“My Goal Is To Graduate”: Eight Years To A West Point Degree

Barry Bomier was raised in Grand Blanc, Michigan, with an older brother and younger sister. His father worked for GM, and his mother was a seamstress who stayed at home to raise her children. Barry was a Boy Scout, attending the Philmont Camp in 1967 as a crew chief in his troop. At the camp, he interacted with leaders and other counselors, and one wore an Air Force Academy ring, sparking Barry’s interest. He knew he would be drafted, but he wanted options, and began the process of applying to all the service academies, seeking a career in the military. Barry entered West Point in 1969 with the Class of 1973. He struggled with academics, participating in the first STAP (Summer Term Academic Program), but did poorly and was separated in September 1970. He attended the University of Michigan to improve his grades and returned to the Academy in 1973, having applied every year. When he was finally granted readmission, a question arose about how he would reintegrate with his new class (USMA 77) because he was technically an upperclassman. Barry said he wanted to start fresh with ‘77, and completed a second Beast Barracks. He reflects on some of the differences he observed during his two times completing Cadet Basic Training. He performed better academically the second time around, enjoying Sosh and History but struggling in English. He was also able to take electives during his Yearling year. In the Spring of his Cow year, the electrical engineering cheating incident occurred, creating a rift in his Class, and Barry lost his roommate. The Borman Commission later found that Cadets had stronger loyalties to each other than to the system, which caused problems. He commissioned as an Armor Officer and his first assignment was in Germany with A Troop 3rd Squadron 8th Cavalry, the Division Cavalry for the 8th Division. Serving in Cold War Germany felt “really real” to Barry. After returning to the United States, he served in Recruiting Command in Long Beach, California, from 1982 to 1984, before being assigned to the Secretary of the Army in media relations as an Army spokesman from 1986 to 1990. Later, he worked for Soldier Magazine, and in 1991 he was assigned to the JIB (Joint Information Bureau) of CENTCOM. Next, he worked as a Public Affairs Officer for Tank and Automotive Command. In 1992, he transitioned to the Army Reserve, taking a job as Director of Public Relations for General Motors and later working in media relations. Eventually, he took a job with Michelin, supplying tires to the Army. Reflecting on his service, he notes that even out of the Army he continues to serve Soldiers, calling it service beyond the uniform. He ends the interview reflecting on West Point, calling it the “biggest impact in my life.” At the end of his interview, he describes an important relationship he formed with SGM Mike Biskup, an NCO at West Point who taught him what an NCO does.