Dear Midshipmen of the Naval Academy,

I recognize that the title of this letter may come as a shock to you, but as your superintendent it’s important that you hear this from me first:

I’m rooting for Army to beat Navy on December 10th.

You may start to see some stories in the news about my change of heart and newfound support of Army. They’re all true. But let me give you the explanation straight from me because we all know how the media can get the story wrong.

It all began when I had a chance to meet my hero, LTG Robert Caslen, the Superintendent at West Point, the nation’s premier military academy.

A great picture of me with my hero and mentor LTG Caslen, the Superintendent at West Point

If you didn’t already know, I’m kind of a big deal around here. Have you landed a plane on a boat 2,016 times? I have. But when I met LTG Caslen, I knew that I wasn’t the top gun in the room anymore.

I remember that first introduction like it was yesterday…

“Bob, nice to meet you,” I said shyly.

“Ted, you can call me Sir,” replied LTG Caslen.

Instantly, I knew he was a man that deserved my utmost respect. And so does the entire Corps of Cadets at West Point that he commands.

LTG Caslen then said, “Ted, what the hell is that? That jacket has more patches on it than a NASCAR uniform. We’ve got to have a talk about professional appearances around here.”

My old flight jacket. I haven’t worn it since LTG Caslen’s visit.

I sank into my seat. I was silent and embarrassed. Flustered, I was unable to even offer any explanation.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, he saw my picture from when I was a midshipmen.

My photo as a midshipman

“Ted. Let me tell you something. That haircut is more unprofessional than your midshipmen march-ons at the Army Navy game,” said my idol.

I was crushed.

“No excuse, Sir,” I quietly mumbled.

I’ve thought a lot about that meeting I had with LTG Caslen. Even though he doesn’t return my phone calls or answer my texts, I think he wants me to be a better leader. And that means that I expect more from you, the midshipmen of the Naval Academy. And frankly, I’ve been disappointed.

I’ll still be watching the game this year. But from the Army side.

The side with discipline.

If I see any of this nonsense, like buttons on your uniforms, I’ll start to wonder if maybe I should have been an infantryman like my hero.

Typical midshipman at the Army Navy game with a crooked tie and buttons.

Thank you for your time.

Go Army. Beat Navy.

Vice Admiral Ted Carter, Jr.

Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy