Comparison of Service Academies

[Anonymous]

Can anyone knowledgeable offer info on the differences in experiences at each? DC is particularly interested in one but I think should be open to others. Plans to apply to more than one but seems convinced that one is ideal. Plans to visit 4 academies and has visited 3 already but only attending one summer program.

From what I can gather, the experiences are similar at each, but students have a year at sea with the Merchant Marine Academy and have more options to fulfill the service requirement upon graduation. I think DC should focus on the service requirement and jobs rather than the school experience itself.

[Anonymous]

West Point is unquestionably the best.

[Anonymous]

You'll get the best info at the Service Academies Forum. I will say that the education is very similar, but the requirements and duty stations post graduation are very different. I am an USNA grad, but my DD felt that USAFA provided a better life post graduation

[Anonymous]

As good a time as any to join the SS, I guess.

[Anonymous]

The jeering, cheering and booing graduates at Trumps West Point speech were shameful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The jeering, cheering and booing graduates at Trumps West Point speech were shameful.

They have no respect for the idiot bone spur. His speech was about him and not about their accomplishments or their future

He should be ashamed and embarrassed. Loser!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The jeering, cheering and booing graduates at Trumps West Point speech were shameful.

They have no respect for the idiot bone spur. His speech was about him and not about their accomplishments or their future

He should be ashamed and embarrassed. Loser!

Agree. I am glad they were taught not just to follow orders but to think critically. He is as far from a Patriot as it gets. The fact that people will be thrown into harm's way at the whim of this pathetic man's ego is horrifying. He pardoned the Jan. 6 losers who attacked police officers. How is that OK? How does that show respect for authority. You can whatabout all you want but there is no defending that. Don't give me "But blah blah blah." Admit that is wrong. Counter arguments of things Biden or someone else did don't justify it.

I would not go to an academy for the next few years and have to serve under him. Which is a shame, as academies have historically been incredible places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The jeering, cheering and booing graduates at Trumps West Point speech were shameful.

They have no respect for the idiot bone spur. His speech was about him and not about their accomplishments or their future

He should be ashamed and embarrassed. Loser!

Agree. I am glad they were taught not just to follow orders but to think critically. He is as far from a Patriot as it gets. The fact that people will be thrown into harm's way at the whim of this pathetic man's ego is horrifying. He pardoned the Jan. 6 losers who attacked police officers. How is that OK? How does that show respect for authority. You can whatabout all you want but there is no defending that. Don't give me "But blah blah blah." Admit that is wrong. Counter arguments of things Biden or someone else did don't justify it.

I would not go to an academy for the next few years and have to serve under him. Which is a shame, as academies have historically been incredible places.

I would choose Air Force or Navy as Army and Marine bases generally aren't nice and less funding for things. Or, Coast Guard, etc. The kids going in next year or the year after will graduate after his term is up.

[Anonymous]

West Point >>> Annapolis >>> Air Force >>> Coast Guard >>> Merchant Marine

[Anonymous]

Ranking on what sense?

Socially I would pick Navy or Air Force

[Anonymous]

OP - the big question is does your kid have a desire to serve? If so the service requirement is 5 years plus additional training depending on what platform they are assigned to. At USNA you rank your assignment choices, but remember the military ultimately decides and places grads where most needed. Not everyone gets their first or even second choice.

Also keep in mind if your DC is female, the merchant marine academy’s year at sea can be risky as years of sexual harassment and abuse have been reported. It’s less so now, as investigations appear to have shed light.

Here is a chart showing assignments for the class of 2025 at Navy, to give you an idea.

https://www.usna.edu/NewsCenter/2024/11/NAVAL_ACADEMY_CLASS_OF_2025_OBTAIN_CAREER_ASSIGNMENTS.php

[Anonymous]

Unless you're willing to be put up against other Americans instead of our foreign enemies, I would really rethink this at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The jeering, cheering and booing graduates at Trumps West Point speech were shameful.

They have no respect for the idiot bone spur. His speech was about him and not about their accomplishments or their future

He should be ashamed and embarrassed. Loser!

Agree. I am glad they were taught not just to follow orders but to think critically. He is as far from a Patriot as it gets. The fact that people will be thrown into harm's way at the whim of this pathetic man's ego is horrifying. He pardoned the Jan. 6 losers who attacked police officers. How is that OK? How does that show respect for authority. You can whatabout all you want but there is no defending that. Don't give me "But blah blah blah." Admit that is wrong. Counter arguments of things Biden or someone else did don't justify it.

I would not go to an academy for the next few years and have to serve under him. Which is a shame, as academies have historically been incredible places.

I would choose Air Force or Navy as Army and Marine bases generally aren't nice and less funding for things. Or, Coast Guard, etc. The kids going in next year or the year after will graduate after his term is up.

About a 1/3 of USNA graduates are officers in the Marine Corp

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you're willing to be put up against other Americans instead of our foreign enemies, I would really rethink this at this point.

Yes, it’s been a bloodbath out there. It’s like you can’t even be a illegal alien murderer any more without some Fed hassling you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless you're willing to be put up against other Americans instead of our foreign enemies, I would really rethink this at this point.

Yes, it’s been a bloodbath out there. It’s like you can’t even be a illegal alien murderer any more without some Fed hassling you.

Perfect. This new style Marine corps can use more like you!