National Service/Military Academies?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A very close friend of mine attended USNA. He is dead now -- he was killed in service in 2013. This is a VERY REAL possibility with military service, and one that should be considered seriously by anyone who applies to these schools. You literally owe them your life for at least 4-6 years after graduation, and you can die. I think a lot of teens assume it will never happen to them, but of the two boys I was close to growing up who attended the service academies (my USNA friend and another who attended USAFA), both were dead by 35, killed in service of their country. They were among the best of the best. It can happen to anyone.

As for the experience, the first year was absolutely brutal, and is that way at every service academy. It's how they weed out the weak. After that, it gradually gets physically less tough but academically more intense. You can major in almost anything as long as it's useful to the military. Engineering, law, history, international studies, political science, languages, etc. are all useful. The arts and more niche interests like women's studies, not so much. Your lifestyle is very restricted and regimented as a cadet ... you're rarely allowed to leave campus, often must wear a uniform even off-duty, and sleeping in is not a thing that will happen for you. Also, curfew is serious business. If you're the kind of person who likes to make your own schedule, the military is not for you.

As far as the physicality of it all, PP is right -- kids need to be in perfect health to do this. Not only can health problems disqualify you from the military, they can kill you if you're unaware of them. It's not unheard of for a kid who seemed fine all his life to drop dead or unconscious due to the physical stress of PT when they start at an Academy. Make sure you get a thorough physical examination by an excellent physician.

I think the Academies are a wonderful national resource, building up fine young officers. But there are a lot of risks, risks that should be taken very seriously. The military can be a rewarding career choice, and graduating with money in the bank instead of crippling debt is a great thing. But it may cost you your life someday. It really might.

It may also cost you your soul? On my way to dropping my son off at his college after the holiday break, we stopped off to visit my son's very good friend at West Point. He's a freshman or Plebe as they call them. In High School, this kid was always smiling, was often referred to as the "mayor" for befriending and charming everyone, whether student, teacher, parent, and had this enormous optimism about the world. The version of this young man we met for lunch in Highland Falls in no way resembled that. He was unsmiling, very measured and curt in his responses to questions, sneering about world events, and uncomfortably formal (referring me to ma'am, and I've known him since he was in diapers), and without humor. Maybe this is what the Army wants in their warriors? Not sure I'd want that for a son, though. I also wonder whether the world has lost in that the previous version of this young man was certainly someone who would have made a difference in this world.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps it is not the right place for this young man. My brother is a USNA grad. All of his friends seemed pretty happy. My cousin’s son is a 3rd year at USMA, know 2 other neighborhood kids- both 3rd year- USMA and USNA. They all act the same way they did when they started. Maybe he’ll be back to himself in the summer? Maybe, it’s not the right place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I also wonder whether the world has lost in that the previous version of this young man was certainly someone who would have made a difference in this world.

uh. He is making a difference in the world. You are sleeping at night without missiles over your head or fear of being sliced at the throat on your way to the post office. This kid chose SERVICE BEFORE SELF. That is a huge difference and honorable.

[Anonymous]

My SIL graduated from the AF Academy and she loved it. Played soccer for them and is currently serving. Loved her time in Colorado Springs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parents of anyone with a son or daughter who has gained admission to any one of our national service academies, my rising high school sophomore son says he might be interested in looking at West Point or Annapolis. I'm trying to provide him with some guidance, but I have no idea where to even begin. Questions include how does the application process differ from the regular college application process, how difficult was it to get into, what are they looking for, is is true I need our state senator to nominate them? We woud greatly appreciate anyone who can help answer these questions, and otherwise point us in the right direction.

I'm not reading the whole thread, but, I would ask my kid what career goals they are interested in. Service academies are great if you want to be a lifer in that particular branch of the military. Otherwise, I'd go ROTC. If you aren't a military family, I'd find some folks for your kid to talk to as they exploring what branch and specialty they are interested in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents of anyone with a son or daughter who has gained admission to any one of our national service academies, my rising high school sophomore son says he might be interested in looking at West Point or Annapolis. I'm trying to provide him with some guidance, but I have no idea where to even begin. Questions include how does the application process differ from the regular college application process, how difficult was it to get into, what are they looking for, is is true I need our state senator to nominate them? We woud greatly appreciate anyone who can help answer these questions, and otherwise point us in the right direction.

I'm not reading the whole thread, but, I would ask my kid what career goals they are interested in. Service academies are great if you want to be a lifer in that particular branch of the military. Otherwise, I'd go ROTC. If you aren't a military family, I'd find some folks for your kid to talk to as they exploring what branch and specialty they are interested in.

If you go ROTC b/c of wanting to experience the "college experience," absolutely makes sense. But if you choose ROTC b/c you know you're not going to be lifer and somehow think that expands your opportunities after you serve, that's flat out wrong. Coming from a Service Academy is a golden ticket to the private and public sectors post service.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Very few make it a career. Out of my class of close to 1000 from USNA, about 1/8 stayed for a full 20 years. A large group gets out after their initial commitment.

Most get out at year 8-10 in the USAF. It’s not easy on family life so you see many break off at the halfway point.

Agree, especially if it's a dual military couple. I'm a woman USAF officer, did not go to the Academy but have lots of friends who did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents of anyone with a son or daughter who has gained admission to any one of our national service academies, my rising high school sophomore son says he might be interested in looking at West Point or Annapolis. I'm trying to provide him with some guidance, but I have no idea where to even begin. Questions include how does the application process differ from the regular college application process, how difficult was it to get into, what are they looking for, is is true I need our state senator to nominate them? We woud greatly appreciate anyone who can help answer these questions, and otherwise point us in the right direction.

