LTJG Andre Jones-Butler graduated from the Academy, and immediately left for flight school at Pensacola, Florida. He is currently at Air Station Sacramento, flying the C-27J Spartan, the Coast Guard’s newest multi-mission fixed wing aircraft.

On his Government studies at the Academy

“I enjoyed the diversity of experience within the Government major. In one class, you’re in an intense Socratic-style discussion about the death penalty. The next period, you’re charting the development of Voltaire’s enlightenment thinking. An hour later, you’re presenting a peer-reviewed thesis on how tribalism hampers geopolitical development in Africa. The examples go on and on!”

On the personal attention he received

“The small class sizes allow each student to develop an individual relationship with their professors. By the end of your first semester into your major, your professors will know your name, your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and have a plan in place to help you grow within the major.”

On developing strong writing skills

“Writing is a key and underemphasized aspect of ensuring your success in the fleet. The Government major taught me how to succinctly, convincingly and eloquently convey an idea, which has yielded exponential benefits in everything from official correspondence to drumming up support for my ideas through emails.”

On his growth within the major

“The Government major provides such a diverse and broad spectrum experience. The motley crew of philosophers, historians, political analysts, poets, linguists, novelists and policy experts has been immeasurably important to my development as an officer and, more importantly, my development as a productive and thoughtful citizen of this great country.”