Q30: Please add anything you want passed on to the AOG leadership in this space:

You're doing a great job: keep it up!

Keep up the good work!

The AOG management and trustee should operate as any board w/ shareholders while focusing on the higher ideals of the academy, not capital campaigns that a very distinguished but very business naive general runs. It has a history of being run by the Sups who are very poor business managers in the sense of a large university or capital campaigns. I would have hoped the Board was more business-like but normally it has been the good-old-boy generals club.

Please say Hello to brother Seth F. Jr. from Nancy and me. Thanks

Be more aggressive in contacting graduates who are not on active duty. Networking must be strengthened among USMA graduates, since there are not as many of us as there are private university graduates. ; ; Make a USMA-only version of the SABRD. A USMABRD would be great, especially as a searchable CD-ROM or a as a web-site feature.

If the AOG leader group cannot be acquired from WP graduates exclusively, then it should close up shop. I personally am not interested in what some outsider has to say other than as an adviser.

1. Excellent questionnaire.; 2. Questions #25 and #26 are right on the money; a great way to solicit input and provide feedback to the troops.;3. You're on the right track - keep up the good work!

As an independent trainer of computer software applications, I've enjoyed this opportunity to respond via electronic means. However, I hope that alternate means, e.g. newsletters, mailings, etc., will be retained as back-up so that anyone without internet access can still be kept in the loop.

Assembly is a prime source of information.; ; Founder's Day speakers should be more candid. It appears that there is a canned speech which espouses the party line.

Appreciate the opportunity to comment. Use of this type of forum provides those of us outside the process to participate. Thanks for conducting this survey.

A small feedback comment to your fund-raising methodology...for the past 2, maybe 3 years, I've sent in my annual donation the first week of the new calendar/tax year....thinking it would give the Academy the full year's use of the money, and yet let me count it for that given tax year...yet I still get the series of annual fund-raising solicitation letters throughout the years as if my 1st week of January donation hadn't ever been recorded...and then towards the end of the year, I get a real plateful letter which implies I have not given for that year. Point is that there doesn't seem to be a good cross-check for donors who donate OUTSIDE the specific window, using the specific envelope sent out during the annual fund-raising campaign.

Admittedly, this might be more hassle than it's worth, but this year I had given thought to just waiting to make my donation until the anointed window just to avoid this matter and make sure my donation was recorded correctly. Shouldn't have to be this way.

I do read the Supes updates - the browser didn’t work in that section for the yes area only- no circle appeared

Keep up the good work

The leadership seems to be run by a select group and it is not transparent. More openness and opportunity to run should be had. Voting could be done in the mail or on the internet. BECOME MORE OPEN TO THE GRADUATES YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SERVE

Keep up the great work.

Thanks for asking.

Thanks for being there for us.

Please continue to expand your use of computer; based commo.

Sports have become a joke. Johns Hopkins has announced they won't play Army anymore. Why, because we stink.; ; We have a Superintendent that goes to football practice and takes his coat off and starts cheerleading. Can anyone ever in their wildest dream see Blackshear M Bryan going to practice with

Earl Blaik as coach and doing the same thing. The answer is no--- and if it ever happened, Blaik would have killed him on the spot.; ; We also have a former Supe that rides around the stadium at A/N games on one of the mules. Simply put, it is embarrassing. Someone, anyone tell these guys to grow up!! What must be going through the minds of the Cadets when they see LTGs acting like kids. That is NOT leadership.

In the twenty some odd years since graduation, the AOG has been a rather invisible organization to me. Several years ago, while secretary of the West Point Society of San Francisco, I contacted the AOG about some fundraising by the local society to benefit the local VA hospitals to generate favorable publicity for USMA. I was told that we could not discuss that in the Assembly. Since that time, I have not expected much from the AOG and, accordingly, I have not been disappointed. Keep the Supe honest in presenting the WP story to Congress and the Army leadership.

Good luck.

Continue the excellent work. Just be careful to recognize that the needs of graduates and those of West Point herself are constantly changing. It's a fine line between preserving history and tradition and staying a current and vital part of graduates' lives. We must stride to do so, however.

When is our football team going to improve?

It appears that criticism or honest differences of opinion over USMA policies are not acceptable or at least never appear in the Assembly. I am not referring to a vindictive or spiteful attack.

I do think the AOG is doing its job well, trying and I for one appreciate the opportunity to ventilate and provide input. I can only speak for myself, but the other concerns I believe are important long term to the Academy, and the overall well-being of the Nation.

It has to be HARD. We should not be especially proud of ...the greatest class retention rate in history... as I heard crowed about at one AOG meeting. If anyone could do it...it's not West Point.

As a USMA graduate in a civilian corporate career, I would consider the AOG an important resource if I was networking for a new job/career advancement.

Without regard to the other academies, USCC should be reduced in size to about 2500 again. Why not when the services have been so greatly reduced in size? There doesn't seem to be room for present size. Admit we built for a different time and quit being selfish for a large number of positions. Maybe 2500 isn't just right but study what number is and move to implement it. When that is done concentrate on quality and production of leaders not just scholars. I am very disappointed is the direction USMA is moving.

I think our AOG does a GREAT job!

The survey is a good idea. I look forward to seeing the results.

I believe the AOG is doing a fine job for all of us and that it continues to improve year by year. While there may be lots of approaches that could be pursued, I trust the leadership we have and want to support the Association whole-heartedly. The increased effort for seeking input is welcomed and should pay off nicely.

From my frequent contacts will all the staff I want to add my personal thanks for their constant efforts on our behalf.; ;

Three issues:; 1. On the question of WPF vs. AOG, I think they should and can be under the same roof, but distinguishing between those missions will ensure that neither is neglected. There is no reason why the WPF side cannot have a world class, energetic lean, professional development staff modeled after the best fund raisers (like my other school, Princeton) and the AOG have a customer/graduate services side modeled after USAA or other pros in customer support and service.; 2. There is a perception among graduates that (like the Army) AOG has maintained many of the old, hierarchical structures that characterized moribund businesses in the 70s and early 80s. Graduates may not feel that it has transformed itself into the information age with a flatter more lean and agile organizations (like most graduates in business have done with their businesses). As beautiful as Herbert Hall is, that Hall may inadvertently reinforce that perception. I know that there are many hard-working, dedicated people at AOG. It is important to emphasize to graduates the way that AOG is reforming to become the world class organization that its alumni want.; 3. To sell West Point and support development, recommend maximum involvement with cadets for visiting graduates and other potential donors. One hour with a group of cadets is probably worth as much as a day with a group of officers. The AOG has the perception among graduates of maintaining the hierarchical

From my frequent contacts will all the staff I want to add my personal thanks for their constant efforts on our behalf.

I am very pleased to see this survey.

As a Trustee of a public college I know how important it is for the administration to receive input from the various constituencies before making important decisions. No matter how well-intentioned a college administration is, without this input quality decisions are often not made. It seems to me that the Long Gray Line is a forgotten constituency as far as major decisions affecting USMA programs and goals involving the education and training of cadets is concerned. I think the Long Gray Line needs to be represented organizationally to the Administration and AOG leadership is in the very best position to do this.

I applaud your efforts. Pay attention to what's playing on the WP-ORG Forum and temper your actions to what your constituency is---and it isn't all like Lucian Truscott and Norm Grady, who may be the most vociferous. m (Why mention them? They are the most persistent on the Forum!)

I support full disclosure of service background data on anyone seeking to hold an AOG position.

There has been too much of an attempt to civilianize West Point – letting people that have been found on honor being allowed back in, changing the graduation ranking system, and ensuring that graduates enter as RA.

I recently resigned my regular commission after more than fulfilling my active duty obligation. I am an actively drilling reservist and consider my status as more than just a civilian, yet AOG and USMA consider it an all or nothing proposition (note the options for answering question 5 of this survey). While I agree with the emphasis placed on a career of service in the active Army during the Superintendent's recent evaluation of the mission and goal statement's of USMA, I don't believe it should come at the expense of those of us who choose to serve our Army and country in a different capacity than active duty.

Things may have moved to far too fast. The old grads are the ones who have been in the trenches, know what is required in the new graduate, still retain the welfare of the academy, and fear the product may be in danger.

Listen to us.

Inspite of being somewhat critical, I am very pleased that AOG is alive and well. I am a young guy, fresh out of the Army, unmarried and am willing to help out locally in any capacity. I am certain that my opinions are shared, however voiced, by my classmates.

I only get to visit West Point about once every other year. I donated a paver & brick for Herbert Hall. I have never been able to enter Herbert Hall on any of my past visits. It is closed except for special functions or 8-5 weekdays.; I thought it was going to be for Alumni what Grant Hall was for us as cadets. A place to visit at anytime to meet guest and use phone, get questions answered, etc. ; ; On one of my visits Herbert Hall was open but Closed to Visitors because a meeting was being held.; ; As a Grad and Active Supporter of West Point, I always feel like any John Q Public when I visit and was looking forward for Herbert Hall to change that. I have been greatly disappointed!

GET OUT THE WORD. MAKE WEST POINT RELEVANT IN THE UNITED STATES TODAY. ENGAGE THE ACADEMY LEADERSHIP TO DO THE SAME. THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP IS A GREAT IMPROVEMENT TO THAT OF THE LATE 80s AND EARLY 90s, BUT THEIR IS A LOT OF GROUND TO MAKE UP!

This forum is a great idea. Keep up the good work! Good luck separating the wheat from the chaff.

Compared to the other service academies, we've done a great job at keeping everyone informed (or at least providing the mechanism for it). Keep up the good work! I'd love to do anything I can to help.

I served as president of the local society in the early 1970s and helped with the admissions program after that. At present my health does not permit my participation in any new activities.

Any aspect of West Point which does not contribute to development of the Duty Honor Country ethic should be continually questioned and potentially changed. Two for starters: Inappropriate focus on NCAA Division I sports programs- let's admit it, we're a Division II school !; Under-emphasis on military training program, mostly due to impact of academic majors.

I've not been that active as an AOG member, but I appreciate the service and information that you provide us. Keep up the good work.

Establishing the Minority Outreach Committee was a positive, proactive, measure that ought to serve USMA well as our national demographics rapidly change in the 21st century....reinforce that action by ensuring the agenda is holistic...stay away from one-sided agendas.

Stay focused on the goals. No personal agenda's.

I'm living in The Netherlands. Where is the nearest WP Society?

This survey is a great approach to communication with the membership. Using the internet is also a progressive approach, although I wonder how many grads are still not using the 'net.

Athletics and fund raising are not the essential elements, functions or mission of the AOG. Please focus on the important considerations and directions as I have attempted, perhaps poorly, to outline.

I have answered previous questions to indicate that I am not active in USMA activities nor do I wish to be at this time. I am grateful to USMA for my education, profession, and friends. However, in memory of those great gifts and within the spirit of jointness, I am giving all my discretionary time to our sister academy in Annapolis through direct contact with midshipmen in a leadership and sailing program which culminates each summer with an ocean passage by sailboat. I receive a great sense of making a difference in the molding of military officers through this program. I do not see a similar program at USMA through which I could make a difference.

