it is currently doing, but more emphasis on the members as a group. Less on directed support to the Academy. A strong, well directed, and cohesive group will provide all the support the Academy needs, plus it will perpetuate and strengthen itself through its emphasis on helping each other.

[495]  Some classes have a good E-mail system/group that facilitates communications between members.If it works for some-the key should be to find the "Right" person in all classes and work with them to set it up.Currently-too muchnegative communications exist or else it is fund raising. Do something positive for the graduates--e.g., if TROA can have a job network-why can't the AOG?

[496]  See my comments in question 16.

[497]  1) More emphasis on soliciting support for women's sports. 2) More obvious assistance for post military life to include early retirement, and job hunting

[498]  Generate more interest amongst newer grads. Demonstrate a clear benefit to membership in a local society and donating time/money to the AOG.

[499]  1 - Promote the Academy to find more dedicated potential officers who want to serve 2 - Assist grads in finidng jobs 3 - Assist grads in networking for business purposes much like Notre Dame and the Ivy League 4 - Push for more and better local Societies 5 - Provide more guidance and support to local Societies

[500]  Less emphasis on AAA and more on clubs and other activities.

[501]  In the best of all worlds, and probably the most unlikely, provide stronger, more effective support for the appropriations process which determines USMA's yearly operating and capital expenditures budgets.

[502]  AOG management appears to be on a continuous expansion course. In a time of national budget reductions and downsizing AOG may need to take a hard look at all the activities it supports. I admit I do not have enough detailed information however AOG management expansion is an indicator.

[503]  The recent (5 years) changes have been in the right direction. Harvard and Yale have had a powerful AOG for decades and we should catch up quickly. More effort in getting the word out of the services you already provide would be constructive use of your time and effort.

[504]  Off the top of my head: - Help me maintain ties with other WP grads. - Help make new contacts for business and social purposes with other graduates. - Help get tickets to sporting events. - Communicate current state of the Academy -- accomplishments, needs, challenges, etc.

[505]  See comment above

[506]  More support for academy networking, and transition services. Better forum for discussion of academy issues, particularly w/ active component grads around the world. more effective lobby for academy interests with political decision makers.

[507]  Add a stronger program for networking and supporting members in transition to civilian life, and between civilian careers.

[508]  Aggressively push the networking of grads in support of folks looking for new jobs. Who works in which job fields, who is hiring, etc.

[509]  Be a major force in vocalizing to the graduated classes what changes the institution is undergoing and provide an even-handed explanation for why the changes are taking place. That may mean expanding your Public Affairs effort (with public defined as graduated classes) but is critical to the organization as a whole for some unbiased agent to pass along info to everyone affected/interested. If we can lessen the emotional Knee-jerk which long graduated classes experience when told about changes necessary for today's USMA/Army, maybe we'll see more energy (both vocally and monetarily) put toward supporting the place rather than questioning it and denigrating the leaders in office at the time.

[510]  AOG, inconcert with other organizations, should actively promote the role of professional expertise (USMA and all others), active AND retired, into the national security policies of the country. Establish a leadership posture for this function in the global environment of the future.

[511]  1. better articulation of the needs and purpose of fund raising activities - I support them broadly but I believe them to have been poorly articulated 2. better coordination to make usma more user friendly to non-active duty grads which should in turn be used to further fund raising activities - for example, allow golf course use by non-active grads (active duty with priority of course, so that such use would be practical/allowed only at off-peak times)with surchage. Surchage to be used to subsidize active duty use with perhaps some kicker to AOG. Provide AOG with usage list, with information to be further used for development follow-up.

[512]  see above

[513]  Actively pusue the reccommended added goal.

[514]  I would like to have an AOG that had an endowment which could pay for its operation...with all new donations going to help the academy.

[515]  with the actions suggested in 15 and 16 above.

[516]  Provide me a with an easy and comprehensive method to get in touch with classmates.

[517]  Be more people oriented.

[518]  See #14 above.

[519]  Focus on the grads rather than badgering for more money for more facilities, more goodies for what appears to be a group of cuddled youngsters.

[520]  See above. For some insight look at the North Texas Society. Excellent breakfast meetings and networking events.

[521]  Mentor and protect our junior officers. Under the current OER system, promotions to MAJ and above are mostly decided by two command OERs, which may be issued by the same senior rater, or by a below center of mass OER at any time. Most young West Pointers are better educated than their commanders. The opportunity to run afoul of a superior is great. We need to teach young officers how to influence their commanders BEFORE decisions are made, and to provide a "sounding board" for their ideas to help protect the innovators.

[522]  Bring the pressure of the Long Gray line to bear upon Congress and the Military Leadership of the Academy to bring the Academy back to the basics in discipline, integrity and leadership with out drumming out those leaders that are brought in the fix the problems. The cadets being produced today are becoming kind, gentle, and politically correct , but the warfighting spirit is dying, and the Army knows it.

[523]  Recognized graduate accomlishments in all fields not just military service.

[524]  See my answer to question 16.

[525]  Reduce the management fees for money granted to support the cadet educational program. My experience is that AOG adds little value to the process, but still takes a 15% cut.

[526]  Attempt to balance the need to acquire funds with the ability to provide some useful services.

[527]  Give dramatically stronger emphasis to "marketing" and socializing with local schools the role of West Point and benefits of attending. We need to give the institution a much higher profile in high schools, particularly with 10th and 11th grade students. This will require frequent, repetitive, and consistent contact with schools. USMA LO's theorhetically have this role, however their effectiveness is inconsistent and they connot possibly maintain contact with all the schools in their areas.

[528]  Foregoing comments apply

[529]  assist in transition from military to civilian world for retirees or those serving their commitment; that would help provide leadership in the business world and assist in financial contributions to assist usma through an aog assistance

[530]  Expand assistance in post-service/ post-retirement job assistance, job placement, and "networking". (As a graduate who has long supported the current Corps of Cadets through the AOG and AAA, I would like the AOG to help support me when it comes time to hang up the uniform.)

[531]  Provide info and assistance for athletic events/trips, tickets, travel packages, etc

[532]  1. Work on specific yearly objectives that support goals that lead to support of the membership. 2. Begin using a participatory leadership style that involves a representative number of members in the decision making process. Get the membership involved in the issues and decision making process up front. 3. Get the AOG out of the fund raising process. 4. As part of number 1 above, concentrate on programs that will guide and assist class organizations as well as the Societies, parents clubsetc.

[533]  I would like to see less focus on being a fund raising arm.

[534]  Send more information automatically via the Internet.

[535]  Act as a coordination and support agency for all graduates, not just those on active duty.

[536]  Refresh the notion that the AOG is not a block on the West Point Org Chart; It is not an academy agency that seeks gifts ($) from graduates, but rather a group of people (AOG staff) serving the needs and desires of graduates to help their alma matre, the same way a professional association (IEEE, SOLE, etc) has its support staff.

[537]  I have seen the goals but what are you doing in pursuit of the goals?

[538]  Support USMA achieve its mission by providing the Army the very best professional officers for careers as Regular Army officers.

[539]  I need more time on this one. Ask it again in the next electronic survey. One thing, as an older member with a classmate I know well on the Board, I do not feel out of touch with AOG. Younger graduates may not feel this way.

[540]  Stay more in touch with the Active military and focus on keeping young officers in the Army. Ads in the Assembly glorify the success of those who have left.

[541]  ???????????????

[542]  Take a more active role in fighting the liberalization of West Point. Let's play hard ball with the politicians that are seeking to make our military academies just another liberal arts college.

[543]  Less fund raising

[544]  What is it currently doing?

[545]  see above

[546]  I think recent efforts to locate and involve our geographically dispersed alumni will be a major benefit.

[547]  provide more information on employment opportunities

[548]  Play a more active role commenting on issues facing the nation, the Army, the Academy, and its graduates.

[549]  I guess you are. But it would be nice to have an easy way to contact classmates. You have gone thru several iterations of email contacts. Everyone seems concerned with privacy yet one can find all sorts of private information all over the Internet. It would be most helpful to be able to jump into your page, click on the desired grad, and pound out a message. Maybe you've gotten there--I haven't looked lately.

[550]  I thnik the AOG should do more to encourage member participation in USMA and AOG decisions.

[551]  Try to reach high school students more actively. They are the ones that need a firmer foundation of ideals that I believe our education system fails to provide. There has to be some way the AOG can help teach this message

[552]  My AOG would do a better job of reaching out to the 50% who are now civilians (and who forget what all the acronyms mean...). All grads want WP to maintain its relevancy in the real world. Let's talk openly about the threats to that relevancy: attempts to cut funding, questioning whether a tough environment is still valuable, etc.

[553]  Track the career progression of the graduates and inform the membership Track biases found toward WP graduates on active duty Publish statistics of those still on active duty by class Highlight successes of classes both in industry and in business

[554]  Promote the value of a diploma from West point

[555]  The ideals inspired by the military academy still remain for those of us who were separated late in our cadet careers. I still feel a strong bound to my "rockbound highland home." I think that providing a link between those who have successfully negotiated separation and those who are in the process should be provided via the organization. It is very difficult to accept the feelings of failure for those who have never failed at anything else.

[556]  Become truly representative of the membership.

[557]  Allow graduates to post job opportunities via e-mail. Personally, I would post positions for young graduates leaving the service.

[558]  Spend less taxpayer's money!

[559]  Foster spiritual (yes church) and ethical development in the corps of cadets. Not moral development (what to do) as I actually think USMA does a good job there but how to think about how to decide the right course of action as a junior leader. Idea: Invite (sponsor) a ethical leadership seminar speaker (or speakers).

[560]  Increase PR, especially related to activities/achievements of cadets from our local regions. Encourage local/regional AOG activities.

[561]  First, there is a broad need for awaareness throughout the Association and its offices of how all activities which bind Graduates together are also the keys fo building the mutual support, enduring trust, and powerful incentives needed to retain the finest Graduates on active duty in the Regular Army. The ideal association would consistently invest first in its primary responsibility; that is, the imortalization of the history of the Military Academy and the example of its graduates. For example, during 1998, before undertaking anything else, the Association would pour resources into preparation for the Bicentennial. Beyond that, modern means would be sought and developed to broadcast our history around the world. The ideal association would consistently invest second in its dedication to the quality of the Long Gray Line, by fostering its future development. This begins with active involvement and substantial investment in seeking America's best and brightest to aspire to the Profession of Arms. For example, during 1998 the Association would pour resources into programs and activities which provide practical, modern, assistance to Graduates for this purpose, and which focus Graduate interest and concern about maintaining and developing incentives for aspirants and Graduates for careers in the Profession of Arms.

[562]  Strive to members the importance of hiring graduates whenever possible. Although I have a good job right now, I could have really used some no nonsense help about a year ago. Where the hell is the old boy network? I am an excellent worker and manager but we don't network in the Las Vegas area worth a crap.

[563]  Seek advice from graduates as this survey starts to do.

[564]  Disband

[565]  Marshall political support for greater funding of USMA activities

[566]  Help graduates get jobs. I have been doing that for grads leaving the army through the local society for over 10 years. Other schools do it, let's beat them at it!

[567]  Enhance communications Assist graduates retiring from service in finding second careers Spend more money on programs helping graduates and less on society itself

[568]  See other comments above

[569]  I would have to research the AOG in much more detail to provide valuable input on this. However, the success and effectiveness of an organization like AOG can be increased with a more clearly defined purpose and a "map" of how it plans to accomplish the goals.

[570]  Try to keep better tabs on who is still on active duty and the addresses of all of my classmates. I understand that this requires better participation from all graduates. Please stop promoting corporate life outside of the military. I know that Proctor and Gamble exists ... I don't need a front page ad in each Assembly. There are still "a few" graduates on active duty and serving our country and not our bank accounts.

