There are some apparently serious problems going on at the US Naval Academy; I’ll be addressing those over time. However, last month, when the Class of 09 graduated commissioned officers in attendance were prohibited from wearing their uniform swords. The reason for this change is that President Obama was their graduation speaker. This is the first time in history that any cadets, midshipmen, or officers were prohibited from wearing ceremonial (dress) swords because of the presence of a president. The sword is an earned symbol of rank whose history predates the US military. It’s been almost a month and there hasn’t been any explanation. As a cadet at West Point I wore my cadet sabre at graduation. Something is very, very goofy here.
