First of all, let me start by saying that several of the statements made above are very entertaining and this issue will continue to be debated until the AMS or state agencies take control of the situation. Now, my 2 cents.
As a graduate of Texas A&M's Meteorology undergraduate program, I was disgusted to see the world of weather idiots I would have to work with. It is very difficult knowing that I could be working side by side with a person who wouldn't know the difference between Baroclinic Instability and bright "red" color on a radar screen. But, like the rest of us, I'll bite my tounge knowing I busted my hump for 4.5 years following the rules, while my colleague who took the easy road, pretends to be what he or she's not.
I will admit, that a person can go through a top ranked program such as ours, and come out of it not knowing all that he/she should, because that person has to be passionate and want to learn as much as possible. Furthermore, Meteorology is a young science, and is comprised of Physicists, Mathematicians, Chemists, Computer Scientists, Oceanographers, and others. The meteorologists of yesterday are not the meteorologists of today. So much advancement in teaching, research, and resources has been made during just the past 10 years. That's why continuing education in this field is vital to stay ahead of the game. After spending 4.5 years w/in the program, there is so much more that I wanted to learn, that there's no way in hell anyone could imagine in some 2 year "lets connect the dots" training school.
The only true way to end this debate, is have the state/AMS come up with a fair test for all graduates to take. If you pass it, then you are a "certified meteorologist". If you fail, you are a "weathercaster". I certainly wouldn't want some guy claiming to be a Doctor operating on me because he learned by watching ER, nor someone who claims to be a lawyer represent me because he stays at home watching Matlock re-runs. Do you see my point?
And finally, all of you should ask yourself this: Do you really know what a "gravity wave" is? How about an "undular bore"? Well, what about "convective storm dynamics", or what environment is favorable for producing supercells. What is a supercell? Do you really know the structure of one? What about a mesocyclone-it's more than just green/red on a picture you know. Can you prepare a forecast w/out reading the NWS zones/or forecast discussions?
If you answered "NO" to any of the above questions, then you do not have a full understanding as of today of this science and are not educated to where you should be. If you failed my small list of questions, then you my friend are NOT a METEOROLOGIST, no matter where you graduated from!
Aaron Tuttle
KBTX Meteorologist
Bryan, TX