[571]  See above.

[572]  Needs to actively recruit grads. I think most grads don't get involved with AOG because it doesn't really seem to have a purpose other than being an information clearing house for old grad stories and current poop on the academy.

[573]  Take a more active lobbying role.

[574]  Have to think about it - seems to me that WP is a special place where excelence is fostered, and the USA needs this. How can AOG help that?

[575]  RV parking by football stadium and/or by AOG. Does AOG serve Saturday breakfast on football saturdays? PA USMA license plate.

[576]  What I said above.

[577]  Continuing to move in the "more inclusive" mode that the AOG leadership has adopted the last several years. This work is not yet done; especially with the smaller societies and individuals not yet back in the fold, ie, those that have been alienated from the day they graduated.

[578]  Provide more Alumni items such as window stickers and license plate holders

[579]  More focused on assisting graduates w/ class reunions, attendance/tickets to sporting events, etc and less focused on fund raising. The only time I ever here from the AOG is for $.

[580]  The current on-line job opportunities service is a satellite of a service provided to American universities and has no specific focus on USMA, There are employers who want USMA grads and understand what we bring, but the current service merely adds employers looking for candidates from any school.

[581]  I would like to see the Trustees elected by the membership directly.

[582]  1) Be more responsive to class officers and other members. I (a class treasurer) requested clarification of the status of funding for our class 50th reunion project from the previous and current director of class giving. Both promised a quick response. The last request was in September. To date I've received nothing! 2) Reporting accuracy.

[583]  See my revised mission statement. AOG should be the glue that holds it all together wrt the institutional-cadet-athletic- team

[584]  See question 16 above.

[585]  Expanded feedback from Academy graduates to provide additional insight on future direction for USMA programs. [While it may be true that "too many cooks spoil the broth," there may well be some important trends in this rapidly-changing world which graduates, particularly those in the corporate world, can highlight for USMA leadership.]

[586]  Actively solicit WP Society Chapters for articles in each edition of the Assembly.

[587]  more aggressive in employment/career development ... job placement is especially critical for those grads retiring w/ 20 - 30 years service -- very difficult to find jobs that fit Army/USMA experience. May want to examine how our Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) counterparts provide this service for their senior retirees ... before retirement, senior officers are sent to "finishing school", and the JGSDF is "obligated" to place them into a civilian job -- I do not fully endorse this practice, but perhaps some aspects may be useful

[588]  More emphasis on the graduates that are out of the military and that have been for some time. our issues and contributions capabilities are different from those that ahve more recently left the military or that are still in.

[589]  See above

[590]  Provide membership feedback to WP leadership and faculty on cadet training and proposed changes to it. If we had input it might quell the old lament, "The Corps has..."

[591]  Strive harder to help graduates to develop their full potential, both on active duty and in civil life. West Point graduates should be leaders in our society: setting high moral and ethical standards as well as high professional standards for others to emulate.

[592]  To date I have made no use of the AOG.

[593]  Although I like the goals and current mission I would like to add one more objective of developing a professional, civilian network.

[594]  more assistance in transitioning from active duty to retired/civilian status

[595]  Start being more proactive about protecting, developing, and promoting the ideals of the academy. There is so much power in the hands of academy graduates throughout the nation and the world, and the AOG has been totally impotent in leveraging that power for the good of the academy.

[596]  Take a bold stand against such nonsense as coed basic training and women in combat roles.

[597]  Get involved with other Service Alum groups to see if there is a better way to accomplish tasks outlined, and to further a united stand with these orgns if and when such action is warranted.

[598]  List what volunteer oportunities are available to support USMA.

[599]  See above.

[600]  Job/second career assistance for Grads

[601]  Just watch for changes and keep putting them out and ask the AOG membership to write/call in in support OR non-support of changes in ideals which seem to pressure the Academies over the last few years. Otherwise things seem to going well.

[602]  Promote the mission of West Point (developing officers) to the public and politicans. Bring Cullum's Register up to date and maintain.

[603]  more actively involved in grad assistance .... grow the west point fund/endowment

[604]  As stated in #16, "A primary goal should be working to preserve and enhance WP's traditional role of supplying top-quality officers to the Army." Other major activities would be the maintenance of the history of graduates and the conduct and promotion of activities supporting class and grad communications.

[605]  Unite the graduates around a few key issues of importance to the institution.

[606]  send bi-annual newletters out to each class with any information that might be useful to that class. this is needed because not everyone subscirbes to tha Assembly and not everyone has e-mail

[607]  I am concerned with the direction that the Academy is currently taking concerning Fourth-Class cadets. As an active duty CPT with over 6 years of active duty, I have seen an alarming trend in recent graduates. The desire, teamwork, toughness, can do attitude, and never quit attributes that were instilled in me, not through yelling, but constantly challenging me and my classmates during our Plebe year, is now lacking. This is not a speech that should be started with "Back when I was a Cadet..." but is coming from a concerned grad who is seeing the current academy product in the workplace and sees that there are many problems. I think that many graduates would agree with me concerning this issue. I would like to see AOG become a voice through which grads, especially active duty officers, can provide feedbak to the academy faculty so that USMA can continue to be the best school in the world ang produce the leaders of tomorrow it is known for.

[608]  Keep us abreast politically of what USMA problems are with Congress/POTUS

[609]  Frankly, I do not know enough about what the AOG is doing.

[610]  Focus on providing what graduates need. In this world, it seems to be more related towards transition assistance/networking/etc...

[611]  Better opprotunities to network with other graduates in my professional field.

[612]  I'm in the middle of applying to business school for Advance Civil Schooling through the Acquisition Corps. Even though business schools interview applicants, they still place great emphasis on the undergraduate GPA. My GPA at West Point was only a 2.43. I understand my low grades are my fault. However, I think the Academy does a horrendous job helping its graduates get into graduate programs. People fimiliar with West Point know that my 2.43 there probably would be a 3.0 or higher even at an Ivy League school. However, The Academy in my opinion arrogantly assumes that admissions personnel at civilian schools are aware of USMA's porgram (i.e. a Cadet's mandatory academic load, daily cadet requirements, etc.). I've applied to Northwestern, Dartmouth, Virginia, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Indiana. In only one interview did the person really have a good apprechiation of West Point. The others gaveme the impression that West Point was a "college where the students wear uniforms". I suggest adding the following information when a graduate's transcript is sent to a civlian school. 1. Provide a brief explanation of West Point's program and a sample "daily schedule" of a Cadet (Schools ask if you worked as an undergraduate. Obviously, Cadets were prohibited from working, but they just don't go to class. This is not made clear during the application process). 2. An enclosed letter from the Dean should describe that Cadets are required to take the following classes (then list every single one) and say that Cadets cannot "drop" a course if he/she isn't doing well. (I went to STAP becuase I failed Calculus. An admissions official looks at this and naturally thinks I should have dropped the course if I was doing poorly. My brother went to Cornell and he could drop any course he wanted to if he didn't want to get a low grade.) 3. If a Cadet repeats a course (see my explanation why above) then only the highest grade should be placed on the transcript. Again, that's how civilian schools do it.

[613]  No major changes (see #15).

[614]  I think I would prefer a strict interpretation of the "Purpose" statement.

[615]  Act as a support network for the graduates rather than simply a fund raising machine, as it is currently perceived by most graduates.

[616]  Provide an informative newsletter on an on-going basis to tell of the hot issues of the month or quarter. Topics could range from the latest information on funding, to news of the up-coming sports schedule, to legislation in Congress that would have an impact on the academy. This newsletter should be kept to a readible format with humorous content as well. I have used this vehicle in my company to help establish and solicit open communication and to reduce the amount of the "we/they" syndrome.

[617]  Offer and provide more services to those who are leaving or have already left the military. It should also keep everyone informed of these services as best it can. In addition, I recall in the past when different forms of memorabilia were offered (pictures of West Point campus, etc.) if donations were made to the AOG (not just the calendar). I would be more likely to donate if this still happened (I cannot deduct from my taxes as I file only myself as a deduction).

[618]  Be more visible.

[619]  see response to question 15

[620]  More job hunt services

[621]  Slow down a little on the constant deluge of mail begging for more money. Two each year would seem enough!

[622]  provide listings of service academy grads in the civilian sector for employment

[623]  See 16

[624]  Communicate with the Congress of the US to insure their understanding of the importance of USMA to the national welfare.

[625]  Not only maintain unitiy, but try to help graduates . It is listed in your goals for 97-98.

[626]  It seems to me that USMA is in for some rough sledding — fewer and fewer in the Congress will have had any military experience; fewer and fewer can relate to West Pointers being in the front ranks of defending the nation ; more and more will see the academy as an expensive and perhaps unnecessary expense. This may be too pesimistic, but frankly I think our first mission should be to persuade others that they should be proud of the Academy and proud sponsors of its continued benefit to the nation.

[627]  More focus on communicating what the Corps is currently doing in tems of performance.

[628]  Work effectively to change the "system" that rewards those who fail to live up to the standards of "Duty, Honor, Country" and punishes those who do.

[629]  Do more to actively support/promote grads serving in the Army

[630]  Post job offers perhaps quarterly in some sort of journal or on-line.

[631]  To have more of a say in the policies at USMA. To have the President of the AOG be able to take the voice of the graduates to Congress in regard to the role of the Academy.

[632]  Work to preserve the traditions of the Military Academy so that every cadet that graduates shares the same bond of experiences (not necessarily academically, but spiritually, socially, and militarily).

[633]  More alumni gatherings. Example: Football Alums, Gospel Choir Alums, other oranizational Alums, not just class gatherings. Minority Outreach Conference was very good

[634]  AOG needs to be more involved in making USMA financially sound and more immune to the ups and downs endemic to the governmental budgeting cycles. Bottom line: begin now to raise a huge endowment - - one for academics, another for athletics, yet another for activity-related events.

[635]  I would add making the Assembly and Register available for AOG members on-line. This would save trees as well as allow for more current information. Provide graduates with a way to allow interested young people apply to West Point on-line. If, in all my comments, you are saying that everything is available, then the issue is that it's too hard to find. I haven't found it.

[636]  Do not know not sure what value added AOG presently provides

[637]  Lobby for reform, even if AOG loses tax exempt status.

[638]  AOG will be less of a "rubber stamp" for what happens at West Point AOG will encourage diversity in points of view regarding its policies and publish the dissenting opinions of its members

[639]  Work toward correcting current shortcomings at USMA. e.g. Non-RA commissions; feminization of USMA; lowering of military/physical syandards; loss of focus on graduating soldiers; loss of public support for Academy; loss of support of public officials (e.g. POTUS etc.)for military Please read my response to question 17service.

[640]  Have you considered initiating a service to assist graduates find employment? TROA, NCOA, and other service oriented organizations provide it for their members. Consider a service especially for our grads and ex-cadets, and make it easily available for companies interested in finding someone with our credentials.

[641]  civilian focus in addition to all other functions

[642]  Be an active force in getting West Point back on track as THE source for elite combat leaders, not specialists which the Army can get from better qualified institutions. Back away from becoming so politically correct, get the Academy back to the fundamentals of providing leaders and commanders.

[643]  Send me gift store flyers. Let me know how to find old buddie's addresses and how to update mine

[644]  Help more with civilian job placement and career networking.

[645]  Support class activities to a much greater extent. Improve efforts to recruit athletes and students.

[646]  Provide a strong local chapter Provide a feedback mechanism to discuss new ideas Provide a networking opportunity Provide job opportunity service

[647]  Developing and maintaining a prioritized list of needs of the Academy which require financial support of the alumni.

