General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDear Maga:Trump told the graduating class at West Point that no one wanted to join the military under Biden.
Now think about it. Take as long as you want.

TnDem
(844 posts)I thought the Associated Press reported that enlistment is up?
SunSeeker
(55,833 posts)Katherine Kuzminski of the Center for a New American Security credits Biden-era programs like the Army's Future Soldier Prep Course launched in 2022 and the Navy's Future Sailor Prep Course launched in 2023 for helping candidates struggling with enlistment requirements. In 2024, about 25% of the Army's enlistments came through a prep course.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-touts-record-breaking-military-recruitment-but-numbers-already-rising/
Diamond_Dog
(37,076 posts)TnDem
(844 posts)These "joiners" of the military have not yet joined the military.... They are Officer candidates that receive a commission at graduation....
To anyone that has been in the military, a USMA education at West Point/Annapolis, etc. will grant you a commission, not an enlistment....The government merely pays for your degree and you agree to give them 6 years as an officer.
No one at USMA/ROTC/ASAFA, etc. have "joined". They will commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation and they can resign at any time, unlike an enlistee...If you resign before you complete your agreed commission, then you may have to repay a portion or all of your tutition.
soldierant
(8,540 posts)I was considered to be, and paid as, a corporal. I agree it's not a commitment until they graduate. But if and when they do, they will be considered to beon active duty from the date they started at West Point. And that is not nothing. Automatic pay raises based on length of service depend on it.
TnDem
(844 posts)The first three US Army officer ranks are basically "time in grade" and come automatically unless you make a big mistake...After 03, promotions are more selective...After 06, it's ALL political.
lostnfound
(16,979 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(163,479 posts)trump gave a horrible speech and then left without shaking the hands of each graduate. Presidents Obama and Biden each took the time to shake the hand of each graduate
When President Obama spoke at the 2014 West Point commencement ceremony he shook the hand of every single graduate after his speech. Today, Donald Trump gave a speech while wearing a MAGA hat and then left without shaking any hands
— Marco Foster (@marcofoster.bsky.social) 2025-05-24T22:49:12.476Z
I like Presidents who donât use West Point as a political prop.
— Protect Kamala Harris â (@disavowtrump20.bsky.social) 2025-05-24T18:20:02.178Z
President Biden spent 70 minutes congratulating, saluting and shaking the hand of each one of the 1,036 West Point graduates, plus gave his speech, but itâs not worth any commentary by the media.
— LynneMcCartney (@lynnemccartney.bsky.social) 2024-05-27T04:01:20.959Z
So you know he did well.
Link to tweet
Trump has time to host a dinner for the rich crypto guys who bought his memecoin, but not to shake hands with West Point graduates. Priorities.
— Republicans Against Trumpism (@rpsagainsttrump.bsky.social) 2025-05-24T20:51:34.012Z
GETTINGTIRED
(346 posts)Stupid in this country is staggering...
Least they are identifiable...
dchill
(42,375 posts)...by their own footprints on their tongues l. 👣
Silent Type
(9,549 posts)Ping Tung
(2,433 posts)One Medical Deferment: Following his graduation, he received a medical deferment for bone spurs in his heels.
surfered
(6,895 posts)Unless some enrolled in January.
AllaN01Bear
(25,223 posts)Mr.WeRP
(812 posts)People dont make the decision to join the military based on who the President is.
They join to get an education, or to have a better chance at life or to earn citizenship, all while gaining a disciplined way of living engrained in them that will give them the best chance at success in life.
Tribetime
(6,575 posts)Would get a pass on any of the 10,000 things he's done.
Initech
(104,915 posts)Hope the people who voted for this shit sleep easy at night knowing the walking disaster and living hell they unleashed on us.
Attilatheblond
(5,954 posts)That idiot cannot do the most basic math.
Cha
(311,054 posts)Shite on a Mump steak. ☠️
Sorry! I hope the grads realized how obsessed Mump is with Joe Biden instead of doing anything positive for our country.