A good beginning survey. Somehow, this should be furnished to all non-Internet equipped Alumni

Reference questions 25 and 26 above, if Agenda is sent out early enough, those of us who cannot attend may be able to forward our views for consideration.

Thanks for asking!

Have not heard much about the planning for 2002. I believe much could be done to address the concern presented in #29.

Survey is a good idea. Keep focus on ensuring WP is vital to Army.

Thanks for asking - it is really refreshing - and helps make the old guys feel like they are involved.; ; Really do like your new direction, Including annual meetings with class leaders, etc. don’t get too involved with the nuts and bolts . stay focused on the goal of working with the alumni.

Thanks for doing a great job!

Don't sell your soul to recruit an athlete. Athletes that want to be a part of the Corps and part of the Army are a true benefit to the Academy. When you have coaches and administrators pining over some kid with a 36 inch vertical leap and a 1.8 GPA who wants to be a quartermaster after graduation because he already hates the army, you do more harm to the system than good.

When the survey is completed, I would like to receive a copy of the results. Is this feasible/possible?

Keep us informed. Many grads have access to e-mail. TROA e-mails a weekly summary on issues of concern to its members. Suggest that AOG try same.

I feel that the AOG has been too much a supporter of the administration at USMA and does not truly represent the GRADUATES.

This is a good start in getting input from the graduates. Use us! We are experienced and still dedicated to USMA. Bring us into the picture. Sunshine laws are the trend. Put it into being with the AOG.

We need to strengthen our communications with all graduates and realize that West Point needs them more than they need West Point. Graduates should feel that they are a close knit group, West Point needs to do more to make them feel that they are appreciated. A personal gripe but I think excellent example: A year ago I took my wife to see West Point for the first time. I took her across the apron to let her get a closer feel for the barracks etc. - we never went in any buildings. As we were walking across we were confronted by the OC. It was a Sunday so we weren't interfering with any activity. I explained to him that I was a graduate and was trying to show my wife where I had spent four years and why USMA meant so much to me. Like all OC's he couldn't have cared less, in fact, he said well if you are a graduate then you know that you are not allowed to be in this area, you need to leave. Yeah, he was right I legally shouldn't have been there. So, I left the apron and concluded my tour of the Academy. Why should I stay committed to an institution that treats its graduates like outsiders. If they want some money, they're going to have to change their ways slightly. I assure you, the other institutions to which I also give, my high school, and Harvard, would have reacted quite differently. I recommend that West Point figure out a way to allow graduates to feel members of the institution rather than outsiders.

This is a great idea and the AOG deserves credit for much hard work. I think the frustration out in the field is not knowing how to deal with the current social and economic issues facing West Point and knowing we want to do something through the existing infrastructure.

Actually, I am curious as to how the WPF is managed. Do gifts go into a particular style of fund management? Are they managed by an outside fund manager? Do they simply go into a money market account or is the money

working for us in some portfolio? Since I am in the business of stock brokerage, I am certainly interested...Thanks.

Get us involved in national issues using our grassroots organization

I would like to see more interaction from former graduates with current cadets.; I would like to have more information sent about transitions from the Army for all classes.

I think the AOG is doing a great job. It is the direction of and future of USMA that concerns me.

God Bless the USA!

I really approve of the leadership direction LTG Graves started and LTG Christman has continued. I believe their efforts will bear fruit in the coming years.

Assembly, through obits and articles, tends to imply that all grads are wildly successful in life. I imagine that there have also been some big failures or perhaps said another way, successes in areas not exactly recognized as such. I don't know how to get our arms around this and make it something of a positive force but as things are it does not seem to be a totally honest presentation.

Stop being so defensive

West Point needs a first class hotel where families, grads and reunions can stay enjoying the point rather than having to travel long distances when visiting or during reunions.

I read Assembly almost cover to cover. Somehow I was unable to enter the appropriate responses in an earlier question about which parts I read.

the AOG is a captive of the present and recent past of the administration. it has not represented the views of graduates

I'm not sure young grads recognize that the AOG is relevant. Except for publishing the Register and Assembly, what do you do, and why should they care? If you don't sell yourselves more convincingly--much more convincingly--than you have recently, you'll eventually go the way of other veterans' organizations (VFW, American Legion, etc.)....full of old men telling war stories, but with very few young recruits, destined to an inevitable decline and demise.

Having recently attended my ten year reunion, I would like to share with you one general observation concerning the Corp of Cadets. I detected a much more relaxed attitude from the cadets, especially the 4th class. Such an environment no doubt improves the academic success of the Corps, however I can't help but feel that USMA is losing one of its unique strengths. The ability of all West Pointers to handle excessive amounts of stress and still perform at a high level is something that sets us apart from all others. While I have been fortunate and not had to experience the actual stress of combat, I do know that even in my civilian career the ability to cope with stress efficiently has been invaluable. This is an ability that I'm not sure our newest graduates will have.

Speaking only for myself, the Academy's, AOG's, my class's and the local WPS's active use of the Internet has materially strengthened my awareness and involvement in Academy issues. I believe continued use of the Internet

will make the bonds among all Graduates much stronger. Keep it up.

Seems like the AOG doesn't sell the Army to Grads hard enough, fighting to convince grads to stay on active duty. This trend (of grads getting out before serving a full career) threatens the very existence of the institution, in that it provides a very juicy target for Congress. Also continue to promote ways for WP to affect the Army as a whole, perhaps through some form of integrated summer camp or core academic commissioning curriculum for all 2LTs entering active duty.

I think that the AOG plays an important role in the life of the Academy and the Nation. My own relative uninvolvement with the AOG should not be understood as disavowing that importance. Keep up the good work.

-New leadership refreshing/energetic!!; -Increased activities by trustees and supporting committees great!!

Bets thing you've done in a long time is this survey. Keep up the good work. The LGL wants to talk to you. Listen.

I have attempted to say it all above. ARE THEY LISTENING?? If not, there may be requirements for an AOCG (Association of concerned graduates)

I am happy that the AOG is involved with Cadet Activities. I am also pleased the AOG is involved with Cadet Admissions, and the Mission of USMA.; ; I am a proud graduate of USMA. I strongly believe in USMA's ideals. I will support the AOG in maintaining its support of USMA.

When I went to the academy in 83 I felt very honored to enter. I planned on serving 20 and had this idea that I could later get a great position with General Dynamics. Well all that has changed now and I left after 6 and 1/2 years. What I found is that coming from gov't I started lower on the pay scale than my peers and our external image has suffered. The Army may go up and down in popularity but the influence of our institution should not be coupled with this. In fact people my age don't know much about West Point and it's only the generation ahead of me (40 yrs. +) that still knows. Also please let the current admin know that we were treated with more respect as cadets than what was presented at the 10 yr. This includes COM SUPE and DEAN. 1. How about all wearing class A's.; Not one in B's and two in unstarched sloppy BDU's. 2. How about the Supe dedicating more time here as it's once a year and not run off to some Trustee's meeting. 3. Since we come from all over I think it would be best for them to solicit feedback from us as my class attrition rate form active duty is over 70%.; I would think they would find this important and want to know the root cause instead of asking for money to repaint some track review stand.; ; I guess I would have deleted this survey had not I loved West Point very much and don't want to see it marginalized. There are allot of positive things as well and AOG I believe is the critical factor. Also my wife and I really liked the new Hall. I would likely be more involved, but have spent most of my service overseas (about 15 of 22 years). However, my Academy experience is the most rewarding of my life. Therefore, I am glad to see initiatives on the Internet, which provide more timely updates than do quarterly Assemblies.

I was surprised and somewhat dismayed at the recent selection of Mr. Cronkite for the Thayer Award. In reading the award citation, it seemed to me that the most compelling reason for his selection was that darn near everyone else had honored him, and AOG didn't want to be left out. For other academic institutions to do so, especially if sponsored by their respective journalism departments, honoring him may indeed be appropriate. However, I don't see where Mr. Cronkite meets the criterion of living a lifetime of unswerving devotion to the principles expressed in the motto,... Duty, Honor, Country. Maybe in his acceptance speech he hit the mark, that his selection represents an effort to rebuild broken ties between a free press and a military that ultimately must answer to the people.; ; I hope future award selections are not politicized. For example, in looking over the list of past recipients, I noted that former POTUS Reagan and Bush were honored. I believe these two deserved the award based upon selection criteria, but I fear that their selection may be used as precedent to present the award to all future POTUS. I sincerely hope that this thinking will not be invoked regarding all future former POTUS. Rather, each individual should be selected based upon the selection criteria, and especially whether or not he has indeed upheld the motto of West Point, Duty, Honor, Country.

Great job.

My parents wanted to leave some money to USMA/AOG in their will. I don't know how they wanted to set it up but they gave up because when they contacted USMA, the process was difficult/unfriendly enough to discourage them. I'm sorry I don't know more details but perhaps this process can be simplified.

INVOLVE GRADUATES! As an AOG member, the only involvement AOG has ever sought from me (or provided me the opportunity to have, until this survey), was to subscribe to the Assembly and to give money. Even the transition services--the SABRE--costs money.

This survey proves your desire to reach out to the broader community. Good effort and well worth pursuing. Thanks.

Recognize that 51% of the military is in the Reserve Components and that a graduate continuing to serve in the RC is still providing a service to his/her country that is no different than serving on Active Duty – When called, we answer. Furthermore, managing two distinct careers is challenging, with demands that equal or exceed those on Active Duty. I recently received a glossy publication explaining the year 2000 funding goals. It was printed with black type on green background throughout. I am in my mid fifties with fairly good vision, yet I had extreme difficulty reading the words. Older grads may have had similar or more severe constraints. I believe I provided feedback to AOG in a written survey.

I've not seen nor heard any response. The entire fund raising business and the uses need review. I am not convinced that enhancement programs supported by non-appropriated funding are truly outside of the Academy's core responsibility.

Met a cadet who was former 82nd ABN and a Yearling. Said that USMA was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Correlated a lot of my worst fears. We're failing. The mission of the AOG should be to focus the grads and get us back to where we belong - before USMA becomes extinct. I don't think the place is worth the cost the way it is right now. I do NOT currently contribute financially to WP now for that reason. Second-rate school. I sent my son to a GOOD engineering college and ROTC.

The officers that the Academy sends to the field continue to be superb.

With so many talented graduates out there, there must be SOME way to make our voices heard in Congress and elsewhere. Where are our champions? Who are they? How can the rest of us help preserve USMA's ability to fulfill its vital role?