[648]  The AOG would more clearly reflect the views of graduates, especially on combat related issues, when advising the current USMA administration.

[649]  Better educate U. S. senators and representatives (a growing percentage of whom do not have military experience) about the military in general and the mission of USMA in particular.

[650]  See #16

[651]  Add greater recognition of graduates who service the nation (and their local communities) even after their uniformed, active service. Leadership is a lifetime calling.

[652]  Don't know enough to respond or have an opinion

[653]  The AOG and it's members would make more effort to instill the values of Duty, Honor, Country into our nation and society via various media. Examples: 1- All society's should present their own "local" Thayer Award to the local citizen who most exemplifies the ideals of duty, honor, country. Maybe some of the societys already do this. 2 - Mike Krzyzewski '69, could appear in a 30 sec commercial )paid for by AOG is necessary) on national TV and talk about duty and selfless service as relates to basketball, and to the strength/welfare of our nation. 3 - Some grad who is a college presedent or CEO could put write an article for USA Today in which he addresses the criticality of honor and integrity in all our daily endeavors. 4 - Local society's should publish newpaper articles that cite good examples of duty, honor and country. These are things that our national and state leadership should be doing, but won't because talking/living duty, honor and country doesn't get people elected, does little for lowering unemployment and may result in higher taxes.

[654]  See above. Also: 1. Sponsor an annual "State of the Corps" report, published in The Assembly. One or two grad authors spend no less than a week at West Point talking with faculty, staff, and primarily CADETS, and write their findings. The goal is to present all perspectives fairly--no USMA slant. Educate the grads. 2. Sponsor other, similar, as well as scholarly material. A history of the 4th Class System, for example. How did it change during wars, post wars, during peace? Etc. 3. With the English Department, sponsor an annual "War and Literature" academic conference. Scholars come and meet to present papers and discuss memoirs, novels, essays, oral histories, etc., about war and the military. 4. In conjunction with 3, either publish book annual with selected papers, or publish a journal on the same topic. No such journal presently exists in academia. I'm a PhD candidate in English, and would love to participate/help with any/all of the above.

[655]  The AOG is doing a good job.

[656]  ... and be more of a voice for graduates to the Academy administration, to the Army, and to the Nation.

[657]  APPLY PRESSURE WHENEVER/WHEREVER NECESSARY TO RETURN THE REGULAR COMMISSION TO THE GRADUATING CADET; OTHERWISE ONE DAY USMA WILL NO LONGER EXIST. CONGRESS, WITH VIRTUALLY NO MILITARY EXPERIENCE IN ITS MEMBERS, AND THE TAXPAYERS WILL SEE TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WEST POINT WILL BE REDUCED TO A LINE ITEM IN THE BUDGET REDUCTION PROCESS.

[658]  Work more at collectively strengthening the ties to eachother so all the graduates to speak with one voice. There is disention in the ranks broken down by generation.

[659]  Assist AAA in getting out information on Army Sports events that may be in different areas - like Annapolis, MD

[660]  solicit more views from graduates.

[661]  The AOG needs to be more of the mouthpiece/spokesperson for the graduates and less of an advocate for the Superintendent.

[662]  Strike a better balance between needs/desires of the Academy and its graduates.

[663]  see above. Action follows communication and awareness. 25% is an unacceptable number.

[664]  1. Goals are ok but the AOG performance seems to be not much more than an interested observer and mouthpiece for the academy and its management. Ways to handle controversy need to be dedveloped.

[665]  AOG comes across as way too much of a cheerleader. When the Supe or DA or anyone else does something boneheaded, have guts enough to say so.

[666]  Increase networking opportunities and sense of community among USMA graduates.

[667]  I'm sure your other activities are worthwhile, but I am only interested in the AOG as a vehicle for learning about what is going on at the Academy and staying in touch with my classmates.

[668]  Improve the network of graduates in the civilian sector and those soon to be

[669]  Avoid politically correct but OUTRAGEOUS actions like giving the Thayer Award to Walter Cronkite.

[670]  See 16

[671]  With addition of job line assistance to find other grads.

[672]  Help direct local chapter representatives to be more active in encouraging area USMA graduates to interface/join the society. Never heard from the local chapter president upon moving to both Nebraska or Ohio (even after contacting them both).

[673]  What I listed above - help those who are transitioning out of the service or are already out, since this is the majority of the AOG membership

[674]  Strengthen WPSocieties and their interactions, create Regional Offices, not just NY!, Perform outreach.

[675]  Better seats at football games...I know waiters in the mess hall that have perennial better seats...no kidding!

[676]  more focus on the Army as a career, not something to be done for a few years!

[677]  Reflected in responses above.

[678]  Be a lot more active in developing and using a network for all USMA graduates to link into for civilian employment.

[679]  Less fund raising

[680]  Stand up for things importantto reason for USMA existance. Such as Regular commissions as in the pastalmost 200 years. AOG does NOT need to be subservient to USMA nor DA.

[681]  Help Graduates with civilain employment like what TROA does

[682]  would like to recieve the catalog of USMA paraphanalia. I would buy things if I had one.

[683]  Continue the positive steps that appear to have been implemented in the last couple of years.

[684]  What it did before

[685]  Stronger professional networking services

[686]  see answer to 16

[687]  Support fellow graduates in the total professional development of future leaders both civilian and military

[688]  In addition to what it is currently doing, the AOG should consider developing networks of former active duty members to lock horns with important issues facing the nation. We have a tremendous number of talented, brilliant members who can look at some of the strategic issues facing the nation -- tax reform, welfare reform, health care reform, information privacy/security, family values, pollution, overpopulation -- and generate analyses and possible management approaches. I may have an overly simplistic view, but SSC grads, for example, have all been educated and trained to take a strategic view to promoting the nation's welfare. This might be an opportunity to show how grads can continue to be active in service to the nation throughout their lifetimes.

[689]  Constantly improve contact between AOG and all members of the Long Gray Line.

[690]  Work with the AAA to bring the Army - Air Force Football game to Soldiers Field - Chicago as in 1965. A neutral site.

[691]  Explain better the purpose of donations and why these are necessary when USMA is an Army funded enterprise to provide outstanding officers to the US Army. And if the percentage of high ranking officers is continuing to decline, then AOG ought to look into this and find out why the quantity of Generals and Chiefs of Staff is on the decline and help to do something about it as the other Services "apparently" do.

[692]  Be as responsive to its membership, both young and old" as AOG is agressive in raising money. AOG appears to have little or no interest in its youngest alumni except at reunion time. As a reunion chairman, I watched AOG do little to support the members of our class other than conduct a telethon and raise money for our class gift. When it came to assisting in finding our classmates and making sure our reunion was a success, there was little or no response from the AOG. I hope this focus is changing as we approach our 15 Year reunion.

[693]  I am not comfortable with the seeming fixation on fund-raising that I believe now drives the AOG.

[694]  Political Action Committee securing the preservation of West Point through Congressional Challenges

[695]  See above

[696]  I would prefer "telling it like it is" now and then rather than the usual pap. Are we turning into a jock school?

[697]  Provide more information on club sports.

[698]  Help grads network for career opportunities

[699]  I don't know who would organize this, but I would like to see some sort of annual or semi-annual News Letter by Class mailed only to that Class - something that is more detailed and personal than the write-ups in the Assembly. This would allow people to send in detailed updates that could be published in their entirety rather than being edited to just a brief note. I know that I would appreciate this type of News Letter since don't have frequent contact with many of my classmates.

[700]  More and more formal grad assistance; more political activism; more publishing as a group; play a more VOCAL role in defense affairs.

[701]  Pay more attention to our grads, i.e. employment assistance, finding lost grads, financial assistance and planning, medical/health assistance, retirement transition assistance, etc. The Academy will survive, some of our grads aren't.

[702]  concentrate on AOG only.

[703]  I really don't know what the AOG is doing.

[704]  Our local society is not very active. Many of us are busy with our jobs and have not been very creative about social events. Help from the AOG to the society in the form of recommendations on how to invigorate a society would help.

[705]  Step up fund raising targets. Current objective is not high enough to provide the margin of excellence desired nor protect the academy from renewed attack by the government it is sworn to uphold.

[706]  Help keep us informed about support the Supe and the rest of the school leadership may need and keep us informed about what's going on. Provide some support to the classes who are active and have graduated in their activities on behalf of the school and their activities that keep them together.

[707]  Also see 15 above.

[708]  Needs to be more aggressive towards getting alumni active in it.

[709]  Act as a resource for my own professional and personal development. My wife is a grad. from the U. of Chicago and they have a constant stream of conferences etc. that bring out alumni in droves and captures revenue for the University. They are a good benchmark.

[710]  Changes as indicated above.

[711]  see 16

[712]  see previous comments -

[713]  see above

[714]  Help us locate some classmates.

[715]  Do a much better job of managing gift construction projects at West Point in order to improve stewardship of gift money. Examples of projects with less-than-optimal management (inefficient and marginally effective): Quarters 101 revitalization and "Fort Doubleday" (baseball stadium). The AOG should also "come clean" and inform AOG members when projects go awry (especially with cost and schedule over-runs) and explain how the AOG will prevent reoccurrence.

[716]  Generally speaking

[717]  Become a vigorous supporter of USMA Goals before Congress and the US Public.

[718]  offer more west point paraphanalia - sweat shirts, etc.

[719]  there should be more networking oportunities for graduates who have gotten out of the Army. there used to be a resume service out of Tennessee, but I haven't heard much aout that recently.

[720]  See Above

[721]  Provide more depth for services such as job banks & contacts for graduates rather than always ask for money. Keep better tabs on where graduates go after graduation/obc/separation from the service, etc. Let graduates know how the USMA admissions & records offices can help them in the even tof a career change or application to professional, graduate schooling.

[722]  AOG seems focused on recruiting high quality new people to the Academy, but not on retaining high quality graduates on active duty. If we can't do better in this area, support for the academies in Congress, and among the public at large, will eventually drop.

[723]  See above

[724]  AOG is doing a good job, but it needs to focus more on grad activities and services. By helping grads more, AOG will get more grads involved, and it can then do a better job at assisting cadets at West Point.

[725]  see above.

[726]  Rethink the reluctance to fight the RA commission policy- to GRADUATES, this is an important issue. To the academy, it might not be, but it is to us!

[727]  1. Promote the academy through various mediums. 2. Promote graduates through various means. 3. Raise funds for underfunded USMA programs 4. Liaison concerns, ideas, etc between graduates and the senior leadership

[728]  I think doing pretty good.

[729]  It would continue to serve its current role but would also have more active membership, working on issues that this august group clearly has the wherewithall to solve.

[730]  Focus more on the ideals of West Point and less on sports...that's what AAA is for.

[731]  Work to prevent the elimination of WP.

[732]  Provide me with business connections amongst a network that values the West Point education and military work experience.

[733]  find ways to bring the increasingly diverse nature of graduates' lives together to build an even stronger organization.

[734]  Possibly develop a "Travel/Study Program" for grads of all ages, to all parts of the world, at all times during the year. Stanford University has a first-rate one. I have seen occasional cruises...but not very often.

[735]  Allow all money donated to AOG to be used for the needs of the Academy AT THAT TIME, instead of placing it into separate accounts to be used by the class that donated it. The Supe knows what the Academy's needs are so he should be able to use the donations for those purposes.

[736]  Provide more focus between the Army and West Point

[737]  The AOG should FIGHT to maintain the traditions of West Point, and strengthen the Honor and discipline that appear to me to be eroding rapidly.

[738]  Be even more active in getting graduates placed in good paying civilian jobs.

