Admiral Leighton W. Smith, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Admiral Smith:

I have read your 20 July letter to the alumni. Methinks thou protesteth too
much.

          "We all love the Academy and what it stands for. We all want it to
          be all that we think it should be. We all want to see 'warrior
          graduates' who reflect the sense of honor, commitment and courage
          that we saw in our classmates and ourselves. … "

This strikes me as another demonstration of the "wagon circling" mentality
extant in Crabtown and from within the E-Ring. It is more accurate to say:
". . . love the Academy and what it used to stand for." Sadly, it is very
different from that today.

The past several years has been marked by adverse publicity over several
Naval Academy scandals and a growing alumni concern the Naval Academy has
lost its focus. Responses to the scandals have too often been public
relations blitzes worthy of Madison Avenue; you have even managed to co-opt
The Annapolis Capitol to slavishly march to your drummers. Those of us with
a legitimate interest and who even seem to be attempting to challenge the
new philosophy have been treated as enemies.

Typically, attempts to obtain information are stonewalled, letters are
ignored, telephone calls are not returned and we are forced to submit
requests pursuant to the FOIA even for the most innocuous data. Dissent has
been suppressed to the extent that alumni and others attempting to air
proposals for change have been effectively silenced. For instance, in 1997,
an excellent article by RAdm Van Orden ('45), who developed some compelling
proposals, was published in the Strategic Review, which hasn't the broad
Naval constituency of The Naval Institute Proceedings. Why -- why not in
Shipmate or the USNIP? Because those guarding the palace are arrogantly
muzzling all opposition!

The new standard at the Proceedings was established following the DiRita
essay, when the Executive Director came near to being fired, and the Office
of CNO (Adm. LaPlante) gave The Proceedings management and staff
'guidelines' for future articles!

If the present approach to the Naval Academy's structure is truly the best,
why do you fear open discussion/opposition and why do you feel compelled to
step in to defend the Superintendent?

Precipitated by the onset of several scandals involving moral turpitude,
months of intellectual effort were expended agonizing over the concept of
honor. The result was two pieces of wordsmithed literature entitled, The
Honor Concept of the Brigade of Midshipmen and Honor Treatise of the Brigade
of Midshipmen, replacing a straightforward enjoinder not to lie, cheat or
steal which had endured for over 150 years.

A growing body of us have, for some time, been interested in returning the
essence of the Academy to that of the fifties, reflecting naval/military
training concepts that withstood the test of time for more than 100 years.
The new/current methods have failed miserably and each regression from old
standards drives another stake into the heart of the Naval Academy.

Much is being made of the Strategic Plan, a glitzy slide show and management
tool for planning. Unfortunately, the plan managers failed to address this
core problem: the Naval Academy is no longer producing the cadre of truly
professional officers the fleet sorely needs. Despite this ever more obvious
shortcoming, the plan has nothing to reflect any reforms -- such as those
often proposed by men like James Webb (who has been studiously ignored) and
RAdm M. D. Van Orden (whose essay has barely seen the light of day).

After all the public relations, all the wordsmithing, all the studies,
panels and boards, nothing material has been improved. More and more
training emphasis is devoted to ethical and character issues, which should
have been part and parcel of the Midshipman's psyche prior to entry. It's
akin to remedial reading for inner city entrants to a Community College. The
Naval Academy is not a Community College and should not be accepting
students who need remedial indoctrination.

Clearly, the Naval Academy has been rudderless for a generation. How else
can the current general mess be explained? How else can the fact that
officer retention is too low and, overwhelmingly, poor leadership is cited
as a major source of discontent and, ultimately, departure from Naval
Service? How else can one explain a recent poll which reveals only ten
percent of Naval Officers aspire to command? Admiral, you and the present
generation of Flag Officers stand indicted. You have let the Navy, the Naval
Academy and the Nation down by de-emphasizing its military and professional
aspects and toadying to those who abhor or do not understand the Armed
Forces -- or wish to make them an element of social engineering projects.