I'd like to know how permanent jobs are filled. I applied a few years ago for a position as a LTC. I am a three time alternate for Bn CMD. As an aside, my wife and I were blessed with triplets several years ago while I was a Division SGS, when I decided to take myself out of the hunt by seeking taking a job other than that of a meat-eater. No regrets, but my point is that I wasn't doing poorly at the time. I applied, but was told by somebody at USMA that I shouldn't waste my time. That they were looking for somebody else and that even though the advertisement didn't exclude a white male, it should have. Had some great references. Didn't even get an interview. I said I'd pay for it myself. No go. This process was pre-determined and was advertised otherwise. A guise. Actually, the guy who got the job didn't fill it for about a year. The job sat vacant for a year. If I recall, the advertisement said that there was some sort of availability requirement. That's a personal observation. However, I have another that is also boggling. And that has to do with the filling of the Master of the Sword position. I know of three people who were so outstanding (Jerry Johnson, Mark Hertling and Hank Keirsey) that any would have been super for years to come. But a woman was selected, who to my knowledge hasn't commanded at any level above company. What was the selection criteria? I'll say that maybe there are facts that I'm not aware of, and that yes, somebody has to make a decision. But my feedback from the grassroots level is that there is at least a perception of favoritism and/or meeting some sort of quota of minorities. Let's be up front.

ADVERTISE that we want a woman to fill the position, or another minority, or whatever. But don't say you're looking for the best when you are essentially screening out a large part of the force. That's the way I feel and I know that's the way a good number of others do too. THAT'S what AOG can do. Get the best qualified people for the job and ensure that the process is fair so that our Cadets get the BEST leadership and the BEST quality that's available. I understand the representative nature and demographic issues involved. Many are insulted that the Academy doesn't think that people see through the eyewash. My included comments were meant to be to the point but not rude or sarcastic. Although looking at least one of them, sarcasm was a little evident. Having been a Tac at West Point I know that if you're on campus, you have a much bigger impact on things. If you're not, then money or who you know is what drives the train. I'm not wealthy and I'm out of the mainstream here in the ROTC world. But I'd love to talk with somebody if you or they would want.

1) My experience over the last 26 years in the Army, to include as a battalion commander in Desert Storm, shows me that USMA continues to produce quality professional officers, both male and female. There are always a few exceptions, but no system is perfect. AOG should continue to support the admission and education of only the best qualified candidates.

When other institutions are going with the flow of political correctness, USMA has to be the rock solid foundation of ethical, moral, and academic standards for the nation.; 2) If AOG supports any political candidates because they are USMA graduates, I suggest you also print their major voting record so alumni can better judge how they want to offer support, rather than just because they are graduates. A recent request for support for a graduate (can't remember if AOG or another USMA group) running for congress failed to note he voted AGAINST US involvement in Desert Storm,

FOR homosexuals in the Armed Forces, and supported every other liberal plank of the current administration. While he is a grad, I certainly don't support his voting positions, nor would others if they knew his positions.

Print a complete picture, or none at all.

Hi Greg

The idea of a single academy will rear its head again and again until it finally gets the support to make it happen. It is inevitable that the more joint the services become, the more support for a single school will be created. The AOG needs to get out front on the issue and insure that when the decision is made to go to one academy that West Point stands out as the only choice. Plans for investment must be developed to insure all the questions that will be asked about cost effectiveness have the right answers. The American public needs to know what West Point stands for and not only what it stood for in the past but what it stands for in the

future. West Point needs to be a recognizable name. I think today it is recognized in only a very few select areas/social arenas. An example: Every year you almost see the Air Force Academy being selected for a football bowl. The whole process during the season makes USAFA a national household name. The higher ranked they become, the better for USAFA. Some of their players have even gone on to become proplayers and USAFA advertises that fact; more name recognition and probably more alumni support financially and physically. Blanchard and Davis will only get you a blank stare from kids today. USMA is not in the business to develop athletes, but with issues like shrinking budgets, reduced manpower and going to a single academy hinging on name and reputation (as viewed by the American public) maybe an investment in a quality nationally competitive athletic program needs to be a priority.

I think the AOG is doing a much better job now than it did ten years ago. If I were on active duty, I would have virtually no complaints about the manner in which it is being run -- I would be a member of the more favored group of graduates (active duty working towards retirement) and I would not have access to other discount programs that afford better rates. From that standpoint, the AOG should be pleased -- I believe that it is meeting the needs of the active duty graduates.

Having dealt with surveys in the past, my time here is probably wasted. Have a Happy Holiday.

Beat Navy, of course.

I (and I think most other graduates) would like to know immediately of any tangible threats to close the academies should these threats ever arise seriously. I should think there would be sufficient influence from among our ranks to keep this from happening.

There is more to the Army than Active or retired. Not sure many (older) Grads think that way, but there are lots of Civil Service and Reserve/Guard guys still serving the country. Especially from my year group and later. The Active guys took big cuts in the early 90s and then some of the senior officers and older grads claim we are disloyal or unfaithful for getting out. It shows how out of touch they really are. It wasn't our choice. However I am now a GS-14, still in the Select reserve as an IMA and a member of the Army Acquisition Corps. I am probably doing more and contributing more than if I had stayed on Active duty. But as far as you and much of the rest of the Army is concerned, it is either active or retired.....; Until this attitude changes you will continue to have disenfranchised members who are not outcasts, but are perceived and treated as such.; If I could be CSA or Sec of the Army for a day, I would REQUIRE all Active duty guys to get out as CPTs and require a minimum of 2 years in the reserves or guard. Then officers could apply to come back on active duty as CPTs and be considered for promotion to Major. NO one would make 0-4 without time in the Reserves or Guard.; If we talk the talk about the Army team, we need to start recognizing it and putting it into place.; If you focus only on current grads on active duty your #s will continue to get smaller and the Academy will go out of business. If you include all who are still contributing to the Nation in Civil Service, Reserve and Guard, I think you can paint a much better picture and show great success for the foundation the Academy provides.

Re: question #5: It's too bad that you don't regard Reserves or National Guard as a military status. I think that says volumes about your continual focus on Active Duty and Retired issues. The times they are a changin'. The military careers of many of today's graduates follow a different pattern than those of forty years ago.

While we would all hope that the nation would not lose its head entirely and abolish USMA, it is a non-zero possibility. AOG needs to develop a catastrophe plan to consider whether some form of privatization is possible. Quite often, great deals can be cut (such as transition

legislation donating all the capital facilities to AOG in the event of closure) as long as the probability of the event seems remote.

AOG needs to promote more to the Corps while they are still at USMA.

This is a great way to interact with USMA graduates. I encourage further use of Internet capabilities such as this.

In general, I think the AOG does a great job. I worry that it gets politicized and used as a fund raising arm too much, however. Would love to see a comprehensive web page that is continually updated including pictures.

The West Point Forum should be a place grads can talk without attribution or recrimination about their real feelings on issues pertaining to West Point, the Army, and our Nation. Senior leaders still on active duty should be able to converse with us on the forum and not be quoted outside the fraternity. They also should not come down on those of us with differing views than their own, even if we are also still on active duty.

Doing a great job....like a defensive position, it can always be improved

I primarily got involved with the Admissions process working with Buster Hayden USMA'45 in seeking better ways of exchanging information between the field and the Admissions Office. Certainly anything the AOG can do to enhance that process would be most beneficial. Some of the suggestions I made in 1986 at the Liaison Officers' Orientation are now being implemented. Where COL Hayden and I did work up an ASCII PC based application for the interview form, this same form could be provided via the same means as is this survey. The only difference being that each AO has a USERID/PASSWORD protected account.

The strides made by the AOG over the past 10 years are monumental and significant. I sincerely believe the foundation is in place to carry us on to our Tricentennial.

Having lived and worked in Dallas since 1981, I do not feel connected to the efforts of the AOG. I have appreciated the Assembly and mailings over the years, and I would encourage you to increase contact with all grads in order to generate more interest & involvement.

Thank you for your services and support. I am interested in USMA activities, but presently fully occupied in my profession and limited in my ability to serve.

You have my gratitude for your continued service to USMA.

happy to make electronic contact with the AOG!

This survey alludes to a changing USMA mission.; ; Why does it keep changing? Shouldn't the mission, as Gen MacArthur said remain fixed, inviolable, constant. Despite budget pressures, the purpose of the Academy should remain true to its heritage.

I need an organization chart depicting responsibilities for AOG, USMA, West-Point Org, AAA and anyone else out there along with their e-mail addresses.

Greg Louks and his folks are doing a fantastic job working with the Societies.

I appreciate the time and effort that you are willing to make on behalf of we alumni, even if some of us are not very involved. Thank you.; Have a happy holiday season.

AOG needs to establish system where alumni who make any donations/contributions will be acknowledged...Like a thank- you in the mail would be nice. Just a note saying : Hey, thanks for the money and we appreciate your support..; Second, acknowledge the fact that the donation was received.....

I guess you can tell I want to be involved and look forward to being part of the solution of making the Academy and AOG better.

Please update your database to reflect those cadets whom are married to each other. I am tired of my wife (class '86) being hounded by AOG to subscribe to the Assembly when I have been subscribing to it for over 12 years. STOP telling her(us) to subscribe, we already do. Get a more intelligent database system. Thanks.;

READ the comments I think they are sound, and if you must discard something then protect the sacred cow of AAA it won't harm us as much as the lack of a career center.

You are doing a good job and the new look of the Assembly is much appreciated.

I like the idea of doing this survey. I learned a lot about what the AOG provides just by filling out the survey. Good Luck

Thank you, Jack Hammack, for your good work!

A quick and easy method to enable us to influence congress utilizing e-mail.

Thanks for all of your proactive efforts - in particular, the USMA and AOG websites. You have far surpassed the other academies. The class page with e-mail addresses has been a terrific tool to contact long lost classmates

- great job!

I am pleased to see this survey. Great idea.

They should have kept Col Hallums and canned those LTCs.

Would rather see board of trustee agenda and minutes added to the home page and an announcement sent that they are available than to have them automatically sent to me or not to have access.

As a former Congressional Aide, I have been embarrassed by the Graduate Community - not the AOG per se - on a range of legislative issues and executive orders by their instant and vehement resistance to change. E.G., women/homosexuals in the services are/were ORDERS with the full backing of Constitutional and Command authority. To see the most senior grads oppose such authority and involve themselves in political matters caused many of my civilian colleagues to wonder when these old guys ceased to respect the Executive and Legislative branches of the government. Same is true on federal funding matters. To whine for even more precious tax dollars is shameful in our present fiscal environment. Should AOG politically lobby on my behalf - even when I agree with the stance - I will cancel my lifetime membership in a public way.

The AOG is great. You give us great support at the Society level and I appreciate that. Greg Louks and Bridgette Suarez and the other support staff are SUPER!!!! ; ; I don't understand graduates who choose not to

participate in Society membership. Maybe we could emphasize Society membership to Cadets, so when the graduate they will know what they are and the importance of membership.

Really like the move toward electronic communication.

I've told you more about this elephant than you may care to know.

Many graduates have pursued military careers in the Army reserves, this group seems to have been forgotten. You have services to assist in the transition to civilian life, what about the potential transition to the reserves. You may want to consider a service to assist those leaving active duty but who would consider transferring into the reserves. The reserves need good officers, especially those with active duty experience. The reserves have lost several individuals that I know of because they had no place to turn to for information on the reserves or for assistance in locating a unit.

The AOG has been an excellent, cost-effective link to the Academy. I support your efforts to use technology to improve and maintain services and communication.

Continue the excellent support to the classes as they prepare and conduct their reunions.; ; Stay in touch with cadets and their needs so the gifts given by the classes are meaningful and useful.

