Currently, the USPSA Blueprint Advisory Board is developing its second draft of the Blueprint, a document that will guide the creation of the Academy once the legislation is passed.
The creation of a meaningful Blueprint will require serious discussion about a wide range of issues. Everything — admissions requirements, curriculum, sports teams, tenure — is on the table at this point. This period stands as a unique opportunity for those who love the Academy idea to play a crucial role in its establishment. We genuinely want and need to hear input from you.
To this end, this blog will be offering up a series of “Reader Response” posts, each of which will focus on a particular aspect of the Academy. The comments logged here will be read and seriously considered by those who are responsible for guiding the direction of the Academy. This is your chance to be involved in the formation of America’s next great institution.
On the table this week: Should Academy students wear uniforms?
Although the USPSA will be a civilian college, the official proposal states that “the campus
ethos and daily pace of life will be more akin to a military academy than a typical liberal arts college.” As the civilian counterpart to the military academy model, some have suggested that the Academy should require its students to wear uniforms as a widely-recognized sign of their commitment to service.
What do you think?
Dr. Carleton Palmer responded on 11 Apr 2007 at 1:34 pm #
If a purpose of the Academy is to harness the interest, motivation and energy of people of conscience, as was the proposition when this idea was floated in the 1960’s, then militaristic uniformity would be counter-productive. If this is not one of the populations the proposed Academy wishes to address, then doing so would be an excellent way to send that message.
Dr. Carleton Palmer
raimius responded on 14 Apr 2007 at 10:02 pm #
As a cadet at the Air Force Academy, I believe there is value in having uniforms. They can create a more cohesive atmosphere. When I see other cadets in uniform, especially away from the academy, there is a bit of an instant bond. I think uniforms promote a feeling of unity of cause to many people. I take pride in my uniform for its heritage and as a symbol of what I am working for.
On the other hand, I can see where Dr. Palmer is comming from. Uniforms are certainly not attractive to everyone. Perhaps, seeking a very militaristic look is not the greatest idea. I would reccomend if having a uniform is agreed upon, that it reflect some of the uniforms in the public service sector rather than taking an extremely militaristic look. Also, the intended times and places to wear such a uniform should be considered.
Mel responded on 02 May 2007 at 5:10 pm #
It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. One option might be go to give all Academy students a nice shirt and jacket (for instance) that they would wear “in the field” or to formal occasions - not out of compulsion, but out of pride and to mark special occasions. Make it a cultural thing, not an institutionally enforced one.
The “uniform” policy of City Year seems like another interesting variant on this - I can’t speak much about it, but perhaps someone participating could chime in and tell us more?
Peter responded on 08 May 2007 at 5:50 pm #
I like the idea of academy identity being sustained with recognizable attire. Perhaps there could be some choice (e.g., colors, styles) among clothing items, but all within a family of design. The best part about having standardized wardrobes on campus is being able to escape the inevitable competition among students for attention-grabbing “fashion.” Such garb is sometimes in questionable taste and often costs a fortune. Better to have students look sharp without worrying about how to afford their collegiate duds.
Megan responded on 09 May 2007 at 11:15 pm #
I agree that a uniform has appeal for many. These graduates will most often be working in fields that require uniforms. A non-militaristic would be the only to go. Most college students willingly wear their school colors regularly and I believe that dedicated students of the Academy will do so as well. A mandatory uniform would stifle the individuality of the students who are not seeking military careers.
Elizabeth responded on 29 Jul 2007 at 5:58 pm #
I believe identity with the group is important not only between participants but to the outside community. If there are characteristics and standards which participants must abide by- than wearing something that is immediately identifiable to the public becomes a symbol of the standard and quality of work which is testimonial to the institution. The clothing should not be ostentatious our unpractical but should reflect the need and atmosphere of the occasion. Of course this also means that those who are identifable as part of the academy should act accordingly lest they bring negative reflection to the group.
David Pauling responded on 18 Oct 2007 at 5:54 pm #
As survivour of two wars and a lifetime of hard work (age79) my greatest pride is in saying I am a “former” Marine… there are no ex-Marines… this kind of pride comes from earning the right to wear the globe and anchor emblem. Yes wear a uniform… blatently and openly… show the country and the world… we are much more than an invader and occupier.