[739]  However improbable, I would like to have access to information listing such as what commercial companies are owned/operated by West Point graduates and/or hire WP Alumni. I would feel confident and proud to do business of any sort with a company that supports WP grads upon leaving service.

[740]  AOG goals are reasonable but as time goes on functions to accomplish goals are resulting in too much specialization which requires increased staff and, accordingly, significant increase in overhead ( my perception ). At our 40th reunion, June '97, this observation appeared to be shared by a significant number of participants from all classes in attendance. Recently, I established a Charitable Lead Trust to support an Army Athletic Assn. initiative on behalf of a widow from a deceased member of the Cl '32. I appreciate the need to centralize such gifts in the AOG. What surprised me was the AOG peels at least 15% off the top of each annual donation before the AAA receives a dime. This experience corroborates my perception that the AOG overhead may be out of control. If my observations are correct, then I believe an internal review is in order. If not, then I suggest the AOG address this erroneous perception in a report from the AOG President in a future issue of the Assembly. I also think the Academy curriculum is trying to be all things to all people, especially in the academic and extracurricular areas. Since Federal funds cannot support all of these extras more pressure is placed on AOG fundraising to support them. I appreciate the desire of the Academy to provide a curriculum second to none, but on the other hand I believe more prudence should be exercised in just how far we need to go to be second to none.

[741]  Take me off the list for all those travel mailings. I only visit my classmates and don't have time for frivilous travel.

[742]  see above answers

[743]  See item 14 above. You need to: 1) Stop being a propaganda tool for the Supe 2) Be our voice at USMA.

[744]  More aggressive assistance to grads transitioning to civilian life (I'm leaving the army this coming summer). More aggressive PR campaign to demonstrate USMA's value to the nation

[745]  The AOG must be more assertive in helping USMA redefine its purpose and mission. The Supe is on the right track in rejecting (rewriting?) those of the Palmer era, but the AOG MUST be the voice of the thousands of graduates who know EXACTLY how wrongheaded Palmer's mission and purpose are.

[746]  Less emphasis on fund raising

[747]  Some more opportunities to network with other Academy Graduates.

[748]  Monitor who/how the Class Scribe is doing to ensure that the Class Column is meeting the needs of the class,so the Assembly will continue to be an effective method of keeping up with our classmates.

[749]  What it is currently doing and, in addition, more activities to assist with transition to civilian life and employment. It is rough out here!

[750]  Less aggressive fund raising and chintsy gift offers through the mail, and more emphasis on pride and recruitment.

[751]  Provide football parking for grads with season tickets at the Alumni Headquarters. West Point must be the only institution where grads do not have priority parking at their headquarters.

[752]  Become more pro-active in assisting graduates in civilian life in finding jobs. Less emphasis on the fundraising for building projects, etc.

[753]  Work military/civilian linkage and communication issues more. As the military becomes smaller and civilian particpation less we need to work to keep the bond between the people and its Army. AOG could help in this process as illustrated by COL(Ret) Jack Woods efforts in California. We should also look at combining our efforts with those of the other service academy associations.

[754]  exercise greater influence with the Leadership of the U S Army and the Congress.

[755]  what it does now to support classes and societies but to exclude the fund raising function

[756]  address the woman issue see that standards are not lowered or ignored insure a core curriculum which will provide a Lt the basis for a career in the Army

[757]  See 16.

[758]  Enhance communication between graduates. Publications such as the assembly, register of graduates, etc.

[759]  1 Stick to the intended purposes. Too many communications are glorified advertisements in my opinion. Assistance is one thing - solicitation is another. 2 Too many solicitations are made. AAA,AOG, Class gifts, West Point Fund, etc. There are only so many dollars. Target the requests carefully.

[760]  Be more responsive to the concerns of the graduates. Actually do what is requested as opposed to taking surveys and ignoring the results when they differ from what the board has decided.

[761]  Assist graduates with business networking. The SABRE directory has been extremely helpful. AOG should have some type of improved version for use by West Pointers. An electronic version of SABRE would be most helpful because it is quite bulky and difficult to carry when traveling.

[762]  So many of us have lost track with classmates and good friends from adjacent classes. I'd like to see a more comprehensive directory (possibly Internet accessible with some security features to prevent access by unauthorized users).

[763]  At this time I am unprepared to answer this question. I need to know what direction the Army (and USMA) plans to take.

[764]  Provide greater carrer networking services by: - more proactive relationships with societies - More proactive solicitation of participation in and data fo SABRD

[765]  Cange the emphasis to one of assisting graduates and improving their lot in the Army

[766]  The AOG should be an organization devoted to assisting graduates, both in and out of the military.

[767]  SEND MONTHLY UPDATES OF WHATS HAPPENING WITH THE AOG, WEST POINT AND INDIVIDUAL CLASSES... IE CLASS UPDATES JOB BOARD REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE WHAT IS HAPPENING AT WP ETC...

[768]  Why isn't AOG operating a listserve like WP-ORG?

[769]  Great in fullfilling current mission. Would like to see additional focus on civilian carrers after service commitment has been completed.

[770]  Develop business relationships, conferences, and participatory endeavors to further the ideals of the AOG in the realm of commerce.

[771]  Be a lot more visible in protecting the values of the Institution at the National level! Why is there no presence to speak of in Washington DC?

[772]  I wish it would do a better job of recognizing when graduates are married to one another. For instance, my husband (also class of 1991) was asked why he doesn't subscribe to the Assembly. The answer, of course, is that I do. Why would we subscribe twice for the same thing?

[773]  Cancel Cronkite's award!!!!

[774]  Promote/facilitate an alumni job placement network that actually functions.

[775]  I took an early retirement from my dream of being a military officer because my father passed away, and I had to take care ofthe family business. I would like to see more of a support for those of us that chose to leave the military for one reason or the other. I would like to know why people are leaving the military after attending USMA.

[776]  I think USMA does a poor job of marketing itself to the general public. USNA and AFA do an excellent job of presenting themselves. I would suggest a different approach to the way we as an AOG show the benefits of a USMA opportunity. How, I do not know.

[777]  Work to insure all graduates proactively support USMA and its role as a place that sets the basic fiber of the Army. Duty Honor Country are basic values only taught at USMA or by the family.(As far as I know)

[778]  Clarify the relationship if any) between Class organizations and their activities and the AOG.

[779]  1.)Get out of Bosnia before more good American soldiers are slaughtered. 2.) Appoint Ret. Col. David Hackworth as SECDEF and cut the bullshit.

[780]  Don't allow "non-profit" organizations to capitalize on the hard work of the societies and classes. Wp.org is a simple mirror site that gains all of the advantages of those who comply with AOG rules and regulations without sharing the "non-profits" of unsolicited donations, book sales, etc.

[781]  A little more helpful with job placement for early outs and retired.

[782]  more actively promote the purpose/mission of the academy

[783]  Move relations with American public higher, if goals are prioritized

[784]  It would have greater balance to the support offered the entire body of graduates.

[785]  Stop trying to sell me Visa cards.

[786]  Lead USMA back toward being a military academy with a warrior focus that prepares leaders to fight our nation's conflicts.

[787]  See block 30

[788]  Less requests for donations/funds and more specific targets/justification for those that are made.

[789]  Quit taking 15 percent off the top of donation monies. That is a ridiculously high figure.

[790]  I would like to be able to have a discount at the gift shop (10-20%). I see this as the main reason I do not support the money drives. A cadet can get a 10% discount and he is not even a graduate yet. I am treated just like everyone else on the street. Even my graduate institution gives me a 15% discount on all items in their bookstore. I have mentioned this to several people who are working at the AOG. I have only gotten lip service and no response. I guess I should treat the all the mailings I get the same way - No response.

[791]  Be more aggressive on helping cadets find jobs in the civilian world.

[792]  Deemphasize the fund raising and concentrate on the communication/networking mission, which AOG currently does in a superior manner. John Ward's (Cl of 64) Class Book, published every few years, is an exemplar.

[793]  More national/international public relations

[794]  Assist graduates in employment outside the military.

[795]  More effort to help graduates find jobs in the civilian sector.

[796]  better of what it is currently doing, including goal above.

[797]  Highlight contributions of graduates in other than military fields -- WP is clearly in the "business" of creating leaders whether in the military or not -- think the recruitment may benefit from some cataloguing of actvities outside the military also.

[798]  I have mentioned this to many AOG staff members and they have not taken me seriously. Here it goes again. Get involved more intimately with class reunions! For example, all the money that you spend on mailings could be much better spent by hosting a function during each class reunion, having an AOG Rep attend all class functions, and providing support for reunion administartors Basically, showing the members that you really do care. My experiences, having adminstartively worked three class reunions are that AOG misses a BIG opportunity and actually turns class members off. For many years, I did not look favorably on AOG because of my many negative interactions involving reunions. Here is a golden built in opportunity to have a major impact on each class every five years - take advantage of it! - Rick Kolb

[799]  As an active duty officer, I feel that the AOG provides much more support for my private sector classmates. Is that intentional, or just 'networking'? Either way, I welcome the push towards more support of active duty grads.

[800]  Improve career networking.

[801]  We need to instill the importance of fund-raising in graduates before they finish at the academy. Most do not understand the absolute necessity of alumni funds to USMA. AOG could, for example, give briefings to the senior class a couple of times during their final year to get them thinking about the importance of annual giving. It is much more difficult to do that after the fact.

[802]  Get more graduates involved in the decision process. Timely dissemination of information is the first step.

[803]  And compare our AOG programs and services to other Ivy League Universities. Continue to poll Graduates for their views and opinions.

[804]  Strengthen the bond between West Point and all its alumni.

[805]  Provide more info to members as to what exactly the detailed priorities are with respect to expenditure plans for USMA. For example, provide a list in priority order with the specific goals to be accomplished near term, mid-term, and long range. By specific, I mean to say: Cadet Activities Building, Cadet Athletic Development Facility, Cadet Academic Learning and Enrichment Center, Endowed Academic Chair(s), etc.

[806]  Keep graduates better informed of changes that occur throughout the infrastructure and the Corps in a straight forward manner without, what I perceive to be, a sense of defending all change as good. Over the years I am afraid some of the corp beliefs as well as the mission of the Academy have eroded to reflect the changes in society and to maintain a degree of "political correctness".

[807]  Need to more actively support transition of graduates from military to business careers. Currently, AOG does a laughable job, probably because most of the active people in the AOG are retired military. AOG needs to actively recruit and include graduates with successful business careers into roles within AOG.

[808]  See above. Also, do more in facilitating career opportunities among graduates and hiring organizations.

[809]  In addition to the many goals and fundraising, etc., I would like to see an AOG membership and reference "guide" for civilian grads. The comradery of the Army was terrific and helpful. I think the AOG could be a great help for many grads serving in the civilan sector.

[810]  Work in the specific areas I mention above. I would also like to have AOG appeal to all graduates and develop meaningful programs that all can participate in, with the end goal of improving the caliber of the Academy and the cadets.

[811]  Improve communication between graduates.

[812]  Not sure what the AOG is doing or has done in lobby efforts to insure the preservation of the military academies, but it should be heavily involved. What is the current level of communication, cooperation, collaberation between the three military academies? Seems like there may be some value in closer ties.

[813]  I need to ponder this one some more.....

[814]  What it is doing now and more to improve communication with and connection to grads. It is my opinion that the stonger the interconnections in the "long grey line community" the better AOG will be able to meet its goals.

[815]  Promote more communication between graduates and each other, graduates and societies.

[816]  BUILD SUPPORT FOR MILITARY ACADEMIES AND THEIR ROLE IN SHAPING THE MILITARY

[817]  See my response to question 16.