The AOG can't do much about it but the PC trend is destroying the military and USMA.

Thanks for your outreach via this medium.

There are TOO MANY kids that have never heard of West Point. Too many people do not realize the Army-Navy game is between the Military Academy and the Naval Academy. Need an outreach program to send people into schools with compelling video which shows the role USMA has played in the past 195 years, and the exciting challenges awaiting those who enter today. I'd enjoy giving those presentations, and we need a national network to get the word out. Today's kids are tomorrow's taxpayers who will be paying (or not) for the Academy in the future...

I appreciate what you do & plan to become more involved.

The West Point product is tremendously more expensive than the ROTC & OCS alternative. As such, graduates must perform better, serve more faithfully, and contribute considerably more--in order to justify the greater tax payer expense. What happens when the tax payers discover that today's West Pointers are not appreciably better performers, resign their commissions at rates equal to or higher than the southern commissioning sources, and don't contribute any more than their ROTC or OCS contemporaries? Producing officers is a business. The competition is keen and West Points today are not worth what they cost.

The AOG should foster development of more local Societies. As an example, I belong to the closest one So.TX which is 250 miles away, therefore I have only participated in seven or eight activities in 13 years. As an Admissions MAAR, I could use more contact with a Society.

Good concept & idea, great survey! What has been the response to this survey? Has the response been statistically significant? ; ; How does the response compare w/ an equivalent survey done through Assembly’s paper

pages? ; ; If AOG's results have not been significant, why not reduce the length of the survey to, maybe four questions, then conduct these more often? ; ; Try other alternatives!

We should have networking capabilities for out of work graduates, and to help graduates that have government contracts (Large company to be Mentor to small company)

I believe the AOG should represent the interests of graduates. Whenever these interests are different from those of the Academy (rarely, I hope), the concerns of graduates must be made known forcefully to the Academy leadership in a helpful way. The point I am attempting to make is that the AOG represents us; it is not an extension of the USMA staff and shouldn't be beholden to the Supe. He, as any other grad, has one vote. Having said the above, he is the commander and has the last word, but we can forcefully disagree.

Seth--Get better quality control of the bookstore merchandise. If it is not first quality-don’t sell it. And more important, have a great Christmas.

I recently took an AOG sponsored cruise under the leadership of LTC Thomas E. Piazze, Jr and his wife, Donna. They did a marvelous job and were certainly a credit to the USMA and the AOG. I look forward to another AOG cruise especially if they are the AOG representatives.

I heartily and sincerely applaud Mr Hammack's emphasis upon communicating with the Grads. He is the right man in the right place.

I say again...; ; I believe that the current Academy Leadership is focusing far too much attention on Army athletics -- specifically football. The belief is that if our athletic facilities are not competitive with (e.g.) University of Texas, Notre Dame, UNC, etc. then we will not be able to recruit the cream of the crop. I disagree. We do not need the top .01% of American high schoolers. We need to be recruiting great Americans who have common sense, leadership, are smart, fit, and willing to commit 20 years of their lives to serving their country as officers in the Army. A $24 million football annex isn't taking many steps in that direction. AOG is a partner in this vector, and I fundamentally disagree with it.; ; By the way, part of the pride in beating great sports teams -- and other academies -- is that we did it without the marble-floored locker room and the state of the art gym. Cadets do it with guts and heart. I fear that we are getting away from that.

We need complete transparency so grads can quickly and easily understand what is going on. I think the income-expense area is important.; I have been generally content with and supportive of the AOG as it is over the past many years.

I would like to see the current Supe extended through 2002 if possible. I would like to see the current commandant sent back to the 82d.

Question 5: AOG Leadership needs to realize that there are other categories of graduates that are not addressed by the 4 choices given for this question, which go directly to the lifetime of service to the Nation (or words to that effect) in the Academy restated mission. I am a serving Reserve officer, in the Selected Reserve, who is also professionally employed in civilian life. By only counting Active Duty, Retired Military, and Civilian Life as your three basic categories, you take no credit for those of us who, for whatever reason, are not on active duty but are balancing the demands of dual careers.; ; Question 16: I think there needs to be greater communications with AOG members about the 2002 campaign. What is it? What are the projects that the Superintendent identified that led AOG to decide to expand the WPF goals? ; ; I also think, with regard to fund raising, that there should be greater efforts to integrate the efforts of the classes with overall WPF campaigns, like 2002. I perceive a conflict between the need to raise funds for the WPF and the desire to raised funds for class gifts. There are only so many dollars out there; it appears that both the classes and the WPF are trying to tap the same source.

Over the long term, I fear we may not be able to justify USMA's further existence. I believe it's worth trying to keep, but only if it continues

to be of commensurate value to America. I think the greatest thing it provides America is an embodiment of long-tested values. I do not believe it provides a graduate of greater quality in any dimension than OCS at the country's many colleges and universities. USMA's embodiment of long-tested values probably doesn't sell to Congress, and that makes it tough to keep USMA going. Striking a viable balance between the traditional and the popular is a great challenge. That's what the Supe has to do, and AOG should be active in that process. Good luck.

The one thing I found most deficient in my training as a cadet is an inadequate development of the concept of DUTY, which I define as doing what is right simply because it is RIGHT. I abhor the dependence on regulations to keep cadets on the right track, having observed the excesses of many when they no longer have regulations keep them under control. I favor emphasizing DUTY more equally with HONOR, even to the extent of developing a DUTY CODE to govern the life of the cadet in the same way as the HONOR CODE. When cadets spend their time observing their superiors following a sense of duty as well as of honor (rather than looking for loopholes), they will grow more.

Please send (via email) the Academy or AOG position on many of the difficult issues which confront West Point. Knowing how West Point stands on issues (for example any news item worthy of printing in the New York Times) enables graduates to better answer questions among peers and prospective cadet candidates.

The primary role of the AOG should be: To encourage contact among graduates and; To support USMA by providing information to graduates.; ; The fund raising should be passed back to the West Point Fund and the current overemphasis decreased. I am a member of several other alumni organizations, for institutions which probably need money more than USMA, but they do not put so much emphasis on fund raising.

Will the Academy be the agent of change for the military, or will it be reactive to changes elsewhere?

In the past I have been pleased with the support received from the AOG but I perceive the AOG becoming a weaker partner with the Superintendent; ands having less impact on the direction our Academy should be going. I would want to see the results of this survey

I like this survey and feedback mechanism and the way that I was notified electronically of its availability.

WHY CAN'T ALL GRADUATES BE INFORMED OF THE NEED FOR A WOMAN AS MASTER OF THE SWORD?; ; WHY CAN'T GRADUATES BE COMMISSIONED IN THE REG. ARMY?

Good Luck!!

The new building is very nice and attractive.; ; Bob Lenz did a wonderful joy supporting the 67 30th reunion.

Keep up the good job you are going, pay attention to the rank and file (because there are more of us than there are of you, and you work for us--not the reverse), and practice the same management skills any forward thinking organization must employ. You cannot run the AOG like it was another branch of the DOD. If you serve you the people you represent and not your own interests, or the Supe's, or any other irrelevant group, you will be loved to the day you die--even if you cannot please everyone all the time. You are running an organization, not a popularity contest, but at the same time you are not our commanding officer--we do not have to do as you command. We can always replace you or ignore you if you are unresponsive. ; Again my thanks to COL Roseborough and his top notch staff in the job bank, career networking area without whose help I probably would have wound up in severe economic straits.

In these days, USMA needs an advocate outside of the active duty realm. AOG should be that advocate.; ; Also, USMA needs a serious, loyal critic. AOG should be that critic.; ; In short, AOG should not be the hand maiden of USMA and its leaders. It needs to be an independent and aggressive entity that advocates, supports, and criticizes USMA to ensure that USMA produces strong, honest, dedicated soldiers.

Survey took to long. Do shorter focused ones more often maybe.

Have you ever considered being a lobby for the Academy? What did you do when the number of cadets was reduced? And when Regular Commissions were no longer awarded to Graduates upon Graduation? Do you talk to the Administration?

Get out of the Supe's hair and focus on providing him with the resources he says he needs. No one that I know is interested in AOG's position on anything. ; Cut staff and hire some professional fundraisers, instead of retired LTC's looking for a sinecure.; Reduce the size of the deadwood Board and limit Board membership to 5-6 senior active duty and retired grads plus the USMA General officers.; Turn Herbert Hall over to the Supe to use as he likes and put any required staff in DC, where the biggest concentration of grads is located.; Rely on volunteers, and reward successful volunteer fundraising.;

Continue to accomplish the tasks you do in an extremely limited capacity. The minor differences are great ones for those that are not in a position to do so. West Point graduates have a unique privilege in that when we graduate and move out on our respective missions, we have friends and contacts throughout the entire spectrum of Army operations. Anything that can be done to strengthen these bonds between classmates and classes will benefit the AOG, graduates, the Academy, and most importantly, the United States Army.

There seems to be a strong resentment of West Point graduates within the Army leadership these days. I've worked for very few officers (predominantly ROTC) that supported USMA and its ideals--most consider USMA an 'elitist' organization. Is there anything the AOG can do, to help change the opinion other officer's hold of West Point graduates within the Active Army.

Please post the assembly on the Internet

Get the Football team Bowling for the holidays next year!! Win Conference USA!!

USMA is on track as far as preparing graduates for service in the regular Army. It needs to retain this focus. It shouldn't change anything without a thorough examination of a particular problem.

I think the AOG magazine is a very well written document and a good communication medium. Also, the use of the internet is excellent as another communication tool. Minority recruitment and retention continues to be a concern of mine (both in the local societies and at USMA).

AOG spends too much of their time and energy on fund raising. The perception of many of the alumni is that it is primarily a fund raising organization. This perception probably HURTS fund raising efforts. A better balance must be sought to maintained the AOG's relationship with its membership.

AOG seems to cater to the older grads -- I guess I am quickly becoming one, so soon I will fit into the AOG clientele. But the point is as a younger grad, I didn't care much about what AOG did or how it was done. Somehow, you need to capture the interest of the newly graduated cadets, granted they lack the resources to get involved, they do have energy. An option is to get cadets interested in AOG while at the Academy -- how you ask?? Good question, maybe sponsor financial seminars, and 'cadet meets world' activities to help transition from cadet to adult. Another option is to offer this stuff at the first duty assignment through region AOGs. Try to include younger grads in AOG activities. This will be a challenge. ; Final note:: I would venture to say that most cadets don't feel obliged to work toward AOG goals, without some sort of motivation. The academy needs $$$ is not enough.

I do not support adding a graduate school at WP.

As stated above, I am in the U.S. Navy. This has kept me out of touch with USMA but through the various homepages I have reconnected. Keep up the great website and keep posting information relative to USMA graduates.

I'm just getting back on line concerning grad business. Not aware of current issues.

I applaud your effort through this survey to get graduates opinions. Great step forward

none

Good idea on the survey. I would have thrown a paper survey in the trash.

Thanks for doing a great job. I am proud to be a USMA grad and feel that you have the best interests of USMA in mind.

