The USAFA basic soaring program exisits to expose up to ~1000 (per year) future Air Force officers with the experience of having piloted an actual aircraft, even though the majority of which will serve in non-flying careers. The training goal used to state "...training required...to solo a glider".

Here's the reality:

23,000 tows x 7 days/week x 280 good days/year = 82 sorties/operating day..
A semester long (5 month) program attended in between academic classes = student availability for maybe 2 hours each day + ½ day each weekend. Weather permitting on an airfield sitting at the base of a mountain range.

Program safety and efficiency IAW the mission of the United States Air Force Academy in support of the United States Air Force.
Not a means towards civilian licensure.
Not the infusion of life-long soaring aficionados.
(Though the latter are worthy causes.)

My opinion, having personally experienced all aspects to the specific matter: USAFA basic glider training culminating in a solo flight--yes, even if a sled ride in calm conditions if flying sleds equates to more, safe sorties--better achieves that program's intent plus would provide the kind of experience one remembers for a lifetime; more so than receiving minimal training in a glass slipper. This is why I was shocked to hear the USAFA solo rate could conceivably be *doubled*!