[818]  Periodically publish/e-mail employment opportunities in the private sector

[819]  Provide members with contacts and resources which will give them professional advantages in both military and civilian careers, and be aggressive/ proactive about doing so.

[820]  I like the idea of AOG being more communicative. I think you're on the right track with the email operation.

[821]  Improved career advisory services for young graduates as they leave the service

[822]  Should be an organization to pull all graduates together rather than the existing class structure. Also suggest that we all need to figure out a way to get more broad representation on boards and committees - seems like same people and classes running everything. (Maybe it is just time)

[823]  I don't think that varsity athletics is the end all that I feel AOG makes it. I think they could sponsor specific support projects for other efforts that would improve the appeal of West Point.

[824]  Be much less sensitive to promoting Professional Networking in the Business/Professional Community of our Graduates.I realize that you are sensitive to Congress' perception of WP being a training ground for business. BUT it has become that to some degree... let's not ignore it. West Pointers do not seem to connect and support as well in the professional ccmmunity. Organize a task force to study ways to leverage our strengths within the Local Societies and business..... Please ensure that you get a cross section of Graduates in Business and not just retirees! There exists a preception that AOG is a bit of a "Good Ole' Boy Group" at the senior levels. There are younger Graduates who have acheived just as much in their careers (i.e. in business) ...if not more!

[825]  It should independently examine and analyze trends and events within ther DOD,DOA and the administration of the Military Academy which have an effect on graduates in the service and organize inp;ut from the AOG to make sure our views are known. It should NOT be an apologist for actions from the above sources.

[826]  Should do more about assisting graduates with career changes/transition both from the Army and from civilian careers

[827]  Be the best clearing house for information about USMA possible.

[828]  My problem is that I am not really sure I know all that AOG does , how it goes about doing what it does, and how successful it is.

[829]  Be more open,receptive, and responsive to members. It currently has aura of an elitist organization.

[830]  Make it an organization that attracts close to 100% of each new class because the older classes feel that way and communicate that feeling.

[831]  Identify measurable goals for the year and the next five years and show progress toward those goals. Seek input and support from graduates to make projects more effective (a good example is the help contributed from those grads who constructed the Web page)

[832]  See above. The AOG should keep USMA and its grads well supported in Washington.

[833]  Focus more on serving graduates in all walks of life.

[834]  See box 16. The AOG must home in on dropping standards and vociferously protest. Look at numbers only a little bit and focus on changes that make graduates less suitable as leaders in combat than they were before. Read the article from Assembly a few months ago about the new style R-day. Espcially read the last paragraph.

[835]  "What it currently is doing" without as much concern for the welfare of the organization and more concern for the welfare of the Academy.

[836]  1. Get an active Job Listing section. This should be very easy to set up given that so many Grads are in the placement business. 2. Why not have a services section where Grads could list such things as rentals and "For Sale" items. For example, I am going to London in mid April for a one-week vacation and am looking for a place to stay. Would be easy to find/use a service that provides free listings for Grads. I am doing this today for one non-profit that I am affiliated with here in CA. It is "www.bpoa.org" Selling things like old Howitzers and such might be worthwhile.

[837]  Plus proividing better service to it's members. The organization should serve the USMA but it should also serve the members who fund it.

[838]  My AOG would: 1. Encourage recently graduated members to remain in service through narrating service successes and through information services that provide confidence of the officer in the army. 2. Form study groups that review the purpose and success of the academy and the army. These reviews should be rigorous, original and independent of official positions of the academy and the army. In order to prevent friction between the academy officials and the AOG these committees should be headed by retired officers, funded by the AOG, and then released directly by the committee (not AOG) rather than through any other entity. 3. Focus on academic excellence through attracting excellent professors and supporting those professors ability to grow in their field. This will require summer research funding. 4. The funding of this institution should come from the government and wealthy benefactors. Recent graduates are serving their country by making below market wages and risking their lives. They should not be asked to donate to the AOG. 5. For those graduates who leave or are separated from the service we should continue to try to help them find jobs in the civilian sector. 6. Continue to keep graduates in touch with each other.

[839]  Not qualified to answer.

[840]  Add stronger networking among graduates both in and out of the military (including reserves).

[841]  What it is currently doing plus more towards networking graduates to help with job-seeking

[842]  Expanded full-time staff that could sponsor more regional and local activities to raise funds and USMA awareness

[843]  Charge dues to members.

[844]  Work on getting warriors committed to a career in the combat arms into West Point. Reduce the size of the place rather than accept lower standards.

[845]  promoting ideals of USMA in society

[846]  Greatly increase and encourage career networking. Other great schools do this. We are woefully naive in this respect.

[847]  Provide World Peace... Actually, I think you are heading in the right direction with the Internet presence. I'm not too smart on what the AOG can do just yet, but it would be nice if, through an AOG web site, we could do the following: 1. Find current addresses/email for USMA graduates. 2. Check on current activities of local West Point Societies. 3. Search a job bank that list both open positions and those seeking positions. 4. Provide links to USMA cadet and faculty email. 5. Provide updates on USMA activities and changes.

[848]  Not necessarily responsive to superintendent

[849]  To raise the prestige of USMA in the eyes of all Americans. Seek to maintain the highest possible standards of acceptance for applicants. Maintain a high level of the number of applicants.

[850]  Continue doing what it is doing, but focus also on how to promote USMA nationally as a premiere institution so as to better attract top candidates.

[851]  Mobilize and enhance the active involvement of a larger number West Point graduates supporting USMA's needs for public advocacy and legislative action.

[852]  Focus more on recruiting top students. Assisting the Academy in leader development.

[853]  Include in Assembly a listing of services available on internet (like a table of contents, including new items), and pictures/biographical info on AOG staff/leadership in order to know you better.

[854]  Have design contests for AOG gift items. I know it's hard to develop items for such a age-varied group of consumers, but it could be done. I believe the more recent grads (ie., younger grads) could assist in helping to develop items that would sell and would in turn produce profits for AOG. The sell of such items could be a much larger source of income. Can't we get some old grads that are in design and marketing to assist? My wife is a graduate of the University of Florida and they a tremendous catalog for alumni sales. I think it's worth the effort.

[855]  Assist, moreso, in the recruitment of value-based cadets.

[856]  Be a critical factor in decisions on changes in Academy programs and procedures.

[857]  Place greater pressure on West Point, and Congress, to stop making WP like every other college in the Nation. I suspect this is done in terms of competing against the upper level colleges for the best kids and there is a valid point to that logic. However, this trend is very dangerous because it downplays or ignores the historical attacks on West Point while playing into the hands of its critics. When West Point is just like any other college it will be too expensive to justify and will have ceased to make that special contribution it makes to the officer corps of the US Army each and every year since its inseption. West Point will have played into the hands of its critics and will not have a valid reason--other than tradition or nostalgia--for existence. AOG needs to do more to fight this trend--and since y'all are out of uniform you can be more vocal and critical of those in uniform whom are making these ill-advised decisions. I do not have that luxury.

[858]  Generally what it is now doing except reduce the APPARENT emphasis on fund raising.

[859]  Be an advocate for OFFICERS, especially USMA officers, and their needs and help educate the public about why USMA is needed.

[860]  AOG seems to ignor RC service as a contribution.

[861]  Continue to streamline communications and forward updates using email and the internet.

[862]  Send out small trinkets, ie. bumper stickers, key chains, etc. to remind and to engender more spirit.

[863]  There are some grads who are interested in specific pieces/programs of the academy, not in all the global problems. Perhaps AOG could compile a list of supporters of certain programs and direct mailings to those people. With computers and mail merge systems, this is a capability you must have.

[864]  My father is the Alumni Director at Notre Dame. I have worked at Notre Dame Alumni Association and at their Reunions for many years. This Alumni association has won many awards and has remarkable participation in their local clubs. There are many reasons for their success but I feel that one of the main reasons is that the alumni assoication does not actively solicite money throught reqesting donations from the Graduates. The Alumni association rasies money through sales and other programs however the gifts and class contibutions are raised throught the Development Office. By Seperating the fund raising efforts from the AOG/alumni Association, the AOG comes off looking like a place to get help and stay connected to the Academy. Maybe many of the graduates want to stay active and in touch with the academy, but the constant pressure to give pushes them away. I Think it would be far better to keep a larger pool of people involved initially and maybe years down the road, one or two of those people will be in a position to really make a difference in the Academy's financial requirements. Active donation solicitation should not be part of the Association of Graduates. The other thing is that the clubs need to community organizations. These clubs need to be involved with more than helping new recruites. Get the grads together and do something for your local community. Raise awareness of a worthy cause and raise awareness of the academy at the same time.

[865]  Provide more assistance to graduates, regardless of military/civlian status.

[866]  Raise money to maintain excellence at USMA. Enter into public debate about USMA issues using all legitimate means.

[867]  See above.

[868]  Plus, I think we need to be more active in supporting the academies on Capital Hill. I think each successive wave of non-military experienced Congressional members grows further from understanding the importance of the respective academies. In this regard we need to cooperate with the other Associations of Graduates, the other Service Organizations, like AUSA,and the Superintendents. I am sure that Dan and his cohorts would be horrified by a lot of unplanned freelancing in this area. However we do it, we need to do something or we will lose the contribution of perhaps the only means of maintaining continuity in the way we approach many of our core values to include our uniquely American and democratic approach to the profession of arms and the following: our approach to duty, to ethics, to dedication to service. I am sure there is a lot more to be written on this topic and others far more capable, but I rarely see it. In addition, what I do see is not normally in the Congressional Record.

[869]  Place USMA first.

[870]  see 14, above. The Military experience of the membership of the US Congress is on the wane...believe there is 1 USMA grad in the House of Representatives. USMA, and the Army need experienced representation. There are more than a handful of USMA grads who are posturing themselves, or have this idea (of political service) in their heads...AOG membership needs to know who they are and support them.

[871]  Also -- Facilitate communications with and between USMA, AOG, Alumni, and amongst local societies. Increase fund raising to assist academic programs - ie: laboratories, library, ...

[872]  Fight to have USMA goal being the focal source for Officers of the RA. (RA commission for all grad, which can be taken away during an "internship Period" if necessary. Set the standard for caliber and integrity for RA commission from other sources

[873]  see above

[874]  Like the job networking conference idea, but San Diego is cost prohibitive for most of us. Perhaps some other, more affordable job networking mechanism. (I'm interested in law firms)

[875]  I was not aware of the web site until today, when I opened mail. I suppose it would be a good idea to broadcast the communication media available to graduates. Not everyone is drawn to the athletic department, and it appears that a major focus is that direction. I believe that graduates have other interests as well, and that this survey is a good way to capture that. Possibly, have more such interactive communication with graduates, and/or societies or clubs.

[876]  Serve its members by identifying the tough issues its members want addressed, formulating a plan to find solutions, and leading the effort to have the plan come to action. The real trick is to do this whether the "political" climate in Washington seems to be in AOGs favor or not! Make the system work for us, not the other way around! Petitions from academy graduates (and DMGs) around the world on key issues for AOG members is a start towards building AOG credibility as an organization of action and vision. Bottom Line: I want to be a member of an association with IMPACT!

[877]  Provide full instructions and assistance to make it easy for folks to contribute to the AOG through the workplace. About 7 grads work for my employer, but AOG is not on the list of accepted organizations to donate to (and for which my employer will match our donations). Tell me how to set this up, and I will start the process.

[878]  I think! I do not assume to know where all the effort goes

[879]  More networking and job opportunites for grads.

[880]  AOG would study ways that graduates can use their training and experience in leadership to the benefit of society. We've had the best leadership training available in the world today. How can we use this capability in society. A major area of study would concern utilization of the the talents of our retired grads.