I appreciate the opportunity to respond. I did not spend a lot of time today on these questions - essentially my first reaction. I hope there will be other opportunities to interact with AOG as necessary. ; ; By the way, I believe Dan Christman is doing a fantastic job.; ; Happy Holidays!;

Keep up the great work!

I applaud your initiatives to be more active via electronic media. I have heard of past problems in working with West-Point.org, but I commend your realization that embracing this grass roots operation is far more beneficial to the AOG than trying to achieve some competitive advantage.

It good to see the AOG mature in its realization that service to USMA is not limited to AOG. Congratulations.

Keep working at it! I'm proud of the AOG, and hope to be able to contribute to its future roles and functions. The AOG has come a long way in the past few years, and it is encouraging! The new communication helps me considerably. I've said enough, but then no one wil;l take me seriously.. Why should the entrenched give up their rich perks and salaries and doesn't the Supe have a nice place to live and lots of flunkies to yes him?

This electronic survey is a good step but it can be abused. Be careful with results and the desire to expand the concept.

I recently bought a computer with a modem and I am very pleased in the internet information published by the AOG and USMA. I look forward to expanded use of this by the AOG and the graduates.; ; Thanks.

Electronic mailings, to those consenting to receive the mailings, provide a great, nearly free way to increase your visibility and distribute information quickly.

Parts of this survey should be sent out separately for a more detailed response - one action item at a time. Respondent should also be able to open and close then reopen his/her response until satisfied with what that person wants to say.; ; I like this - need to do it more often. Should use the internet to get the word out on a broadcast basis. In that regard, I am particularly interest in where we stand on 2002 program and what is in the works. The few items I have seen do not tell much of a story. Seems to me that a lot more has been happening than what has been put out to the graduates. If they do not know what is going on, they can not provide much in-put - particularly when they do no0t know who to contact with thoughts, ideas, etc.

Your staffing numbers and positions indicate that your primary emphasis is on fund raising. Is this desirable?

Great survey. Thanks.

Re Block 5. I wish to clarify my status. I served on Active Duty for over nine years before resigning to prepare for medical school. In the intervening two years I served as a Reserve officer on Active Duty for approx. 150 days. Presently I am in medical school on an Army scholarship with the expectation of serving as an Army physician until retirement.

Refer to Q10. Have made pledge to Class contribution to USMA. When that paid off, that will be my last contribution. Refer to Q13. Face to face preferred, but by necessity very limited opportunity. Refer to Q22. Only if I thought by attendance I could make my voice heard - not possible now.

Here's the point. West Point is drifting toward becoming a semi-private institute for preparation; of graduates for public service. It is no longer exclusively a school for warriors and civil engineers. This new purpose may be worthwhile, so long as it is understood and supported by all the interested parties. The cadets themselves are shaping this direction, as evidenced by their career choices after graduation. Too many are leaving for civilian careers, because they have no opportunities for service other than active duty in the army. That's a waste of the taxpayers money.

Because my career has taken many turns and caused me to move often, I always seek out and am thankful for the societies.; ; However, in speaking with my classmates, it is obvious that some WPSs do a better job of reaching graduates than do others. I have often heard expressed the feeling that the WPS exists only for the enthusiastic parents of cadets or for the more mature graduates who recall when it was a tighter clique with the shared bond of combat experience.; ; I'm sure they often look at us and wonder what they have in common with those of us who never fired a shot in anger, just as we do when we look at these new graduates who never walked the Area and did not experience enough of the Army to really understand career issues, the difficulty of raising a family in a high OPTEMPO environment, or the ties that bind soldiers forever.; ; I believe we all share more than just a ring in common; I would like to believe that we all share a love for our Academy and a great respect for our experience. I must admit it was not until several years after I left West Point that I came to grips this emotional tie. Therefore, we have got to come together through AOG to find a way to overcome the perceived barriers and differences among our graduates and work together to support each in other in our diverse needs and goals. Also, we need a vehicle for expressing our concern and discord with policies for which, for political reasons, USMA and AOG must toe the party line.

The two notes at 28 and 29 are pertinent and I know shared by many old grads.

I appreciate everything AOG has done for its graduates and I intend to be a more active member.

I believe that unless we, The Graduates, can regain full support of the Nation’s leadership and media which automatically would include the GAP, CLOSE the Doors and turn all the Service Academies into Public program institutions supporting social programs that the GAP will embrace.

Keep up the good work.; Keep seeking input from the field.

I really think the AOG is a quiet organization. I have always kept in touch with the AOG and have heard about few of the programs or what AOG actually does for West Point. I think AOG could be more involved in raising money for the programs at West Point. There are many successful West Point Grads that need to be encouraged to support West Point.

I like the e-mail initiatives. Keep going in this direction

I am disgusted with the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Army Staff, the Superintendent, his administration. Let's stand up like the Marines. They have kept their pride. The Army has been a willing tool for the politicians who wish to destroy the effectiveness and readiness of America's Armed Services. It is easier to do the harder right than the easier wrong. Remember what that means? Will the AOG be the gentle (or not so gentle) reminder to the Supe? If not, the ASOG is not worth supporting. I mean that very seriously. Think about it. Or, is the AOG resigned to be just an auxiliary to the USMA Administration. I do not like the present situation and believe it to be critical to the future of our nation.

Nuff Said

I am leaving the service to pursue a professional, civilian career. I am very proud of the academy and of the AOG. Never in my transition has the AOG or any West Point Grad turned their back on my decision to leave. For some reason I suspected it might happen. I will continue to support the AOG from my new post, wherever that is.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday to Seth.

This is a good idea, especially for grads serving overseas.

Regarding financial contribution, I would prefer to be able to target my dollars to specific academic or extra curricular areas. I received my MS from Stanford, and they have a program that allows me to target my contributions to specific activities.

SOCIETY SUPPORT HAS BEEN SUPERB!

Q#15 - really need to define terms to keep from getting wrapped around the axle. These words mean different things to different people. I'd be interested in a proposal which, in a single document, proposed the purpose, mission, goals, and objectives. Then I believe you would get the feedback you desire. This effort should probably include similar guidance/expectations for local chapters.

Thank you for your efforts and accomplishments.

Keep representing the Academy in the ways you were taught as cadets with the increased capabilities of information processing and dissemination capabilities

I ignored AOG for years because all I saw was your hand in my pocket. It's only been the last year or so that I've begun to see more of the AOG. Part of that is my own doing by going out and looking for more but part of it is also your doing. It seems AOG is starting to engage us more.; ; I thing the AOG needs to shift its focus from the USMA fish bowl to the welfare of its members and to helping the grads. AOG should have been a vocal opponent of USMA grads losing their RA commissions. (If you were, I never heard any of it.) AOG should be focusing on our grad morale on active duty and looking at ways to support them and help keep them on active duty (supports the USMA mission and ideals and supports the grads).; ; AOG also needs to continue to move forward in the electronic world and even accelerate its efforts. While I am ahead of most and I get most of my news via email or the Web and rarely look at print anymore, it won't be long before most of our members are this way. By the time the Assembly hits my mailbox, most things in it have already been discussed and analyzed to death online. AOG and USMA need to find some way to become engaged in the online forums like the WP-FORUM on West-Point.ORG. Your relative silence does not look good when we discuss the direction AOG and USMA is heading. We like to have faith in you but silence does not do much against rumor and speculation.

I would appreciate feedback on Item #28.

I commend the leadership for asking us old grads to provide our opinions---; pls. do more --and pls. utilize the capabilities of the local societies to implement AOG programs

A big ATTABOY! or should it be ATTAPERSON!; ; Your strongest attribute is the high quality of the folks on your staff. Surprisingly, the quality even improves as one goes down into the ranks. The indoctrination must be great.

This venue is a good idea. Keep up the good work

Good luck. Change is necessary but do these changes better prepare our cadets to lead soldiers in combat or the nation in peacetime?

Build, support, and enhance electronic dialogue via chat room and scheduled meetings of the membership via the electronic media

I am concerned that our military is becoming the police force for the world. Our military should be constantly preparing for war fighting, the diplomats for the peace keeping. We have so few leaders left who have seen actual combat that I am concerned we will really be bloodied if tested. I was Army but am able to watch the Air Force. Good people are leaving in droves because they are over committed and they see promise after promise being broken. Soldiers and airmen are spending more time deployed than during the nuclear threat of the cold war. Fewer people are being asked to sacrifice more and more.

I do not see where we are tracking the number of graduates who continue to serve in the Army Reserve and National Guard. Even in your question asking me to describe myself, you neglect to ask if I am a Reservist.; ; I do not know the size of the USMA Reserve/National Guard representation, but I would venture to say it is a large number. Why not track the number of Citizen-Soldiers that USMA has put out in the Force Structure? As a member of this group of graduates, I think we deserve some attention, recognition. We didn't just leave the Army after our service obligation, many of us continue to serve.

Like most organizations, AOG is led by the Elders and often seems to have little to offer the younger members. Young members ideas are not solicited and the standard programs do not appeal to younger members. By the time the younger members qualify as Elders, most have lost interest in the organization's goals, functions, activities.; ; What AOG is and what it does is fuzzy to me. Maybe the information is there, but the form, format, content has not been such that it has been readily recognized (by me).

What I have seen is an organization that has been led by the same folks that have led the Army, the Academy, and the Classes. The opportunities for others to participate has not been apparent. I think this is the AOG's greatest weakness.

Stay focused on the really important ideals - USMA must build trustworthy men and women of character - at one time or another we end up back in society and can make a difference.

I've said my piece in para. 17 and 29.

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!!!; IT IS APPRECIATED!!!!!!!!!

I don't really see an outreach to the minority graduates (specifically African-American) of USMA. I think we need to have a larger representation on the Board of Trustees as well on the AOG leadership as a whole.

Some in our class have been discussing the role of women in the military. Most of the participants agree that their roles should be limited to their physical capabilities and that they should not serve in combat or combat service support units. My personal belief is that the WACS, WAVES and WAFS did a sterling job during and after WWII. We somehow got off the track and into madness when special interest groups who wanted to push social experiments onto the Services lobbied until they were successful in integration of women. That has been disastrous to morale and combat effectiveness. That is one of the reasons for the low reenlistment rates by men and the difficulty in recruiting others. At this rate we may just end up with a force of women only, since men do not want to join organizations which are considered not manly. That applies particularly to men who tend to be aggressive warrior types. If the women like it so much, let them do the whole jog - fighting, and all. Then think where we would be if we ever have to fight another real war against real men. It's long past time that our top military officers put aside their fears of speaking out against the reestablishment that is weakening our military forces and go on the record for doing what's needed for improving military effectiveness rather than being PC clones.

Get involved to the maximum extent possible to stop the conversion of USMA to the academics and standards of a typical civilian university.

THANK YOU.

Remain inert no longer. Start something. How about; an annual seminar and review of the Nation's ; defense posture? To be conducted jointly with; Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard Grad Associations, ; rotating among the four schools. It's a start. ; Enter the public arena or die. The services live in a new world without the skills of institutional; survival.; world they know not how to ;

Hang tough!

I am all for more independence on the part of the AOG.

I appreciate the services that AOG offers and I am glad you are reaching out to see what else you can offer.

