Ben Carson may well have been offered a “scholarship” to West Point, though not in those words. All the service academies have needs for certain applicants – academic performers, minority members, gifted athletes.
Despite avowals of “by appointment only,” there are numerous appointment sources available – congressmen, presidential, service-connected, etc. – and local recruiters (i.e., former students) are on the lookout.
Academics questionable? Not a problem. Spend a year at one of the academies’ “prep schools”! Restrictions on height qualifications – waivers are available.
If one wonders if special conditions exist, they need only to check out the recent sports story on the Red Claws player now deferring his military obligation (playing for military sports teams) pursuing dreams of an NBA future.
I’m not disparaging any individual – just the system now being unveiled!
Robert Craine
Portland
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