"Where principle is involved, be deaf to expediency." This quote of Maury
should be familiar to you. Where are the naval leaders today willing to
observe that principle -- to stand up and be counted? In posing that
question, I feel a kinship with Diogenes who lighted a candle in the daytime
whilst ". . . looking for a man."

Gone is the former core curriculum which, with singleness of purpose,
prepared Midshipmen to be Naval Officers, not specialists, managers and bean
counters. The new totem is diversity - codified by the diverse curriculum
and expressed by the totally new collegiate environment. This is contrary to
the military ethic, which demands teamwork and singleness of purpose. In the
past, Midshipmen's lives were constantly directed toward the things Naval
Officers should be interested or conversant in - national and foreign
affairs, world events, etc. Looking at the present curriculum, it is
difficult to see much difference from a civilian university with an ROTC
program. Where is the intense training in professional Naval and military
subjects that defines and justifies maintenance of a separate school by the
US Government?

Except that all of its students are wearing uniforms, there is little to set
the Naval Academy aside from well-endowed universities in the civilian
sector. It is ever more widely observed that the differences between the
Naval Academy and other colleges and universities are essentially
nonexistent. It is the ultimate insult that USNA graduates no longer receive
Regular Commissions -- and the meek Navy leadership squeaked not one bit!
The natural intellectual sequel to this event is: ergo, we no longer need a
Naval Academy! Is that soon to come?

No longer a school dedicated to training professionals in a structured
environment, no longer a highly regarded source of committed officers so
demonstrably needed in the fleet today, the Naval Academy has become another
socially engineered government institution. Rather than a commitment to
service, all too many Midshipmen are seemingly interested only in a free
education and the 'deals' they can engineer; this attitude is encouraged by
many aspects of recruitment and by the current Academy curriculum. Offering
several academic majors is antithetical to the purpose of the Naval Academy,
which was not established for and has no obligation to train students for
civilian pursuits.

Once was, Academy men did not get a truly 'free' education -- they paid for
every bit of it in commitment, sweat, self-discipline, self-denial and
steadfast resolution. Upon graduation, both officers and enlisted men of the
fleet expected us to manifest the highest sense of honor, as well as a
working knowledge of professional skills -- just because we were USNA
graduates! No longer -- in fact there are those who believe some ROTC
colleges have superior graduates; I have in hand a communication from one
officer whose fitness reports on four Lieutenants puts the sole Naval
Academy graduate 4 out of 4 -- a situation he finds to be more typical than
atypical. That's a terrible indictment of the Academy!

The many recent scandals have been 'handled' by media blitzes emanating from
the Yard, King George Street and the Annapolis Capitol. These blitzes are
truly ludicrous and demonstrate that the diseases of spin, political
correctness and general media control have taken a firm grip.

          An old Artilleryman (a General Officer and ROTC product) recently
          asked me: "Vern, what the hell's the matter down there? Can't you
          control your people?" He related his concurrence with the widely
          held view that Academy Men should be trained and looked to as the
          hard core of professionalism in the services. How would Jack
          Fellowes, McCain and the others have fared in Hanoi if
          indoctrinated in today's touchy-feely environment? From whence
          will come future Halseys, Nimitzes and Burkes? If they come from
          the Academy, only by happenstance -- not by training, unless a
          drastic course change is made.

                Whatever became of the idea that the USNA selects appointees from
                 the crème de la crème and that graduates would be the cream of that?

The spinners and apologists from Crabtown and the Yard have wrongly accepted
a premise that the Naval Academy student body is but a microcosm of the
population, thus we must expect and accept a concomitant reflection of the
general population's frailties. Better, we graduate 200 truly professional
and dedicated Naval Officers than 1000 uniformed intellectuals, managers and
bean counters!

                Why has the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) thrust
                 de-emphasized the Fleet/Enlisted input and favored civilians who
                 are enlisted in the Navy solely for the purpose of being assigned to
                 a free preparatory school?