Would like to receive information about how I can become involved and help out.

Thank you for this survey

Don't try to grow into a huge services organization. Stick to narrow mission.

I am interested in returning to USMA to teach, but am unaware of the process for becoming an instructor when I am a Reservist. Could AOG help with this?

Your attempts at using the web and email are great and certainly appreciated, but have a long way to go. This survey is writing over itself for example. I'm reading one page superimposed on another. There is some great stuff out there. Pay the money and take the time to do it right - lead the way. I'm sure most of the current work is being done by volunteers and they are fabulous. We could have never gotten started without them. Let's reward their efforts at getting us into the computer age by having a first class presence and recognize those who got us started.

You're doing a great job!

You mean I'll never have a chance to talk to the AOG ever again? If so, that's a problem.

We need more of an outreach program toward:; 1. West Point Societies; 2. Those alumni who are not members of their local WP society.; Need an aggressive information program for the better high schools concerning West Point.;

Great work-thanks for the inclusive nature of the service. It is still the greatest Chain of Command/Concern I know!

The IS support for the AOG and USMA graduates has come a long way and is now a key component of several AOG processes. Continue to expand this integration, and congrats on a job well done!!

I am glad I got an opportunity to express my concerns with the makeup of the Board. Why aren't career officers better represented on it?

Keep seeking improvement and ideas from the membership at large.

If the AOG does not either adopt the modern ; telecommunications modes developed by WP-AOG volunteers or enter into a mutually-supportive relationship with it, I will opt to go 'with' ; WP-AOG' and drop membership in AOG, which is still in the dark ages of Information and Communications and the attendant economics. Not simply because it is more modern, but because it is and can be far more cost effective that the traditional modes used by AOG.; ; I speak from a position of being one of the most ; known and experienced online communicators in the world, and can do, reach more, collaborate more, at 70 years of age with this cursor than a staff ; of 5 people half my age with 10 times the budget I spend in my company.

Nothing - you guys in my opinion do great work. I watch, I listen, and I see many positive things. Thanks for the good work.

The feedback via e-mail is great.; During Sports seasons, is it possible to get scores sent to our e-mail address automatically?

Keep up the good work

I have not been active in AOG but since finding the internet site and receiving information, I find I am still interested. While I will probably never take time to get actively involved I encourage your work and efforts. Most AOG mail I get never gets opened because the information it provides is never what I am interested in at the time. The internet offers a means to reduce junk mail, provide information when needed, and possibly result in increased participation and interest.

We have the greatest Superintendent in the history of USMA! Support him completely and absolutely.; ; BEAT NAVY!

The Executive branch has studiously implemented selection and other processes to deny all military branch academies proper place in development of professional military organization

Try to eliminate as much paper based correspondence as possible.; ; I would be willing to subscribe to an electronic version of the AOG magazines.

Get off your butts and help the Graduates of West Point become a politically viable force.; The Purpose of each graduates attendance at West Point was NOT to join some fraternal organization or become a member of a university social organization. If it was - we certainly would not have attended West Point! So stop trying to be a social organization and get back on track to service to one's country.

Too many classes, including my own and my ; father's, are wasting money building silly ; monuments at WP. Class Gifts are better spent on; those facilities/programs which will significantly ; contribute to the Corps of Cadets, and the Mission ; of USMA.

Why can't we beat Air Force very much in football?

I feel support of class activities and societies, and fund raising should be principal focus.

Keep up the initiatives that assist grads helping other grads find jobs. I am intimately aware of the dilemma since I lost my job 18 months ago and have crawled along being self-employed. Job banks and so on have been very helpful and have provided good leads.

Need better coordination between Alamo Rent-a-Car; expiration date and scheduled events. When traveling back to West Point for the First Annual; Army Football Lettermen's Golf Tournament my Alamo; /AOG discount expired about 15 days prior to my; needing to use it.

Congratulations on exploring the powers of the WWW. As a professional automaton with the Army and now in civilian life I find it refreshing to see this effort. The next step is to open live net forums. you might want to explore some of the capabilities of the WWW campus's that are starting to spring up. You might even get to a point where you may be able to conduct large virtual meeting sessions on-line....good luck.

Need to get younger, senior leadership of the Army involved somehow. When was the last time an active duty BG or MG was on the Board of Trustees? Time? Funding? Maybe we should fund travel?

The progress and improvements to West Point have come from the dedication to excellence of the Supe, the Com and the Dean - not through a blind allegiance to the old ways of doing things in the name of tradition. The quest for excellence is truly never-ending - and those who are officially responsible for the progress of the West Point we all love so fiercely must receive the continuous best feedback we can provide in an upbeat and encouraging way. Get off the nit-picking, ask intelligent questions, use all our influence to support their initiatives, and never, never forget that this is not and never has been about molding an academy that suits our sensibilities, but creating an institution which clearly and visibly upholds our mission to our nation: Duty, Honor, Country.

I believe that, under the surface, there are two subtle issues lurking in the unrest relating to the Supe's emphasis on AOG fund raising:; (1) In the main (although not is all cases) those who stayed the course for a military career are less able to provide substantial support than are those who entered the commercial world early. Leads to something of an inferiority complex - maybe a feeling of betrayal or maybe just a convenient excuse - for the former.; ; (3) Somewhere buried in here is the issue of leader Vs manager, sometimes popping out as the Warrior Spirit. I personally have a world of respect for the present and immediate past Supes ... they are examples of super individuals who were not Inf/Army/FA/ADA and thus not culturally acceptable as senior troop unit commanders (they are my fellow engineers). As I listen to fellow graduates, I think - unfortunately - that there are a number of folks who discount anyone who is not considered a warrior - true combat officer.

In this survey, item 5 above. There should be a selection for Graduates who have left active duty but are still serving proudly in the Reserves and National Guard. Incidences like that hint at Reservist and Guardsmen as Second Class members of the Department of Defense. Fund-raising and memorializing of classes is totally out of hand. If everything proposed is built there will be no room for the Military

Academy, meanwhile, the Battle Monument rots in place. On the occasion of my last visit (in 1991 - perhaps something has been done since), I observed the Battle Monument to be in terrible condition. It seems to me that a better priority for AOG would be to preserve this monument to the officers and men of the Regular Army who fell in the course preserving the Republic, than memorializing every class which ever attended the Academy.

-Read and understand what the grads are telling you in this survey and report back to us on what you are doing about these results.; -Be aggressive to follow-up this initiative and get the volunteers that have come forward to now commit to action in support.

I'm have not kept up-to-date on the Academy. Where would be a good place to find out the current status of USMA, its place in the spectrum of US

defense, the education of military officers, and the expected future of USMA?

Survey is a good idea. I hope you get some good feedback.

Radical thought: Why do we ALWAYS have to name buildings, etc after some person??? I realize it is tradition in some circles, but I get tired of self aggrandizement (this method, by the way, was also very popular in communist Soviet Union). Regarding names, I think we should concentrate on the strength of the institution, its location, and its ideals, and not always name a mass of bricks to some fallible individuals with deep pockets or huge egos, or both (with VERY FEW exceptions). This may not be a popular stand with many members of the board, but it needs to be said.

Please read my note in question 28. It sums up most of my feelings.

It is true that we old grads eventually get out of touch - especially if we are ignored. But classic standards and values do not change. We has beens are well qualified to judge whether or not the Corps has. So long as we apply the classics with inputs from current events and our working knowledge of what is about to happen militarily worldwide.

Thanks for the survey...many of us are nearly converted to electronic correspondence, and this type of communication works well for us. Let the membership take part in things more. I feel left out and I have been on line with you for over 2 years. You're great Americans, serving a fine institution. Keep those of us still serving in the Army on active-duty informed by making it easy and cost effective to stay in-touch, and focus the fund raising schemes on those who's purpose in life is to make money (grads in the civilian workforce).

Doing excellent work with this program.

AOG should represent grads, all grads -- no distinctions, and not be a rubber stamp for the Academy's administration.

Lately, the primary mission of the AOG seems to be soliciting funds for USMA. Promoting USMA is an important role of the AOG since it is important to the graduates. However, It should not be AOG's primary purpose, it fact or appearance. I am especially concerned because USMA is a public institution that is supposed to be supported adequately by the Army not by private contributions. Furthermore, the Army is still my employer. It is very important to me that the AOG remain independent of USMA and the Army. Otherwise these solicitations constitute a serious conflict of interest. I feel as if I am being solicited to donate to my employer through the AOG. ; In general, I am very happy with the AOG, but I am particularly concerned about the above issue.

Step forward and change the trend. Or close it down and let the liberals produce the officer Corps through universities.

You guys are doing great. Let us know how we can influence the academy leadership and political masters.;

I have not received much information except for Army Sports in the last 12 years. E-mail some type of summary monthly to report on issues and progress.

Seth,; ; Have a good holiday season.

Just want to thank all of you for sending this out. This is the first time I recall being able to provide input like this. It is a great idea, and I will continue to search for West Point Graduates who have not received this and get you their email address.

Make the notice through the mails or e-mail more attractive to gain the readers eye.

How can grads (old or otherwise) help the Corps stay on track with respect to the profession of arms. The next crisis can come suddenly and demand a great deal of our young graduate officers. (Reserve or RA commission all the same)

If possible the AOG should do more to counter the widespread attitude that the Corps has gone to hell. Among my classmates ('55) changes in cadet life that have occurred as a natural part of the evolution of society and of the Military Academy, are seen as a disaster (locks on doors, elimination of area tours, changes in the use of class rank, making First Class rooms more comfortable, etc.). I used to think that criticism of West Point by old grads was harmless, but I now realize that it is not.

The AOG has done a splendid job over the past ten years in reorganizing to meet the changing USMA, graduate and public-perception changes. Hats off to you all, and my strong support to Jack Hammock in his leadership.; ; Our young graduates (including my son-in-law) have served, in many cases, for only 3-5 years. They often want to put USMA/Army experience in abeyance (usually only temporarily). They don't see the AOG or Societies as particularly relevant. Accordingly, AOG/Societies are peripheral to their life styles. It is imperative that we remain available and continue reaching out, or we may well lose them permanently, in which case, we lose, they lose, and USMA loses.; ; We worked diligently to help the graduates getting out in 91 - 94 find jobs. The changing economy no longer requires the same level of assistance, now, but it will again.; ; A side thought from a 26 year retiree with a successful second career as president of his own (small) corporation: Many of our graduates do not demonstrate real leadership, aggressiveness and assertiveness when outside of the military. They are often NOT self-starters, but followers who are most comfortable working within well-circumscribed limits. Why didn't I get promoted? I punched the right tickets. Real leadership remains at a premium.

Please explain the latest discussion about USMA going private.

Once again, I feel it is necessary to the nation, those who graduate, and the soldiers that West Point Grads complete a difficult and demanding 4 years. I am very displeased with the directions training and the 4th class system have taken. I am a better officer and person due to my overcoming the difficulties of WP.; ; Also, do not neglect the reserve service of the Grads. I am a very active Major in the Aviation BDE in my state, but your survey only has one block for military = active. Many of us continue to make sacrifices for our country in service. Having done both AC and RC it is easier on active duty. I bet you would be surprised to know how many of us are still serving!

