Alumnus appointed to West Point: Examining military careers

“The interest didn’t come until freshman-sophomore year, when a family friend of mine asked about college and jokingly said, ‘Why don’t you go to the army or military?’ At first it was a joke, but the more I saw, the more interested I became,” says Aragon alumnus Steven Callas of the Class of 2013.

In his junior year, Callas began seriously considering the military and started the competitive application process for the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA). After acquiring a recommendation from Congresswoman Jackie Speier and submitting an application, Callas was waitlisted at West Point. Adamant about attending, Callas decided to reapply this year while taking classes at the College of San Mateo (CSM).

In early February, Callas received an appointment to West Point.

West Point boasts a nine percent acceptance rate, leading the nation as one of the most selective institutions of higher education. With over 200 years of history, West Point is famous for its rigorous 47-month program, which encompasses academic, military, and physical training. In fact, West Point’s academia has been compared to that of Ivy League schools.

When asked what he valued the most about West Point, Callas replied, “The biggest thing is discipline. For as long as I can remember, I have been big on discipline. With discipline, I can push myself further than I thought possible.”

In addition to its rigorous academic and military training, West Point requires cadets to participate in sports.

“They kind of just throw you into it,” says Callas. “They build you up the first year, and there’s a huge transformation.”

The intensity of West Point does not compare with that of “civilian life.” Because West Point strives to create well-rounded individuals who will later go on to serve as second lieutenants, it trains cadets to handle such pressure.

“I hope I will hate it because the more I hate it, the more it will help me in the end. I know they are not trying to break me; they are trying to make me. By pushing me, they will make me a better person,” says Callas.

A West Point graduate will not only have military skills and discipline, but also a Bachelor of Science degree.

“I’m not quite sure what I want to pursue. The nuclear and mechanical engineering [programs] look good, but it’s still out there,” states Callas.

Cadets receive “included tuition valued over $225,000” and serve an obligatory five years in designated military units after graduation.

“I’m not 100 percent sure what I will do later. I will definitely serve the mandatory five years and if I like it, I’ll continue. If I don’t, I will go back to civilian life to continue pursuing my major,” Callas continues.

Despite the advantages of military academies like West Point, many channels into the military exist. They include programs like Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), where a student can first complete his or her education, military academies like West Point, and straight-out enlistment. However, even with numerous options, only two percent of Aragon’s graduates from the class of 2012 reportedly pursued military pathways.

“I think choosing the military is a personal choice that reflects the student’s political belief or maybe the family history. What we say when someone is interested in the military is to think carefully. Parents need to be involved,” says College and Career Advisor Laurie Tezak.

With regards to enlistment, Tezak replies, “Joining the military is a form of learning, but most parents associate it with war and fear, so students might be discouraged.”

Callas says, “Enlisting is kind of scary. You start off at the very bottom and have to work your way up. It’s unpredictable, and you start with only 12 weeks of boot camp. Also, it’s a lot harder to try to get out of it.”

In the months ahead, Callas will continue conditioning and preparing for West Point, which begins summer training on July 2. To anyone interested in following his footsteps, Callas says, “Really know this is something you want to do. It needs to be your main focus. You have to really want it.”