Although tradition is an important cornerstone in military institutions, it can sometimes be a roadblock to progress if applied too strictly. A case in point is the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.
The Naval Academy has an illustrious history, having since 1845 educated and trained midshipmen to become officers. As the prowess and stature of the Academy has progressed, it too has had to change. Decisions to enroll women and actively recruit minority students and faculty, curricular expansions, and other major advances have made the school richer. Yet one outworn tradition has not changed, but should.
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