I question the legality of this move, but of greater concern is that
valuable Prep School spaces are taken from candidates truly from the fleet.
Historically, appointees from the fleet have been a most valuable resource
at the Naval Academy; they have been especially helpful assisting greener
classmates through the rigors of Plebe Summer. Typically, these men come
aboard with open eyes, maturity and a firm commitment. Formerly, motivated
men from the fleet were actively sought; I understand this to no longer be
the case. Another poor decision!

                Whatever happened to the notion that the walls around the Yard
                  are to keep the mommies out whilst character and self-reliance
                  were a-building within?

Lock the Gates, plug the chinks in the wall and keep the mommies out! Take
away the liberty, booze, automobiles and company wardrooms. The Midshipmen
will then be relatively safe, substantially sober, weaned, on their way to
self-reliance and disabused of the idea they have earned treatment as
officers. Finally, killing the damned Parent's Club and the Plebe Sponsor
Program may put an important stake in the heart of the demon.

                Whatever became of the fully immersed Plebe Year indoctrination
                 where a Plebe was liable to virtually continuous indoctrination from
                 all upperclassmen?

Particularly disturbing are the consistent references to Plebe Summer and
academic year formalized indoctrination marked by "screaming" in the Plebe's
face. This is absolutely UNSAT! While our antiquated indoctrination system
became "in the face" at times, "screaming" was not a desirable or approved
feature of indoctrination.

                What perfidious reasoning resulted in straggling to classes and other
                  functions?

From all quarters, one hears of the 'bobbing heads' and crooked lines of
Midshipman marching units seen at game march-on's. This is the first thing
that went down with the onslaught of the new (lenient) wave; it is the first
thing that should be restored -- NOW! Restore marching to, from and between
classes, as was in place until circa 1958. That, along with strategically
placed staff and 'Bow-wows' will alleviate the bobbing heads so prevalent
wherever Midshipersons are now seen marching. Throw in weekly Pee-rades to
complete the course. These, along with daily meal formations accompanied by
The Thunderer and other great martial music, creates positive public
relations and images which have withstood the tests of time and require no
updating. Meanwhile, something substantive has been accomplished in that the
Midshipmen are being constantly reminded they are part and parcel of a
military organization that functions effectively only when all march and
respond appropriately to a single drummer.

                Whatever became of the demerit system, structured punishment
                  and the Midshipman's 'Bible' on every desktop, containing the
                  Regulations and the Punitive Articles which were virtually memorized
                  by all?

I see "fry" defined in Reef Points but that's the only place demerits seem
to be mentioned. Is there a broad system of demerits with appropriate
punishment (10/2 - 15/3 - 20/4, etc.)? I have found absolutely no reference
to marching off demerits and must, therefore, assume punishment takes a
different tack these days. It is too bad, because there's nothing more
attention getting than wasting time marching to and fro when there are many
productive activities to pursue.

                Whatever became of the reveille come-arounds; in fact, is there
                  such a thing as a come-around? I don't see it mentioned in the
                  Regulations or in Reef Points; nor do I see "spoon." Are Midshipmen
                  all on a first name basis?

Yes, such demands were often unreasonable -- even 'too demanding' at times.
Of course they detracted from academic performance and sometimes caused
potentially good students to bilge out of the Naval Academy. That was
exactly the purpose -- to build character; to cull the field; to thin the
herd; to separate the best from the near best. We wanted only the best. That
system wasn't perfect but it rose head and shoulders above today's standard,
which, according to fleet feedback, has not been producing the desired
product.

                Whatever has become of the fun and hi-jinks, and the traditional
                 and rich vernacular of the Midshipmen handed down over many years?