[881]  not sure

[882]  Stop glorifying success of graduates who did not pursue a military career. Recognize their contributions--but don't confer sainthood. The military career grads fulfilled their commitments--and "took the blows".

[883]  Again, see above.

[884]  ESTABLISH WINNING ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

[885]  pretty much what it is doing now....FOCUS on serving the alumni while supporting USMA; there's a subtle distinction: keep the alumni happy and in good shape and we will beat down the doors to do what's right for our alma mater

[886]  The association and goals except for one seem to all focus on supporting the academy. An in depth survey on support to the graduates outside of transition assistance( job hunting) may prove helpful. For instance financial planning, insurance assitance (especially medical) educational opportunities or a section that provides direction where to find this information

[887]  Better communication with grads

[888]  More active in insuring an accurate represetation of USMA in print, TV, and movies. Provide speakers and "Talking heads" to news shows when USMA is discussed. Monitor newspapers for mention of USMA and respond editorially or with a feature article as appropriate

[889]  Server did not respond.

[890]  Advertise list server better. I didn't know about it until now.

[891]  Upon request, provide a list of graduates at a certain post in order for graduates to contact one another when moving there. Likewise, provide a list of graduates working in the civilian sector that might be willing to help a graduate find a job.

[892]  See 16.

[893]  I would like to see some independent thought at the top, not just being a mouthpiece for the current administration. There are several things which are happening that many grads don't agree with (such as the RA commission issue, and the decreasing of the Corps size). Granted, the administration may not agree either, but I believe we must find a way to be more vocal about our feelings. Also, how about a follow up on current events. The recent rape trial comes to mind. Why did the Supe order an investigation when he disregarded the investigating officers recommendations? During the trial, news accounts (again, nothing from AOG!) made it clear the female cadet lied. What happened to her? If AOG continues to support every action and utterance of every administration, they will quickly lose support of the grads. These are not 1 'old' grads feelings. I am in touch with many of my classmates, and members of other classes. There is frustration out here over a perceived lack of leadership at the very top. That's why we're getting out!

[894]  current plus more active involvement in helping transition to civilian life through the network of well placed graduates in the civilian world.

[895]  Have class web pages in order to facilitate communications within the class

[896]  Hire some professional fund raisers. Let grads know how much you are receiving from non grads.

[897]  In addition to the goals, or more likely as a subset of one of them, I would like to better understand the relationship between the various agencies, ( AOG/AAA/Class ), and how you're all trying to work synergisticaly together. I sometimes feel that while you are not at odds, you do have overlapping agendas.

[898]  Represent AOG membership concerns about USMA to USMA Administration (Sup, Com, Dean). There does not seem to be a "channel" for doing so. There IS strength in numbers and I believe that we (the AOG and its members) are smart enough to develop a system which would solicit input and communicate concerns in an intelligent manner without bureaucracy and petty emotions. Factual arguments and concerns should be able to be "heard" and a response from the Administration should follow.

[899]  In addition to the stated goals, the AOG should actively lobby congress on behalf of Academy funding.

[900]  See my response to Question #16. We need to continue to emphasize the success our active duty graduates are having and use them as role models for our younger graduates.

[901]  Establish a team to "review" the health of regional societies and spread successful ideas among them. This could be a volunteer team which helps each society to establish "best of practices" just like a multi-site corporation might do.

[902]  Not sure

[903]  #28

[904]  provide workshops to assist Grads with job placement and assimilation into civilian life.

[905]  Try to be more user friendly to all grads. Make us feel genuinely welcome when we return to visit.

[906]  Please see answers to preceding two questions.

[907]  Add: Include a quarterly news letter that highlights current issues in the CORPS.

[908]  Primarily what it is doing now but with more independence from the Academy leadership.

[909]  see what I wrote in question 16. ... if anything, the AOG must keep the pressure on to make sure that "Duty, Honor, Country" remain the beacon, and add to that "leadership for a lifetime"

[910]  Projecting a greater awareness of USMA among the public.

[911]  Thru education of the Congress get The Academy what it needs in resources and policy. The Administration, DOD and DA aren't doing that.

[912]  I need to get a better idea of what other alumni associations do and how big their staffs are to accomplish their goals. My current impression is that our AOG staff is bloated and is not accomplishing all that it should given its personnel strength.

[913]  Also promote West Point and its ideals to the country at large - a "PR" firm, if you will. We need continuing public awareness and support.

[914]  I have to read more of the articles in the Assembly, but I have seen anything in the First Call that make me feel like we are contributing/impacting that much. I would say though that I had a great experiencing in assisting the family of a fallen 1983 graduate with the support of the AOG. The express my point of lack of impact-- I was the only grad of 10 in the brigade, including the BN CDR, that thought of calling the AOG to see what services/procedures you could provide.

[915]  A better job of transition services

[916]  Again, promote good and productive relations between the Academy and the US government we all serve.

[917]  Need to concentrate on fund raising in a personal way. I receive personal phone calls from my graduate school soliciting money. All I get from AOG is an impersonal letter (which I promply trash). It's harder to say no to a person.

[918]  Career transition program like that in the DC chapter

[919]  Add a goal to provide "networking" among graduates. The communications goal may already address this.

[920]  When our class officers were elected, few of us had any idea of what we woudl be 20 years from the date the officers were elected. The fact that class officers feel as though they have earned the right to stay in office based soley on a popularility election 20 years earlier is ludicrous. There are some hard working, well deserving people that deserve a chance to work for USMA and the Class they would represent. Fresh blood brings fresh ideas and an energy to do things for USMA. Instead, the current system allows a Class officer to sit in place until he or she dies. The AOG should take this on as a mission.

[921]  Become more potent in influencing the directions taken by USMA. Pay less attention to the "welfare" of the graduates/members, and more to the institution; beyond simply ceremonial purposes.

[922]  The lack of respect and, in some cases, outright hostility towards academy graduates in the military caused me and others to leave for better paying civilian jobs. It is not widespread because in some units I was a valued member of the team regardless of school affiliation. There is less academy influence in the military than ever before. We have an increasingly political army and therefore a less professional one. My AOG should make changing that one of its goals. I don't foresee it changing but at least it would be voiced. The next thing I would sponsor is more cross-academy interaction while in the academies. This would help foster a whole force concept and promote greater trust and unity among the different service academies. An "US vs THEM" currently means "U.S. {insert appropriate letter(s) here} A. vs. everyone else" and should mean "U.S. service Academies vs everyone else". I admit to rooting for NAVY ten football games a year. Air Force only gets 9 cheers. (Makes ARMY-NAVY important)

[923]  -Get graduates involved with USMA and the Army

[924]  Organise an annual gathering through a weekend travel tour or something similar. Example, like organising a weekend cruise to the Bahamas, where the entire passenger list are old grads. Tour packages/getaways would be popular times for gatherings in a more relaxed environment.

[925]  It ought to utilize local graduates to visit and recruit at high schools and colleges much more than it now does.

[926]  Let me know more about its civilian job seeking services. Let me know some of its success stories and points of contact.

[927]  Energize the political conscience of USMA graduates to vote in favor of military programs such as military pay, military health care (particularly for retirees over 65 years old), and other benefits that are rapidly eroding

[928]  More support to establishment of local AOG/Societies' recruitment activities. Lobbying efforts to maintain/increase support for USMA in Congress, Army and elsewhere(corporations).

[929]  Contribute to the politiacl lobby actions to protect graduates against erosion of benefits as Active Duty soldiers and retired professionals. Due to reduction in the average career of today's soldiers, these benefits, or the loss of them, will affect the incentives to enter the Academy and seek a military career.

[930]  Focus on changing the institutional focus of WP from obeying the "letter of the law" to obeying the "spirit of the law"

[931]  See 15 &16

[932]  Create an on-line "Assembly"-type magazine which only publishes small synopsis of articles. If an AOG member wishes to read more in-depth, then he/she will have to purchase that issue. He/she will have that option, again, on-line. The benefit is the AOG member won't have to purchase what is not interesting to the member; on the other hand, AOG won't lose an income source from those members that want the full "Assembly" magazine.

[933]  Support the goals of USMA through supporting the GRADUATES (AOG?). If GRADUATES succeed, USMA succeeds and cadet quality will be maintained or even enhanced.

[934]  Lobby congress all the time in the best interest of West Point.

[935]  See that better USMA related products are available for sale in the gift shops. Many of the products currently for sale (hats, scarves, sweatshirts, etc.) are of poor quality and aren't attractive. I think the membership would be happier, and the AOG could make more money, with an improvement in the quality the products. If someone from the AOG would like to contact me about this subject, I have several ideas in this area.

[936]  More focus on supporting the membership, at least on a par with support to the academy. Less emphasis on fund raising as the primary task.

[937]  Stop mailing me so many requests for money.

[938]  See # 16 above

[939]  Become a focal point (electronically) for feedback to the USMA administration on how new officers are performing in the field.

[940]  see above

[941]  lobby effectively in DC with complete freedom from the Army staff (I know this is not possible)

[942]  put pressure on the supe to stop caring so much about political correctnes and more about the readiness of the graduates

[943]  All that it is currently doing - but also try to get societies to make efforts to tie in active duty members in their areas to participate in their activities/events.

[944]  Sponsor more career transition seminars around the country--they seem to focus on DC and the northeast. Work with the other service academies, as you are already doing some of.

[945]  With the comments above incorporated.

[946]  Be open at least once when I go by the academy.

[947]  Aggressively promote USMA with public and Federal government, independent of the current DA, DoD, and USMA leadership.

[948]  AOG could take a more aggressive position against politically correct positions that are force fed to the academy.

[949]  Please see the answer to # 16

[950]  In order to get the monies needed for the Academy, I believe that AOG should be more active in soliciting corporations, and companies that have USMA grads as CEO, board members, owners, etc. for funds. You seemed to have done a good job in that regard in the late 80's and early 90's but I have not seen much lately.

[951]  The AOG does a great job. Keep up the good work.

[952]  Seemed to pay a little more attention to the Army, not be in narrow field of view at West Point.

[953]  Work to restore regular commissions

[954]  Take on the goal of establishing a mentorship program for graduates that would enable each graduating Cadet desiring insight would be matched with a Mentor. Continue most current activities.

[955]  See above (#16)

[956]  - facilitate interconnectedness of fellow graduates

[957]  Have Herbert Hall open more and be able to provide more access to the present Corps and grounds to grads

[958]  Restore the saturday evening reunion dinner in Washington Hall on Alumni weekend and announce open house in the barracks.

[959]  1. work to maintain a high image of West Point and the US Army 2. assist in maintaining the high ideals and standards of West Point 3. act as a communication channel between West point and graduates and among graduates.

[960]  They are doing a great job, but I would have them improve the image that they are there for the graduates, and not just an extension of the Academy that promotes the current Supes ideas.

[961]  See above for the jist of my comments.

[962]  better "frills" for reunion classes - EXPECIALLY at Homecoming! We had to sit in the very top row for the football game - these seats were no different than those we received the same year and year before by class. How do you expect to recruit funds giving from classes at reunions, especially Homecoming, if you don't even go out of your way a little bit to "entice" us and keep us wanting to give to the WP Annual Fund? It was really difficult to dig into our pockets for the Supe to give $ when the Academy can't even do a small thing like wotk with the Football seating give something back to the grads - and I'm not the onyl one from my class or year from this year's homecoming to feel this way.

[963]  Be more inclusive of younger, less affluent graduates.

[964]  MORE ACTIVELY REPRESENT (MARKET) THE ACADEMY IN INDUSTRY, SOCIETY DOMESTICALLY AND GLOBALLY.

