I gained greater respect for the Marines -- for their real commitment to high principles and standards that encouraged dedication to self-improvement, discipline, and attention to detail. |
Some expressive freedoms are restricted as one serves the role of a U.S. military officer, but the key word for everyone is always respect. I really don't think that that point is conveyed enough, especially at places like Yale. We're not all hawks or Republicans, and we don't all agree with Bush or certain agendas -- but we are unified in our commitment to defend the nation. |
The PLC program is fantastic because it allows college students to receive actual Marine officer training that goes towards their earning a commission, but does not require that the student actually make any sort of post-graduation commitment. For people like me, with no exposure to military life and very little idea of what exactly they'd like to do in the way of careers, that flexibility is invaluable. |