Once a norm of the Academy Experience, apparently gone are the 'baby', the
'goo,' the 'redeye' and most of the colorful vernacular of yesteryear's
Annapolis Man; Reef Points now reflects a rather sterile array. I recently
"wiped it off'" on a graduate (from the 70's); he had no idea what I was
talking about! Is there no more 'Wild Man?' Do Plebes no longer 'come about'
in the dining hall? Was all that adjudged too silly or of otherwise doubtful
value? Apparently, not for the likes of Halsey, Nimitz, Kidd and others; yet
the new (improved) system has produced nothing akin to those men! Moreover,
I detect more and more civilianization of terminology throughout the
Academy. For instance, bulkhead, deck, overhead, ladder and yard appear to
be generally replaced by their civilian counterparts. Professions have
professional languages and professional men use the language of their
profession naturally and as a matter of course. An element of camaraderie,
in this training environment, these professional languages (USNA and Navy)
should be used religiously and by all hands.

                Whatever happened to the notion that privileges were earned
                  over a period of time and that RHIP?

Plebes, in many ways, have as much personal freedom as my day's First
Classmen. For all, there is too much town liberty, too many overnights and
too much freedom in general. There are "broads, booze, civilian clothes and
bingo;" there are even some Officer's Club and Faculty Club (and, as I
recall Alumni House?) privileges. In addition, there is automobile riding,
driving, ownership and parking in the Yard as well as paid parking for
Segundos at the Naval Station! All of this permissiveness affords too much
freedom that detracts from the Mission of building character and inner
strength. To date there is much evidence this permissiveness has resulted in
mischief as well as death and injury in highway accidents. That old
seven-mile radius from the Chapel Dome worked well for years; it should be
returned -- with all the attendant restraints.

                Whatever happened to the all-important summer cruises?

Abolishing the Youngster and First Class cruises aboard active ships is
among the worst decisions made. Short of all out war, there should be
nothing so important as to preclude Midshipman training with the fleet. It
is imperative that Youngsters actually experience the shipboard working
environment which cannot be learned from books and lectures. Equally
important is the First Class cruise, wherein by performing tasks of and
associating more closely with junior officers, they can experience at first
hand, something of what will be expected of them.

          YP's are a wonderful asset that should be used at every
          opportunity throughout the 4-year curriculum. YP Cruises are
          absolutely great and present opportunities for overnight weekends
          for all classes, while true training objectives are also achieved.
          Perhaps, in addition to required training cruises, there could
          also be an incentive cruise package that takes the trainees to the
          more desirable ports on the Chesapeake. No matter how much the YP
          program is fleshed out, the YP Cruise will never be an adequate
          substitute for the training value of real ships manned by real
          people with real missions and real problems.

                Are we training Warriors or Social Workers?

Academy leadership has been nurturing Midshipman participation in civic
projects in the surrounding community and as far away as Washington, DC; it
milks public affairs benefits from the outcome. These touchy-feely
activities out in Crabtown and environs accomplish no useful USNA objective
other than to boost the Superintendent's public image. This is symptomatic
of what is wrong with the Academy today and beyond that, the Navy; it
foretells the product we may anticipate. We are graduating social-minded
case workers and managers, instead of Naval Officers trained to be leaders
-- leaders who will instill in their subordinates the warrior ethic along
with concepts of honor, duty, discipline and commitment to service.

There is too damned much interest in public image in today's Navy and
insufficient interest in fostering toughness and professionalism. While
doing one's civic duty may be necessary in character development,
participation in civic affairs is an undesirable distraction for Midshipmen
who should be, as we were, so academically and professionally challenged as
to not have the time to pursue such activities. The type candidates we are
looking for will be from a group already community minded and they will have
time to perform their civic duties again -- as they build their nests during
shore duty.

                From whence will come the warriors if the Academies don't
                  nurture a warrior ethic?

