Regardless of whether you are screaming around the skies at Mach 2 in a F-14 Tomcat, standing midwatch in the engineering spaces of a Burke class destroyer, humping 80 lb. As a 1990 graduate of the unit, I felt I had a lot to offer in terms of my perspective and experience. I wanted to help shape the minds of an exceedingly gifted group of individuals and to share the insights and knowledge I have gained during my brief naval career. Things have not changed that much since I was a midshipman the academics are still challenging, ROTC demands as much time and commitment as ever, and Stanford still shellacs Cal regularly in the Big Game. However, the opportunities for new ensigns and second lieutenants in the fleet are greater than ever before.
Women can drive any airplane in the fleet with a few small exceptions.
And most importantly, you will be given the immediate responsibility and authority that comes with leading a platoon or running a division. Sailors and Marines will look to you to make the right decisions and take the proper actions, even if you personally feel that there is so little that you really know. Your goal, therefore, should be to learn as much as possible over your time in the military. You have all demonstrated your capacity for knowledge by attending some of the finest universities in the country. Soon you will come to realize that college is just a launching point and that it is what you make of your education that is important.