The Association of Graduates should be for the grads, by the grads and of the grads.

I'd sure like to see a brochure for some cruise or some WP item geared to those of us whose budgets reflect the equity of at least a quarter-century of active service ... that is, us poor folk still in debt with kids still in college. AOG appears to be dominated by those who DID NOT serve full careers ... perhaps a miss-perception, but it does appear that those who acquired far more affluence (and, more power to 'em!) than proffered by the active-duty pay scales dominate AOG's financial mentality. Usually out of the league of us Wal-Mart shoppers, and at least I'm starting to take offense.

Keep trying. We know the job has its frustrations

Hang in there, I think you're doing a good job of trying to get the word out to fellow grads, and to gather money to support the institution.;

The one thing that irks me as a retired USAR officer is the disregard USMA and AOG pays those of us who have elected to serve in an alternate manner. Your block five, above, is a case in point.

Thanks for being there and for the renewed energy and initiatives that appear to be flowing from West Point.

GO ARMY!! BEAT NAVY!!

Please see my comments in par. 29 above.; Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

I've really been impressed by the initiatives taken by AOG in recent years to bring us all together, help retiring officers in making the transition to civilian life, and generally being very creative.

The AOG job info was very helpful and was exactly what I think AOG should focus on; graduates helping graduates.

Many of the graduates I have spoken to would like to purchase items that we could get as cadets. These are things like green girls blankets that after many years may need replacing. Is there a way (if not already) that graduates can purchase items from the Cadet Store?

Appreciate the chance to interact.

Keep up the good Work!

The AOG leadership needs to divorce itself from military bureaucracy techniques, become more open and diverse, and focus on the graduate. A step in the right direction would be to limit terms to one on the Board. There are a number of quality graduates who would like to serve. We do not need, nor can we afford, a career Board. The AOG should be organizing a campaign among the Long Grey Line to influence Congress to see the light on this issue. It is certainly the time for those concerned to rally to get this amended. What can you and what can we do to change this? There are certainly enough grads for a formidable lobbying block to effect a change to restore the regular commission.

Be careful in creating a larger bureaucracy during 'Peacetime'.

I have not been active with the AOG since I was very busy in the Army. I just resigned one year ago and I believe that West Point and the Army were great experiences which have given me a tremendous leadership foundation from which I draw from daily. I would like to assist in any way I can to help further the success of West Point and the Army.

My strong feelings regarding the over-emphasis on AOG fund raising, the size of the staff, the set asides of raised funds for fund raising purposes, and the intention to raise funds for purposes that should be supported by appropriated funds. The staff of the AOG has been terrific in bringing our organization into the computer age.; I applaud the new divisions of responsibility in the area of fund raising.; However, The AOG is still FAR TOO Green Suit oriented. How many of the officers are NOT retired military??? ; With all of them having a USA(ret.) after their names it definitely colors their perspective.; Over all however they have come a LONG way since I was a two term Society President back in the late 80's. GO ARMY

It was not my choice to become a civilian, but I am one now. I have remained active in the Reserves (was called back for a year, in fact to support Bosnia at some personal sacrifice), and I believe that my duty to my country and my alma mater is to make myself and my talents available whenever clearly needed. However, I detect two problems as a civilian. One can not be impacted by AOG much except in the form of an informational or educational campaign. That issue is the reception I get from many grads (especially those of the 60's and prior) upon hearing that I am no longer on Active Duty. They give the impression that they think I have shirked my duty and abdicated my responsibilities. An '86 grad (who is an MD) and I even got such a feeling from a past Supe when we introduced ourselves during an Army-Duke football game here in NC. I think many of the older grads should realize that the Army shrank and forced many good people out, and that many of us civilians still contribute via our participation as reservists. Just look at the recent USAR O-4 list!!! The other issue can

be impacted to a degree by AOG. If USMA is going to depend more and more on alumni funding of its activities, it should realize that 1) it has a small alumni base, 2) it should not expect a lot from those who are career military by virtue of the pay system, 3) it will need to depend on it's civilian alumni for the bulk of donations, and 4) it is in USMA's interest to do all it can to help those going into civil life do so under the best possible circumstances (i.e., get good jobs). I certainly do not suggest the prostitution of AOG or its members, but I think people should start to think in terms of how can we make sure that those who DO get out can get the best quality civilian careers?

My main concerns are the rumors I heard about graduates not being commissioned RA. I can't support that idea. How about an opt-out list for those of us who don't want to receive kitschy ads for low quality lamps and desk knick-knacks? If you accomplish the items already stated, things will be much better, and we can fine tune as we go. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments.

I think that anything that AOG does to promote the welfare of the academy and its graduates is positively received. Additionally, anything that positively promotes and applies the concepts of duty, honor and country is also positive for graduates.

The Assembly magazine is outstanding.

AOG should represent alumni and oppose incorrect Supe or Academy policies

Stop being the alter voice of the superintendent and represent your membership. Don't be afraid to call for support from the membership in opposition to policies and changes that are politically motivated or that do not contribute to the values and ideals that our parents believed in enough to send us to West Point because it blended education with training and personal accountability.

I think that the AOG provides many useful services. I am very appreciative of the work that the AOG does.

Just plain Good Job! Keep it up, and; Thanks for taking up this survey. Please give us the results on the west-point.org e-mail listserver class networks.

I believe taking out the MS courses and starting the military intercession needs to be rethought. Though cadets may not need a semester of Heavy TF tactics, I've really used the knowledge from the old MS101 class which discusses the role of the officer. (Huntington's model) My classmates and I continually go back to that class as the start of our officer professional development. Looking at the current syllabus, I don't think it can be accomplished as thoroughly as needed.

Maybe it is inevitable with the armed forces drawdown and the currently healthy, competitive U.S. economy, but I get concerned with the amount of junior officer recruiting advertisement carried through AOG publications. If the AOG wants to support USMA in maintaining its role of America's premier producer of Army officers (earned by the AOG's members), the association probably should not contribute to the growing perception in the officer corps that USMA graduates' primary goal following graduation is to hook themselves up with a plush, six-figure salary in the civilian workforce.

Good idea. Thanks!

I was medically retired from the Army at FT. Bragg, NC almost 3 years ago due to a serious heart problem. I received a heart transplant in April of 1996 and I'm doing great. I was really looking forward to this year's Founder's Day and to my disbelief, I found out that there would be no Founder's day at Ft. Bragg. The reason I was given was that there were no USMA general officers at Ft. Bragg to sponsor the event. I was also told that when this sad state of affairs was relayed to West Point, basically, the reaction was, what do you want us to do?. I was stationed at Ft. Bragg for the majority of my career and still live in Fayetteville. I can never recall another occasion when there was not a Founder's Day Celebration here. If we can't get a little top level intervention on something like this, what can West Point do for its graduates? Having been in the field and working with recent graduates and talking to outgoing TACS,I am concerned about where the emphasis of the Academy is going. Understand the current leaderships attempts to change but the AOG needs to press for continued emphasis on military education, values, dedication to the Army, selfless service, and the destruction of the 5 year (or less) attitude of graduates. Get the academy back to standards of discipline, honor, pride, and service. The mission of the Army is to win our nations wars - I would think the mission of the Academy would be to develop officers for that intended purpose. If its not, we're wasting taxpayers money and the cadets should look for a free education elsewhere. I would like to see the military placed back in USMA.

AOG, you have a problem.; ; There are a whole bunch of graduates like myself out here who you have not reached effectively. Why not ? Good question. Why not get one of our Star Cadets/Harvard/Wharton/MBA types to put together a marketing plan that works ?

I am concerned about the practice of listing graduates alphabetically by class. This smacks of political correctness, as if someone might be offended by having others see what his class standing. It is a matter of public record (I would assume) and there is no reason not to include it in the Register.

FULL SPEED AHEAD IN THE SAME DIRECTION THAT WE ARE GOING! AND, DON'T THINK THAT YOUR TASK WILL BE EASY!! BEAT NAVY & AIR FORCE!!!!

Expand the Hotel Thayer. Develop adequate lodging and dining facilities at West Point to facilitate class reunions and to encourage graduates to return more frequently to visit and to interact with cadets. I think AOG may need to overhaul itself or better communicate what it does. I would be willing to discuss this more with Seth. I've never felt that the AOG ever did anything for me. Admittedly I've not been a part of the process, but that's because of my perceived lack of support for AOG. I think that AOG should be focused on supporting graduates more so than it supports the Academy. AOG should be concerned with job placements, reduction of the forces, reduction in perceived status of Academy graduates. Where was AOG when Congress increased the initial service obligation to 6 years and at the same time took away a graduates Regular Army commission? Where was AOG when graduates were separated from the Army during downsizing? Did they establish employment placement services, did they lobby Congress that this was a breach of trust with its Regular Army officers? I just don't know, but the impression I get is that they have been more focused on the Academy and it's buildings and grounds and less focused on the graduates. Let's remember that it should be an Association of Graduates with the concerns of the graduates in mind and not a cheering section or fund raiser for the leadership of the Academy.

Being unaware is not disinterested. As evidence, I noted a Wall Street Journal article on the fool who led BS&L for a short period. I wrote the Sup and Dean on this issue. Being a grandfather and business owner and active in my local church takes all the time and energy I have available.

I am extremely displeased about the fund raising efforts of my class/AOG. We have turned ourselves into a telemarketing firm constantly begging for money. I have stated this in writing before but I will say it again. I would not mind paying a yearly fee/dues TO BE A MEMBER OF the AOG. I feel a $20-25 yearly fee (dues)would be fair. The monies collected from membership dues could then be applied to class gifts and various AOG initiatives. I trust both my class leadership and the AOG leadership to spend these funds wisely. My yearly dues proposal would stop this cheap solicitation that is going on at this time.

Assembly, like most Alumni magazines (I guess) focuses solely on good news. There is much bad news, however, that occurs concerning WP that it totally ignores. We are all mature adults and can handle mature discussions of incidents that embarrass WP, such as incidents of cadet in-discipline and/or criminal behavior. I would rather get the hot poop on these incidents from you than from the Washington Post (which off times gets it wrong). Please consider telling us about all the news and not just what makes you proud. Think of it as the journalistic equivalent of WP's whole man concept. In case your reply to this would include something like, ...but there are privacy issues here,..., I would respond that I don't understand why you should be bound by any different standards than reputable newspapers or magazines.

The career transition assistance program was of no help to me in my transition from active duty. I question how active it is. Good idea, but not much help to the older retiring graduates. I applaud the hard work of all involved in making the AOG the productive and relevant organization that it is. On services, would like the Gift Shop catalogue to be on the net. Focus on building a stronger network for graduates. If you are going to ask for money at least provide a service such as a continuing on-line education and/or an active employment network to help out graduates. If we don't help one another - no one else will in the civilian world.

For AOG to be a strong cohesive organization promoting the ideals of WP it has got to have better communication. We in the field, I'm on active duty, just spent 2 years in Turkey, need more information and email can provide that to us - both cheaply and very efficiently.