[965]  Helped connect grads & classmates

[966]  Be a voice FOR the grads in identifying areas where it may appear to the Grads that USMA has lost its way. Many non-grads on the staff and faculty must see things very differently than Grads, or so the results appear. The senior leaders appear to be wagged by the tail (of the dog rather than the reverse.

[967]  ?

[968]  Post Electronically all known locations for former classmates or as a minimum, last home address.

[969]  Add short E-mail messages as described above.

[970]  See above and in addition take strong positive actions toward a powerful bi-centenial program which would enhance the former high ideals of the academy.

[971]  I would like to see AOG gleaning something from that huge wealth of wisdom and expertise that exists in the long grey line. I often attend functions for my father's class ('42). Clearly, these gentlemen and their wives are a breed apart. We should all strive to be so selfless and so proud of our country. My own class, of which I am quite proud, pales in comparison. And more recent classes make me ashamed. When I hear the thoughts of the men in Dad's class and neighbors of ours from other classes from the 1940's, and 1950's, I wonder why AOG hasn't done a better job of harnessing their eloquence of thought. It is distressing to hear their disappointment when observing the Academy prostituting itself for commercial survival. If we could only portray the military academy as embodied by these brilliant, humble and self-sacrificing men, there would be no need to grovel at the feet of Congress!

[972]  Better assist graduates once out of the military

[973]  Recruiting Fund Raising Career Opportunities Career Mentoring all might be mentioned more specifically

[974]  1) Provide more comprehensive support to the Societies;2) Provide infomation about the Academy, not just the "party line", but tell it like it is...the good, bad and ugly.

[975]  MAKE ME A MEMBER

[976]  help graduates better transition into civ. work force

[977]  Great response and support in planning a mini-reunion from Tony Ferraiolo last year. Just what I needed.

[978]  You will never be able to craft programs that make happy all of such a diverse group as the family of graduates. Hang in there.

[979]  Less focus on athletics and more focus on other means to improve the knowledge of/perception of the military academy.

[980]  See above, #16.

[981]  Get back to the reason for the Corps. Get rid of some staff position " ... fair treatment of all ..." Emphasize the need for leaders, not academic hives.

[982]  Allow individual contributions to be "earmarked" by donors. Allow flexibility by each class in the management of its funds. As an example, our class attempted to establish a perpetual fund in honor of its class thru the AOG. Such a fund would grow to a sizeable amount over time. However, the AOG leadership turned our request down, which was very shortsighted. Forbes reported that every $1 invested in the stock market 200 years ago grew to $500,000 today. Our class was considering establishing such a fund, but priorities and procedures established by the AOG appear to focus on short term goals rather than effective long range planning. Because of this narrow minded and inflexible view, it is doubtful if such a fund will be established by the class, as the burdens and costs of establishing our own fund thru Section 501c3 of the IRS codes are prohibitive. The bottom line: Don't insist that the donors do it your way!!!!!!!!!! Be flexible and willing to work with the classes.

[983]  Lobby the Academy to return to a more balance program of military and academic programs. Promote the Academy as a national treasure to be protected and nutured (However, if graduates do not start staying in the Army in greater number and more do not reach higher ranking positions, this will never wash. Hence my comment in 15.)

[984]  continue with improvements adopted over the past few years

[985]  Business networking - contacts, mentors list, etc.

[986]  BASICALLY, it is doing OK. However,there appears to be a new effort in raising large sums of money for purposes not envisioned, in my opinion, by the founders of the AOG. It seems clear to me and to many graduates I have talked to recently that the AOG is doing a lot of empire-building by adding fund-raising staff at the headquarters.

[987]  It would focus much more on the first four management goals. What we have here is an alumni association and it has lessons to learn from civilian institutions' alumni associations in terms of the level and type of activities it mounts in the interest of its graduates. Those of us who have spent most of our lives outside the military have a feeling of lack of engagement by AOG. We have not had the support of fellow graduates in the workplace by virtue of extensive military service and we have not had alumni association contact at anything comparable to that of other national institutions (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, etc).

[988]  See earlier comments about networking (above)

[989]  Take every reasonbale opportunity to support the revised mission statement that emphasizes an Army career as a USMA goal--without implying that those who resigned without significant service are second class citizens!

[990]  It would focus it's energys in convincing congerss and DOD to adequately fund core USMA programs (not emphasis on collegian athletics) and push for a top caliber academic curriculum. I am also disturbed at the increased emphasis in PE at the expense of hours cadets spend in academics.

[991]  Provide a stronger voice for grads on issues about USMA. Reduce the emphasis on fundraising.

[992]  Quit asking for $ in every correspondence

[993]  advertise to gradutates more.. keep in touch

[994]  Find some way for graduates to buy a Cadet saber. (A small request of mine).

[995]  Separate itself from money grubbing,a necessary evil better left to a separate stand alone corporation with the sole task of raising much needed monies,and AOG could then concentrate on the other equally vital parts of the mission.

[996]  provide the alumni information for free

[997]  Lifting up and addressing issues, controversial or otherwise, that contribute to the positive evolution of USMA as a relevant and creative educational institution.

[998]  see above

[999]  Make it easy and fun to visit West Point. Preferential parking would help a lot. Better food services at the Alumni Center would be a big improvement. A greeter at the Alumni Center would be nice, helping people find their way around and making them comfortable. A Who's in Town listing at the entrance would be a good idea if none exists. Make the Alumni Center more user friendly and less sterile. Help graduates show their families around i. e. arrange for meals in the mess hall, barracks tours, use of the gymnasium, boat rides, parade seating, obtaining hotel rooms, restaurant recommendations/reservations, use of the O-club, tickets for Ike Hall events, etc. Fire scribes who don't do their jobs. Help me help you. Keep doing surveys. This was a great idea. Let me know how I can help West Point. Keep asking for feedback and keep making these positive changes.

[1000]  In addition to what it is already doing, it should assist in accomplishing the mission outlined in #15 above.

[1001]  More regional/state gatherings

[1002]  Make more items (i.e. genuine Cadet USMA sweatshirts) available to grads Buy more quality and stylish USMA items

[1003]  Has to be more open to those graduates who went into the Air Force; many societies discriminate against graduates who went into the Air Force, especially those classes in the late 50's and early 60's

[1004]  1. see 16 above 2. Lobby Congress for the academy separately from Army issues, if necessary to maintain at least current standards.

[1005]  support special needs of USMA graduates related primarily to health care.

[1006]  With military downsizing continuing, AOG could work to provide a better (possibly electronic) clearing house for graduates seeking employment outside of the Army. A fantastic resource all too often overlooked.

[1007]  Be sensitive to the concerns of its members. Promote combat arms training and initial assignment in the combat arms. Seriously study restoring all-male status via the 1996 U.S. Supreme Court case on VMI.

[1008]  see above.

[1009]  Act as point for USMA in dealing with the Public; Lobbying Congress; Selling West Point.

[1010]  plus as stated in 16 above

[1011]  Preserve USMA as a military academy to develop combat leaders in the art of war, in preference to a national academy.

[1012]  explain strategy more, help foster class interaction (WPORG is great)

[1013]  Provide a database on what all AOG members are doing and how to contact them. This may exist already but not in database form.

[1014]  Do not feel qualified to comment

[1015]  I would like to kept more informed about what changes are going on at the academy, what major policy changes are being debated, and what changes, if any, the congress/CINC is planning.

[1016]  See above.

[1017]  see 16

[1018]  Play a more active role in presenting graduates' views on where the academy is heading and how we can influence that path.

[1019]  See below.

[1020]  Be a little better at organizing for fund raising by class and company within the class. I see improvements underway within my class.

[1021]  Not competent to add much.

[1022]  Previously I mentioned the AOG should also look after the best interests of the graduates.I have noticed decided improvement therein.In view of that progress I have checked the "What it is currently doing"box rather than restating my previous position.

[1023]  ??

[1024]  You already do this, but ensure there is a employment network for those leaving the army at any level (lieutenant to general).

[1025]  You already do this, but ensure there is a employment network for those leaving the army at any level (lieutenant to general).

[1026]  Go online with Register and Assembly

[1027]  Having had only limited involvment with AOG, my interest would be in expanding its availablity and interaction with those of us whom may have had limited military careers; eg a focus on thing which | can only describe as "civilian"

[1028]  but add: be proactive on leadership, regular commissions, facilities, and funding issues

[1029]  See answer to question 16.

[1030]  Foster closer relations between USMA and the serving Army.

[1031]  More info on grads in the news and/or in key political, business, governmental, educational or athletic positions nationally and internat'lly.

[1032]  I'm not qualified to comment on this question since my knowledge of the AOG is very limited

[1033]  Set up an executive recruiting service strictly for graduates.

[1034]  additional focus on service to graduates and not simply raising money from graduates.

[1035]  Question every action of the administration to ensure that the ideals and standards of the Academy are maintained; to marshall the resources of the body of graduates to support the Academy politically - both in terms or financial appropriations and maintenance of the ethics and mission of the institution; to assist graduates in career development; to lobby congress and the military to advance the interests of the Academy and stop the gradual civilianization of USMA.

[1036]  Coordinate class giving/gifts and/or develop methods which would allow classes to contribute to large products. Done properly this would create a result larger than the sum of its parts.

[1037]  Keep the reputation of USMA from spiraling even more downward by applying pressure wherever it can (Congress, Army leadership, etc. - I really don't know). I can't tell you how many young lieutenants I have met (part of my work area includes Fort Hood) that are getting out after a whopping 2 years of service - even some that learned how to fly helicopters. Whatever the reasons - I run into a lot of community leaders that are amazed at things like this - not to mention other issues they hear about. AND they don't even really have a clue about the Army - they just know about the Academy.

[1038]  Provide a list of when the reunion's are held. For example. The 25th is always held on the 1st weekend of October, the 50th is always held June week, etc...

[1039]  Less fund-raising, more informing grads of what is going on there, long-term goals for the school.

[1040]  Continue efforts to improve active duty membership/ activities for young officers stationed around CONUS and OCONUS

[1041]  Provide additional assistance to graduates in their career choices

[1042]  Educated me on the changes happening at the academy. Told me how I could help make those changes a reality. Motivated me to contribute more financially (I went back to my 10 yr reunion and frankly was embarrassed and sad over the state of some of the facilities - it shouldn't take a visit back to make someone care). Helped me advance my non-military career. Created a "leader training" program that corporations could particiapte in by sending their executives (for a fee of course).

[1043]  AOG should strive to have the strongest and most effective alumni organization in the world. We need remain flexible enough to address the eveloving needs of the academy and its graduates. AOG needs to be positioned to support old grads and new grads with equal effectives. Furthermore, AOG needs to be capable of supporting grads whether they are on active duty, retired, or pursuing a civilian career.

[1044]  Hire me so I can work there. Bring back the "old school" west point ring knocker association. Become a resource - POC - where grads rely on and produce for other grads.

[1045]  I would create a separate entity that would serve as a lobbying force so as to not jepordize the non-profit status of the AOG. However, the future of all Academies and the return to Regular commissioning requires political lobbying.

[1046]  Communicate programs and services clearly Facilitate alumni networking Provide easy access to alumni database Host alumni functions at West Point and in Key Cities

[1047]  List specific objectives; bounce off of grads; get input; publish and then let us see what we can plan and do.

[1048]  never to side with dod if in detriment os usma

[1049]  Promote the West Point image thru an new marketing program

[1050]  By way of comment, I think the organization has a tremendously difficult task. Given the complexity of its purpose and the political realities of getting things done, they do a very good job. It's easy to criticize any organization, but I would be hard pressed to recommend changes that, in reality, would significantly improve AOG's function. Bottom line -- they are doing well.

[1051]  Better representing the diverse views of the graduates.