James Lynch responded on 23 Oct 2007 at 5:33 am #
I was a cadet at West Point for a short time and I saw the effects of mandatory uniforms. Uniforms humble the student body because regardless of socio-economic status, uniforms create an environment that does not pre-judge students. Uniforms symbolize a cause greater than oneself and what one would wear otherwise.
Skeets Houglund responded on 12 Mar 2008 at 5:15 pm #
I have spent 20 years in the business world working for Fortune 500 companies, and have also help start several non-profit agencies. I have seen men’s dress requirements go from formal suits and ties to “casual Friday’s” to jeans and clothing of questionable suitability for a professional environment and rebound somewhere short of suit and tie in a gray area known as “business casual”.
I agree that militaristic uniforms may restrict to a degree the nature of the academy as an institution that promotes innovative thought and solutions. However, as has been pointed out, you have to build a sense of cause greater than oneself and remove the outward symbols of socio-economic status and any type of pre-judging associated with allowing people the freedom to dress as they please.
If the tuition is to be paid for by the government, students should expect to be required to wear a uniform, just as they would at a job. A comfortable, yet practical uniform is probably expected to be worn by most people who would apply to the academy.
I have seen public secondary schools implement uniform policies that give students the choice of which uniforms to wear and that leads to a sense of disharmony. On any given day, you would see students with mismatched shirts or pants that while technically adhering to the uniform policy, didn’t create a uniform appearance for the student body on the day in questions. You would have to have everyone in the same uniform at the same time much like the service academies, or you run the risk of people pushing the envelope on uniform requirements.
I think ties for men are a thing of the past. In business, many regions in the country wear ties only for formal occasions. Look at Bill Gates and the leadership of for-profit corporations. Bill is often seen in a crisp button down collar shirt, cashmere v-neck and nice slacks. A tie is uncomfortable and constricts blood flow (or at least it feels like it if you’re sitting in a classroom). Like public schools, the tie is prone to being loosely knotted or all matter of varied ways. Take the tie for men out of the daily uniform requirements and reserve it only for formal occasions.
The other factor with the tie and/or business dress is that in many of the areas the graduates will be serving the public service, the style of business dress can raise barriers between them and the very public they are trying to help. Additionally, slacks and a dress shirt may not be very practical in helping build houses or tend to the sick or elderly. Maybe some form of stylized medical “scrub” or similar unique uniform, short white lab coat, or something similar might work, along with published standards on how they should be worn.
There should also be some thought given to grooming standards. While military haircuts aren’t necessarily suggested or desired, personal grooming is also open to variants in socio-economic class and pre-judging. Right or wrong, people make their first impression when meeting a new person during the first 15 seconds of their encounter. A person with long, matted hair and untrimmed facial hair may overshadow the actual talent of the individual at least in the eyes of those people they may be trying to assist.
Lastly, think of a uniform as trying to establish a “brand” image for the U.S. Public Service Academy. If there were a set of uniforms required at the Academy AND during the 5 years of public service following graduation, this would help stimulate recognition of the Academy.
Many things to think about, but this is probably one of the first questions prospective candidates will ask when considering the academy.
Hans Solo responded on 15 Jun 2008 at 5:28 am #
Are you suggesting that a blazer and decent pair of slacks is ‘militaristic’? Please, if one feels his ability to think creatively is hindered by the clothes he is wearing than I doubt he ever had an original thought to begin with.
Why uniforms then? Unless I missed it on my quick skim through the above arguments, no one has touched on one of the primary reasons the academies wear uniforms. First of all, when you are in uniform, you are identifiable. The world looks at you and says, “he/she’s a Cadet, I expect more from them.”
And you deliver. Putting on the uniform means you cannot hide behind anonymity. The blazer, as silly as it may seem, comes with a lot of expectation and responsibility. And believe me, people behave a lot differently in uniform than out- because they are literally wearing the pride of their beloved institution, and wouldn’t dare behave in such a way as to disgrace it.