The abysmal performance of Naval Academy athletics, personified by Navy
Football, is not insignificant. A truly competitive Navy team is noticed by
and attracts winners -- men of high ability and character; recent teams have
been woefully wanting in this respect. A Naval Academy that cannot
consistently produce strongly competitive football teams, as has been the
case over most of the past thirty years, is doing something wrong. The "Team
Named Desire" of the mid-50's, though smaller in stature than any of its
opponents' 'hired' teams, arose from a Brigade imbued with a warrior's lust
for the kill. Where is that Brigade today? These symbols and proofs of
strength are, without exception, no longer apparent. No favorable comparison
can be made between the Brigade 'now' and 'then.' None! I am not suggesting
that we recruit football teams -- but I am convinced that out of a strong
Brigade a strong team will naturally develop. In many ways, the football
team is a mirror of the student body.

                From whence will come the leaders if the Academies do not
                  train men to lead?

First rate, well-rounded Naval Officers, not experts in various specialties,
should again be the product of the Naval Academy education; that is why it
was founded. As we did in the past, today's Midshipmen should report to
their first commands being schooled in and totally familiar  (not expert)
with the engineering plants or weapons systems to which assigned.

While civilians must have a broad range of academic disciplines, a Naval
Academy has a single purpose and should focus on a single discipline.
Ensigns/2nd Lt.'s do not need specialties, majors or advanced academic work;
they can concentrate on them in postgraduate training. Replace the Steam
Building's (if there is one - or, did that evaporate with 1200# Superheat?)
Fletcher Class plant with a Burke Class or some generic plant -- then steam
on!

                Separate the sexes.

Today, I dare no more than think of suggesting an all male organization --
maybe next year. Meanwhile, isolate a wing, with appropriate "moats and
minefields," for the Midshipwomen. Entrench a totally female staff,
including female civilian cleaning, maintenance and repair personnel and
supervisors. You will never get rid of the thought of hanky-panky but
actions will be easier to thwart if there are totally separate living
accommodations. Furthermore, the old tap-tap <Enter>  routine can be
reinstated, giving full and immediate access to rooms without concern as to
states of dress or other male-female issues. Privacy concerns
notwithstanding, much skullduggery is obviated with the constant threat of
unannounced entrants in authority.

Au fin, "The spoiled and pampered pets of Uncle Sam" is no longer a humorous song line; it is reality!

The Band of Brothers has become a Rabble. It's time to take a strain and
heave 'round to get the Naval Academy back on its former course and to leave
the specialties and graduate level work to the civilian universities.

                Because you, Admiral Smith, and the others currently at the helm are so
                  totally supportive of demonstrably failed concepts  and have remorselessly
                  squelched dissent, I enjoin you to:

                           1. Tender your resignation immediately.

                           2. Call for the remainder of the Board to do likewise.

                           3. Institute a broad and open colloquy on governance of the Alumni
      Association.

                           4. Call for nominations of a new Board, publish platforms of the
      nominees and, finally, vote.

                Additionally, I will, in appropriate fora recommend:

                           1. Appointment of James Webb as Secretary of the Navy.

                           2. Replacement of the Naval Academy leadership -- at least down to
      the Department Head Level -- with officers in tune with the
      objectives and requirements of a more rigorous professional naval
      education. General Zinni would be a good choice; he should have a
      'chop' on the other selectees.

                            3. Reinstatement of a single basic course of instruction which
      focuses on requirements of the fleet and which leads to a simple
      Bachelor of Science degree -- much the same as that prior to
      establishment of the various majors programs.

                            4. Reestablishment of the body of behavioral standards reflecting the
      essentials of those which began in 1845 and served well for 110
      years.

Sincerely,


Vernon R. Bush
USNA '56

Ed: C. Gendell

CC: Board of Visitors

Mr. Dick Cheney
          Senator Lott
          Senator Thurmond
          Senator Warner
          Senator Chafee
          Senator Robb
          Senator Nickles
          Senator Helms
          Senator McCain
          Straight Talk America
          Senator Thompson
          Senator Hutchinson
          Speaker Hastert
          Congressman Armey
          Congressman DeLay
          Congressman Bateman
          Congressman Sisisky
          Congressman Pickett
          Congressman Watts
          Class of 1956 & Misc. Alumni