I am interested in being involved in AOG activities but am at a loss in that my ZIP Code is not supported by any local society according to the office. Our graduates are our best advertising for West Point. The AOG should be more proactive in getting the graduates involved.

Please give Seth my regards, and when I'm in the area, I'll stop by.

Since I have been able to access the website, I have been much better informed concerning issues and happenings at West Point.

1. The four other educational institutions I am associated with are much more aggressive at getting their message out via regular correspondence (e.g., newsletters, alumni bulletins, regional associations). Perhaps there are good reasons for USMA being much less visible (e.g., funding constraints), but the difference is striking. 2. Recently, I considered subscribing again to The Assembly as a means of getting back in touch with USMA. I got a free copy which - if it is representative – was truly disappointing. All the articles looked back at what USMA had been instead of looking forward to what it can be. The class notes of my class and others of my generation were full of news about our children - as if we had passed our prime of contributing to society and there was nothing to report on ourselves - how depressing! Go out and get a copy of an alumni magazine or paper from other top notch institutions in the U.S. - and see the difference in focus.

I was disturbed by the quote attributed to a Lt Col. on the faculty that we don't glorify war anymore. In my cadet days, and when I taught leadership there, we didn't glorify war but we emphasized that the primary reason for West Point was to provide officers who would lead soldiers in battle. As LTG Jim Gavin told my class prior to graduation, our duty was to move to the sound of the guns. West Point should not forget the preeminence of the combat arms, regardless of whether the feelings of those who do not wish to or cannot lead troops in combat are hurt.

1. Find a way to be more interesting; keep us better informed. Your broad responsibilities and serious goals are not for the admin weenies most of us take you for; therefore 2. Become more effective as a business

Thanks for your great help with class activities and the class fund raising program. Keep up the good work!

The AOG has been very supportive in my interaction on class fund projects and other leadership initiatives. In AOG, I realize that sometimes you are Damned if you do etc and I believe that you maintain a good balance for supporting West Point and its grads.

I think the AOG does a good job through Assembly - it's the right type of information at the right interval.

Someone should lobby to create a law about people electing to leave the service prior to their commitment being served. Anyone electing to leave the service prior to their commitment being served (including conscientious objectors) should have to repay the government for all (4 or more) years of schooling on a pro rata basis. This could be done as a government school loan.

We ought to KNOW what the LGL thinks about the changes have USMA and actively pursuing OUR agenda. I have lived in the same place for 5 years now and no one has asked me how I feel about activity at USMA. It seems to me that AOG should be reflecting GRADUATES' opinions back to USMA. It would appear to me that the communication process could now be immensely improved through the electronic medium, particularly including WP-FORUM.

Just to re-emphasize what I have been harping on through this whole survey. The population of grads represents a cross section of society, culture, skills and industries. When we need a specific talent for our organization, we should have an easily accessible database to go into and search for that talent from within our own ranks before looking outside. Likewise, when one of our ranks is looking for a new employment, either by choice or not, he should be able to reach this whole database with the click of a mouse. The association needs to be more proactive in supporting its own membership.

I think that over all, you have been doing a good job. I think that the AOG has the same concerns as most graduates, and is doing what they can to hold the fort. Keep up the good work!

Excellent Survey idea and the way it worked makes it easy to respond. I did this as part of a growing interest in what happens at West Point

Current assignment does not allow me latitude to volunteer for various items. Perhaps in the near future.

Customer service in the gift shop is not up to the standards of the organization.

We need to continue to be a voice for USMA and concentrate our efforts where the Supe needs us most.

Provide on-line information on Class gift donation process

I would just ask that the AOG intensively review all requests from the Supe for funding support. I was concerned while reading the minutes of the last general membership meeting about the Supe requesting that the AOG fund luxury boxes for Michie Stadium.

Nothing at this time.

Keep up the good work. It can't be any fun trying to work with an administration whose so-called ideals are in direct contrast to those of the U.S.M.A.

Please remember that you represent the graduates and not the administration of the academy. If it comes to it we must take POLITICAL positions in support of what we believe in. The AOG is NOT beholden to the political

positions of our elected officials nor obligated to support the military chain of command. Individuals on active duty are so obligated, but not the AOG.; ; One example is how skeletal our military strength has become. Another is how our military is disposed. One more could be (but not necessarily should be) as regards homosexuals in the military. We were not castrated when we became cadets.

I have a closer relationship between myself and the Univ of S. FL. where I received my MS than I do with WP. AOG needs to become a real alumni association. I might personally be missing the boat - but somehow I 'm not sure that it is all me!

Great survey....thanks for the opportunity to respond.

Impress on and educate our national civilian leadership that if we are going to have a small Army, it must be the absolute best. West Point provides part of that best Army that needs to be trained and ready. The current deployment of our Army, in 70-100 places around the globe, is having a negative impact on training and readiness. While the quality of our Army is extremely high, I am concerned about its size and the missions being required of it. We cannot afford to allow our enemies to place us in the position of being unable to respond because our Army is too small and too widely scattered.

I'm sure you've heard it before, but I suspect you will have many old grads who will dry up their donations (or potential donations) as long as they disagree with where USMA and the Army are going. I don't think anyone wants to see the return of mandatory chapel or bracing, but the concept of optional meals tears at the fabric that held classes and companies together. This is but one example. The woman-thing won't be solved until there is some national consensus on roles and career paths. Until then, the together-but-not-equal reality will gnaw at the organization and leave a bitter taste for all.

My problem is my available time. With only so much bandwidth, I have problem doing it all. Hopefully, when I finish school by the middle of 98 I will have more time.

If you would like more input or clarification of any of the issues I have raised, feel free to e-mail me or call me.

I have not been very active, but this electronic communications link and the high of classmates who attended the 20th Reunion and the thought of our 25th Reunion/Bicentennial Celebration is motivating me to become more active.

Fix the AOG staff compensation problem. Why should retirement pay be included in potential staff compensation? Give the AOG President what it takes to hire a competent, qualified staff without regard to their retired pay status.

1. Keep supporting graduates with your services; 2. Get out of fund raising except for class gifts; 3. AOG is OK; USMA is not OK!

The AOG staff is a pleasure to work with.

As I approach retirement from my second career, I believe I will have more time to devote to thinking about sustaining the health and welfare of West Point, and become more active in achieving these ends. Up to now, my feelings toward the AOG have been somewhat benign - I trusted in the AOG leadership and felt they were always doing the best they could always with limited funds. This feeling was based on a limited knowledge of the AOG-certainly partly my fault because I just did not take enough time and interest to dig into issues. However, I detect some winds of change in the air, and if being part of the Information Age is part of it, you have my strong endorsement to open the windows and to air issues with the AOG membership. This survey is a good start.

The goals suggest that there is/are a problem(s) at/in the AOG. There also appears to be little linkage between the goals, the mission statement, and the services provided.; ; I would change the survey to add comment blocks for most of the questions.; ; I would like to get the Register of Graduates on a CD-ROM. You could produce it MUCH cheaper and put in more info.

Periodically publish the West Point Cemetery burial procedures; or, have it available through the AOG web site.

Keep up the good work, especially with this project (survey). My impression is that the AOG has recognized a need to take a fresh look at themselves and this is a good start.

I know this may seem trivial, but I would really like the AOG just to get my information in the graduate directory correct. I have tried several methods, to include a visit to the AOG office on two occasions and still my data is incorrect. It leads me to believe that if they (the AOG ) cannot correct data on grads then how does the other efforts, sorry but it is a feeling I have had and it has tainted my view of the AOG. I know this may not be how the AOG really works, but the small things should count too.

I repeat my last comment. Congress' general trend to downplay service academies. We need to constantly work to educate on the value of them to national interests. Maybe this is an area where AOG can do more.

I assume the tours are making money but I seem to get a lot of info on them

Keep up the great effort.

BEAT NAVY!

Keep up the good work!

I am very pleased with the AOG's performance. I encourage you to keep up the good work and continue to focus on two-way communication.; ; Beat Navy!

I believe the best way to communicate is through a web page.

Put people back in the people business.

Keep up the good work.

Mess hall manners (an etiquette training table) should permit all cadets to know good, formal eating habits. Too many younger grads do not seem to know proper table manners, which is expected of an officer and gentleman.

I'm very impressed with the alumni services that you provide. My wife graduated from a private university that has an excellent alumni program, but it pales in comparison to the AOG. Assembly is an outstanding publication and your efforts to make maximum use of the internet are right on target! While I plan on making a career of the Army, I did make use of your resume service while I was in my decision making process and assure you that it is first class. My wife graduated from a top 25 MBA program this past Spring and continues to be amazed with the phone calls I get from businesses and recruiters who saw my resume in the Academy's directory. This is a great service that you provide to graduates. Keep up the fabulous work!

The days of career military people who automatically support the AOG etc are numbered. As the number of younger grads who are now in civilian careers grows, the communication with this segment needs to be more of a sales pitch. Do not assume that you are entitled to financial support or time. We need the younger crowd, and they have many competing interests. We need to convince them of the merit of each new endeavor.

Don't over emphasize intercollegiate sports if funding gets tight. The best training occurs on the intramural fields. BEAT NAVY!

I applaud the AOG for seeking greater member participation. Perhaps my own lack of participation and attention to AOG activities will be improved as a result.

Please provide a user friendly listing of all electronic resources for grads. I know they are out there, but don't know where to quickly find them (URLs, etc.); ; This may be listed in Assembly, but I am not currently an Assembly subscriber.; ; Also, is it possible to make sections of Assembly available online? I would be specifically interested in reading Class notes. This may already be available, but as I noted above, I wouldn't know where to find it.; ; AOG should keep supporting electronic communications! As AOG and Assembly have always been among the best Alumni support systems in the U.S., so too should our electronic efforts. We should have the best Alumni Intranet as well (if we do already, pardon me for my ignorance - see first point above).; ; This may be an area for expanded volunteer efforts - recruiting and Society support are important ongoing functions, yet fully developing our electronic communications efforts may be AOG's greatest challenge in the next few years. Seek volunteers from the AOG membership - I'm sure many will gladly assist!

I congratulate you on doing an outstanding job! Thank you so much for your outstanding service!

Generally, I'm satisfied with the work of AOG and it's leadership. There may be areas that deserve attention, improvement or addition, but due to my limited knowledge of all the services AOG is to provide I may be remiss in suggesting some.

Most of my awareness of the AOG comes through promotional offerings and the Assembly.; I like the Assembly. I do not care for promotions for credit cards and long distance service as I have stated above. Please do not treat the AOG membership as a promotional mailing list for lots of junk. Please do not sell the list. I do like the AOG gift catalog, especially those items which are collector quality items. Although I have not bought many items, I look forward to seeing what items, such as the commemorative lamp, are being offered.

West Point was a tough place to be, but it has proven to be a great place to be from. Much of that has been and continues to be the result of the fine job done by the AOG. I wish that I had more (or any) free time in order to return the favor. Keep up the good work !

As we all know USMA has been a tremendously important national asset. The legendary leaders who have formed the long gray line must be doing snap rolls in their graves having learned that we are now