I'm not reading the whole thread, but, I would ask my kid what career goals they are interested in. Service academies are great if you want to be a lifer in that particular branch of the military. Otherwise, I'd go ROTC. If you aren't a military family, I'd find some folks for your kid to talk to as they exploring what branch and specialty they are interested in.

If you go ROTC b/c of wanting to experience the "college experience," absolutely makes sense. But if you choose ROTC b/c you know you're not going to be lifer and somehow think that expands your opportunities after you serve, that's flat out wrong. Coming from a Service Academy is a golden ticket to the private and public sectors post service.

That's correct. For all the "prestige" talk on these boards, when I'm making hiring decisions the only undergrad alma maters that give applicants a "bump" are West Point, Annapolis, MIT, and Caltech. That's it. That's the list. ROTC doesn't add anything to the post-college service already on the resume.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents of anyone with a son or daughter who has gained admission to any one of our national service academies, my rising high school sophomore son says he might be interested in looking at West Point or Annapolis. I'm trying to provide him with some guidance, but I have no idea where to even begin. Questions include how does the application process differ from the regular college application process, how difficult was it to get into, what are they looking for, is is true I need our state senator to nominate them? We woud greatly appreciate anyone who can help answer these questions, and otherwise point us in the right direction.

I'm not reading the whole thread, but, I would ask my kid what career goals they are interested in. Service academies are great if you want to be a lifer in that particular branch of the military. Otherwise, I'd go ROTC. If you aren't a military family, I'd find some folks for your kid to talk to as they exploring what branch and specialty they are interested in.

You honestly have no clue what you are talking about. West Point and Navy grads re in huge demand. If you look at any MBA classes for the big schools you will always see at least 1 or 2 grads because these schools know what kind of leadership a military officer has that is what corporate America wants.

[Anonymous]

For those grads who leave after their 5-year commitment, many work for a DoD contractor. They make really good money.

[Anonymous]

My husband (I am now a widow) was a grad of the Merchant Marine Academy. Although he disliked all the discipline stuff, he was proud of the fabulous A-1 education he received at 0 expense to his working class family. He was nominated for both West Point and the MMA. He chose King's Point as it offered so many international options. He went on to work for DoD for 30 years. Our daughter traveled internationally her entire childhood. We had a great life, considering our humble origins. Thank goodness my husband was a math genius! (I, a lowly French teacher!) He had tutored many classmates and they thanked him for that at his funeral a few years ago. Lifelong friends, if you attend an Academy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents of anyone with a son or daughter who has gained admission to any one of our national service academies, my rising high school sophomore son says he might be interested in looking at West Point or Annapolis. I'm trying to provide him with some guidance, but I have no idea where to even begin. Questions include how does the application process differ from the regular college application process, how difficult was it to get into, what are they looking for, is is true I need our state senator to nominate them? We woud greatly appreciate anyone who can help answer these questions, and otherwise point us in the right direction.

I'm not reading the whole thread, but, I would ask my kid what career goals they are interested in. Service academies are great if you want to be a lifer in that particular branch of the military. Otherwise, I'd go ROTC. If you aren't a military family, I'd find some folks for your kid to talk to as they exploring what branch and specialty they are interested in.

You honestly have no clue what you are talking about. West Point and Navy grads re in huge demand. If you look at any MBA classes for the big schools you will always see at least 1 or 2 grads because these schools know what kind of leadership a military officer has that is what corporate America wants.

.

I’m not the PP but the person is suggesting ROTC so they can experience life in a college setting and still have some freedom. Also, they all get the same leadership training IF they get selected for leadership schools way into their 8-10th years.

There’s a lot of misinformation on this thread. I’d recommend you talk to an officer IN the military and find a mentor for your child to help you navigate the process. Maybe ask around to meet a Lt Colonel and above that can give you the proper advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In this political climate, who in their right mind would pursue a military career?

The exact same kinds of people join every year (regardless of the current political leadership or political climate).

+1000

Kids who want to make a difference, even make history (the saying goes that the history classes at West Point teach history made by its graduates). Kids who want to challenge themselves physically, academically and emotionally. Kids who are patriots, understanding our system has its flaws but is still worth dying for.

It’s one thing to be gung ho when fighting third world opponents. Russia and China will be the next hot spots for service academy graduates. Applications for 2026 were down considerably.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People assume it’s easy to join the military or an academy. It isn’t. The Academies are selective and only one way to join the military as an officer. The other option is to go to a 4 year college and do ROTC. Or join After you graduate and apply for Officer Training School /Officer Candidate School depending on which branch. There are a few ways to do it.
There are also prep academies if your child can’t get in with their grades right off the bat that will take you into a service academy.

Don’t forget about schools like the Citadel and VMI. There are plenty of options and your commitments vary based on your job entering the service.

Virginia Tech has a fantastic ROTC program

[Anonymous]

My nephew just recently left the Air Force academy after his second year and transferred to a state public university.  It took him two years to realize that the academy was not for him, and he left.  You are allowed to leave the Air Force academy after two years without being on the hook to pay back anything.  Not sure about other service academies.  Btw, according to him, he saw a lot of "average" academic candidates at the Air Force academy, but then again, there is more to a successful Air Force cadet than just "good" grade.