[1052]  Get more in tune with grads. Seek to contribute to long term role and future of West Point

[1053]  Tune in more to graduates dissatisfactions and questions and better represent the graduates rather than USMA.

[1054]  More focus on engaging graduates in developing or enhancing active relationships with the Academy.

[1055]  Holding more career conferences.

[1056]  See above.

[1057]  More work targeted at different groups of classes; I have the impression that most AOG effort is targeted at the 50+ year old crowd, and much less at graduates in their 20's, or 30's, etc.

[1058]  More work targeted at different groups of classes; I have the impression that most AOG effort is targeted at the 50+ year old crowd, and much less at graduates in their 20's, or 30's, etc.

[1059]  Consolidate fund raising so that we don't get multiple requests

[1060]  Get more involved in the support of a stonger defense sysyem; for example, the lack of RA commissions for graduates which can only lead to decreased readiness.

[1061]  -include more attention to retired military matters -include more retired military members in AOG boards, trustee list, and so forth

[1062]  Help act on the goal above.

[1063]  Use the full resources of the AOG to provide a nationwide career assistance program for all graduates and former cadets.

[1064]  Support more special cadet activities, other than Corps Squad athletics

[1065]  See My commments above which discuss the many ways to assist grads and help them more effecitvely network for both business, social and WP. I believe that WP could and should do more for itself while at the same time providing more effective assistance and network to its many grads.

[1066]  While much of the AOg effort is well directed and supported, my previous remarks on the importance of bonding the graduates to their class and to the Academy pertain here also.

[1067]  ease up on the fund raising activity

[1068]  Facilitate better networking among graduates.

[1069]  It would develop services that help improve the lives of graduates. Not relatively meaningless items as car rental discounts. Work much harder to improve the civilian employment network. Civilian graduates are all but forgotten by the AOG.

[1070]  See above comments. Also, I would fire all members of the management and staff that did not subscribe to the idea that the membership comes first. They should not be in this business for personal gain but to serve the membership.

[1071]  Provide far more pro-active support to graduates in both active and civilian status.

[1072]  Examine issues concerning retirees, especially concerning eroding benefits. If we are to entice young graduates into a career, they have to know they will be taken care of over the long term.

[1073]  And I would like to add: Have a network tied into other career transition networks that helps those getting ready to retire or retired already to turn to for job interviews and solicitation.

[1074]  AOG could best meet my needs by being more integrated with my local west point society. My work life style leaves me strapped for time already. There is not time left over to stay abreast of AOG unless it is through the local society.

[1075]  Organize and improve communications between and amongst graduates and not so much between and amongst the AOG.

[1076]  see above

[1077]  Coordinate athletic event-associated activities when and where USMA groups are schedules -- eg, Glee Club, football. -- ie, arrange with local societies for receptions, lodging accommodations, transportation.

[1078]  Open itself to civ and non-grad staff and faculty. Publish pay schedules. Publish costs of running programs versus average costs for similar services elsewhere.

[1079]  Continuously inform the public about USMA and provide mentoring servicews to younger grads in the Army.

[1080]  Plus strive to insure that that the standards and traditions of USMA are maintained without undue concern for the "political correctness" of the actions necessary to accomplish this.

[1081]  Plus strive to insure that that the standards and traditions of USMA are maintained without undue concern for the "political correctness" of the actions necessary to accomplish this.

[1082]  1. Assist classes more in developing fund raising techniques that do not simply rely on classmates calling and badgering classmates for money. I hate making those calls to old friends who I have not seen in years, and the topic is $$$$$$. There are lessons to be learned from other institutions regarding mailings and other awareness building that leads up to a focused Pledge Campaign of short duration. 2. Incease awareness building among high school students. My reading tells me that an extremely low percentage of students west of the Mississippi have ever even heard of USMA, much less have an appreciation for its role in the US

[1083]  Be more focused on the needs of graduates.

[1084]  AOG should be more supportive of the Army and graduates and retired officers.

[1085]  Be proactive and honest instead of reactive and dissembling and post-op. They haven't had any cojones in many moons.

[1086]  In addition to what it is currently doing, it would accurately reflect my viewpoints about training cadets to serve in vigorous combat assignments.

[1087]  Please see #14

[1088]  It's time for all West Point organizations to start thinking beyond the Academy...and looking more toward supporting helping the Army and its soldiers. Figure out the average years your AOG member spent at West Point (4?) and the average years spent as an Army officer (10?, 15?, 20?) Remember that your AOG members are soldiers now, not cadets....let's make sure the AOG has as strong of a soldier focus as it does a cadet focus. Helping the Army and its soldiers appeals to me just as much (maybe more) than helping cadets. Associate the AOG with some worthwhile Army issue(s), and watch your membership skyrocket.

[1089]  Tell us how the funds collected annually are spent

[1090]  Provide a networking structure for graduates who are no longer on active duty and looking for civilian advamcement.

[1091]  Same as 16.

[1092]  Spotlight the work of graduates is a broad range of fields.

[1093]  Have greater visibility

[1094]  Be more open in it's dealings with graduates. It is not a "club" to be directed by an inner circle of trustees, who seem to have, in many cases, little communication back to the membership they are supposed to represent. While I recognize that a large percentage of graduates are not involved because they don't want to be involved, there is a significant number who want to be involved to one degree or another, AOG should be able to accommodate this group.

[1095]  I greatly respect what Jack H is doing. He is a real talent. The problem is that the disfunctional interrationships and lack of coordination between USMA, AOG and AAA is killing my enthusiasm to do anything.

[1096]  Please see my earlier comments. But in a word--lobby.

[1097]  Focus on two fronts: West Point and its graduates

[1098]  give career advice for after the army

[1099]  Do an even better job of communicating, e.g. more frequent updates on WP happenings. AOG's main importance to me is to get out the poop. Everything else pales.

[1100]  The current AOG position on Reserve commissions for graduates should be revisited. Despite the grim outlook portrayed in the recent "Assembly", this issue is crucial to the very existence of the Academy into the 21st Century. I was surprised to find interest lacking on this issue by the other two service Academies. What about the top 5%'ers from ROTC?

[1101]  Stress the values that West Point once stressed, Duty, Honor, Country.

[1102]  More outreach by the local societies

[1103]  Provide permanent email addresses through AOG server to all graduates.

[1104]  Inform graduates more as to the stability of USMA, specifically the legislative climate in Congress as to the financial future of the Academy and challenges USMA has. Also, in what ways does USMA regularly assist the Regular Army, for example, research projects, etc.

[1105]  More active in assisting members separated or retired fromn the service (see answer to question 16 above).

[1106]  a. Focus first on the AOG membership. b. Become active and advocate; avoid passive roles or those that are "politically correct." The AOG should stand straight and tall on issues of importance to the Membership, irrespective of whether or not the issues are controversial. c. Remain loyal to, BUT INDEPENDENT OF, West Point. d. Development efforts should include funding items and issues important to the Membership, not just for West Point itself. USMA should have its own development effort.

[1107]  a. Focus first on the AOG membership. b. Become active and advocate; avoid passive roles or those that are "politically correct." The AOG should stand straight and tall on issues of importance to the Membership, irrespective of whether or not the issues are controversial. c. Remain loyal to, BUT INDEPENDENT OF, West Point. d. Development efforts should include funding items and issues important to the Membership, not just for West Point itself. USMA should have its own development effort.

[1108]  Assy, Reg. of Grads, Raise money for projects decided by AOG, not to be the Supe's slush fund.

[1109]  My perceptionof the AOG as it presently stands: the AOG is an organization for ex-military members (retired and non-retired). I do not perceive an AOG interest in current active duty graduates. There seems to be an extreme emphasis on fund raising and very little emphasis on facilitating WP-Active Duty graduate cooperation / interest. I do not see the AOG providing information or soliciting comments on current academy points of interest or actions. With the abymisal retention rate of recent graduating classes, I would like the AOG to assist the academy as they ensure the best recruits are being accepted, and what is taught furthers the interests of the Army and Nation.

[1110]  This media (web page and e-mail) have tremendous potential to connect us. My failure to get my own e-mail address posted as well as the lack of current news or for that matter any current updating of the class page leads me to believe the internet is being used by the AOG and class of 88 about 20% of what I've seen other organizations use it for.

[1111]  Place as much emphasis, as it now places on supporting athletics, on improving USMA's image and relevancy in the public's mind.

[1112]  Provide a much enhanced, proactive system to assist graduates with job search assistance through networking. The current service is fairly lame, considering the power the AOG has.

[1113]  Increase AOG efforts to assist graduates (both recent and older) in obtaining post-active duty employment or making them aware of charitable and civic organizations looking for volunteers

[1114]  see above

[1115]  Use its enfluence to halt the encroachment fo feminism at the academy.

[1116]  Support the position of graduates and cease being a mounthpiece of the academy administration.

[1117]  Would like to see a strong network of grads for employment after military service.

[1118]  Bring grads together more often at the local or regional level, through chapters, classes or other means.

[1119]  Unless USMA can demonstrate that it offers to the US through its graduates benefits that are unique, I believe it will perish. The AOG should foster programs that emphasize the ideals of Duty, Honor,Country and an alumni dedicated to an Army career

[1120]  Respond to graduates and their concerns as much as it responds to the USMA administration.

[1121]  I would advise the AOG to refrain from trumpeting the career successes of non-military or non-governmental USMA grads thru Assembly articles as was the case recently concerning the corporate chief who was so very controversial in his actions with "rescuing" companies. It seemed a rather selfserving article both with respect to the individual and the author who wrote it and viz-a-viz West Point. Since you asked . . .

[1122]  AOG has done a tremendous job in the last few yrs to assist the Academy and its graduates.....my only suggestion would be to consider assisting Admissions in publicizing USMA and its mission/accplishments.

[1123]  Support the goal that WP exists to produce officers for a lifetime of service to the nation in the United States Army. Emphasize "service."

[1124]  See comments for qustion 15 and 16

[1125]  All it is presently doing AND extending itself more visibly to active duty grads (e.g., perhaps a bulletin for active duty folks only, which is compiled by a group of our "gray beards" focusing on sharing the wealth of their knowledge and experience to enable better our Alums as they progress through their careers of service to the Nation - sort of a 'I've been there, done that, and this is what worked best.' AOG could be the catalyst to invite alumni to make written contributions - this may become a very robust activity among our more senior alumni who would be thrilled if asked to contribute......hey, I'm guessing here but perhaps this could be part of your assistance package??!

[1126]  It's doing fine and should continue....BUT Item 14 remains a matter of concern.

[1127]  Provide better insight to actions taken by USMA and AOG

[1128]  More emphasis on networking and career assistance. Doing better than has been done in years, but need more.

[1129]  Frankly, I'm not really aware of what it is doing. This may be because I'm not closely connected to a AOG information distribution channel, if one exists.

[1130]  My husband is a fellow grad and subscribes to the Assembly, etc. I have received too many requests asking me to subscribe despite my repeated attempts requesting I not receive these mailings. Since we are both grads, it does not make sense for both of us to have subscriptions to the same item. I will resume my subscription whenever we are seperated for long periods of time. Is there any way for the mailing list to be annotated to indicate when both spouses are grads? Also, is there any way to annotate the mailing list to indicate when a grad does not need to have subcription requests mailed out because of the situation noted above? Thank you

[1131]  See my comments above. The AOG's perceived lack of interest in me as a grad has affected my willingness to provide financial support.

[1132]  Seeing that West Point maintained the highest of standards See that West Pointers are commissioned in the Regular Army Would work for a Political Action Committee to support West Point before Congress Would see that a book would be published on graduate accomplishments during the Cold War for release during the bicentennial