The US Air Force Academy is hosting its annual National Character and Leadership Symposium this week with the theme “Character overcoming Conflict: Individual Stories, Global Impact.”  One of the invited speakers is Mike Farrell, most famous for his role as BJ Hunnicutt in MASH. He’s also been an advocate for other causes, including opposition to the death penalty and a board member of the Cult Awareness Network. What Farrell is less known for is his advocacy for Michael “Mikey” Weinstein’s MRFF, as a member of his “advisory board.”

It is unclear if the MRFF will be part of Farrell’s address at the NCLS, though it is fair to say Farrell has been discreet about his involvement with Weinstein’s outfit.

USAFA’s NCLS is an academic forum that has hosted a wide variety of speakers over the years — including Weinstein himself. This year is no different, and Farrell is hardly the only notable speaker.

Also at this year’s NCLS is Scott Hines, a 1992 USAFA graduate, California councilman, and homosexual who notably took to the media to excoriate USAFA for having Dr. Mike Rosebush on its staff, calling it “horrifying.”

Stephen Rossetti, a 1973 USAFA graduate, looks to present what could be a fascinating discussion on “unethical, unprofessional and destructive behaviors,” including the Bathsheba syndrome — something discussed here before and potentially very relevant to current events.

Former Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz — friend and foe of Michael Weinstein — and Liberty Institute president Kelly Shackelford are also invited.

Given Farrell’s many causes, its uncertain he will even speak on ‘military religious freedom.’ (His résumé on that topic is weak, so he may avoid it altogether.)  Regardless, military cadets are perfectly capable — perhaps uniquely capable — of discernment when it comes to hearing from such speakers.

As has been noted before, military academy cadets are officers in training — and they’re not stupid. Not every person they hear from will come from an ideological viewpoint with which they agree — or even one that’s necessarily right. But the NCLS provides an excellent opportunity for exposure to different ideas and the challenge to deal with those ideas, whether they agree with them or not.

And that is something from which every future military officer could benefit.

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