West Point or Air Force or Navy academies? Anyone with experiences to share?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are reducing the number of ROTC scholarships(Army and Air Force). Also ROTC is consolidating or eliminating programs at schools with smaller or under enrollment programs. What I have heard is they are looking to concentrate in southern schools, schools with a large corps and anti DEI(ie no minorities).

The military academies will be under the same anti DEI push. So if you are a minority think very hard about either option.

If you go ROTC make sure the college/university you select will continue to have a program. This may only apply to the Army but ask!

Yes, we’d definitely focus in on the programs longevity once he starts to narrow things down. Right now the sports recruiting piece is a big focus for him, so that’s taking attention right now. He’s not a minority but it’s sad to hear that if he were, he should reconsider it. My hope is that this admin is out fairly quickly. Either way, he’s not basing his decision on current politics.

Just a reminder that even with coach recruiting he still has to get in. Unless he is a standout star for football and limited Navy lacrosse, he will still need to meet all requirements and get an appointment. There are very limited options for the coaches to work outside of that system at the academies. It really is the appointment that we found the hardest. I am not sure of your locatin but if in the DMV lots of kids try for Navy due to location, then West Point and then AF. They all lead to very different places with most kids entering knowing exactly where they want to be and what they hope to do after. Mine is Army and wouldn't consider one of the other branches.

Op here. How is your dc liking Army? Are they at west point or ROTC? What’s their experience been like?

Yes, I understand about the requirements. The reality is that the path is a little different/smoother for recruits though, and not just for lacrosse or football as you mentioned. Yes, he will still need to apply of course and meet the qualifications. He’s been talking to coaches for awhile now.

Re the bold. That’s not accurate ime. Very few 17 yo know ‘exactly’ what they want to do.

[Anonymous]

Mom of current USAFA Firstie and a Sophomore on a full 5-yr Army Reserve scholarship at Texas A&M; both engineering majors.

With one at an academy and one at a traditional university; I would say the ROTC route offers more opportunities as a student and perhaps the service academy route offers a bit more of a network career wise, though that may not be the case for graduates of VMI, Va Tech, Citadel, Texas A&M etc as they also produce many officers every year.

DH spent 20 years as a Naval Pilot and he did not graduate from Annapolis and has had a great military career and retirement career. It worked out for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He should apply for Summer Seminar at the Academies if he is serious about attending. It’s a week long program where they run you around to give you exposure to the different aspects of the school (physical, academic, mental, etc.). They are also evaluating you as a candidate during that week. He should also read everything he can on how to qualify and then reach out to the local admissions officer. For Navy, it’s called a Blue and Gold Officer (BGO). Not sure what the others call them.

The Academies are a hard place to be, but a great place to be from. Or, as they say, a $1 million education shoved up your a$$ one nickel at a time.

Physical fitness, strong academics, integrity, and a lot of grit and determination are definitely needed to be successful.

Thanks, you make good points. He’s been to West Point already for sports related things (and yes they did seem to evaluate him and that’s what started the recruiting angle) and he is doing two summer seminars (USAF and WP) this summer. He didn’t apply to the USNA session which I’m worried was a mistake. For some reason, he’s negative on USNA but I don’t think he is basing it on much. He’s been invited to a summer sports week at USNA so I might see if he’s open to doing it just so he has a chance to see Annapolis.

I wouldn’t recommend this path to my other dc or most kids tbh. But this dc is not a typical teen (or at least typical of most that I know) and is extremely focused and driven (particularly physically but also academically) and I do feel like it would be an amazing challenge for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mom of current USAFA Firstie and a Sophomore on a full 5-yr Army Reserve scholarship at Texas A&M; both engineering majors.

With one at an academy and one at a traditional university; I would say the ROTC route offers more opportunities as a student and perhaps the service academy route offers a bit more of a network career wise, though that may not be the case for graduates of VMI, Va Tech, Citadel, Texas A&M etc as they also produce many officers every year.

DH spent 20 years as a Naval Pilot and he did not graduate from Annapolis and has had a great military career and retirement career. It worked out for us.

Congrats! You must be proud! This is great info. I know it’s early, but do your dc know their desired career paths yet? Are they happy with their choices so far?

Did you and your family move around a lot with your dhs career? My niece and her newish dh are Navy pilots. They’re very happy so far. They were in Japan together for a few years but are now back in the US.

[Anonymous]

Actually most 17/18 yo headed into the academies know what they want to do and the academy is their first step.

Mine knows she wants Army and that getting one of her top picks after commissioning is most likely out of WP or SMC. She also knows she wants active duty which is a guarantee with some programs. I am sure there are kids who have no idea but we just haven't met them since the process starts early for these kids. For example cyber is really competitive. The kids have to know they want that from day 1 or it won't happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Actually most 17/18 yo headed into the academies know what they want to do and the academy is their first step.

Mine knows she wants Army and that getting one of her top picks after commissioning is most likely out of WP or SMC. She also knows she wants active duty which is a guarantee with some programs. I am sure there are kids who have no idea but we just haven't met them since the process starts early for these kids. For example cyber is really competitive. The kids have to know they want that from day 1 or it won't happen.

Smh. Again, this is just not accurate. And it seems your dd isn’t even at WP so why are you answering as if you know what all academy applicants are like and what all of these academies are like? I’m the one with the niece, among others I know (including someone from Navy who is now a CISO) who is a Navy pilot and she actually started off at another academy.

Stop being such an alarmist. Sure, these kids tend to be focused and disciplined but not every single kid knows exactly exactly what they want to do on day one. And even if they thought they did, it’s not guaranteed.

[Anonymous]

As I said early on my DD isn't at WP. She is admitted and still deciding. Both DH and I are military - one academy grad and one SMC grad, though that was decades ago. And I said not every kid knows exactly but we haven't met those kids. There is less flexibility in an academy path and most 17 year olds that choose it know that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mom of current USAFA Firstie and a Sophomore on a full 5-yr Army Reserve scholarship at Texas A&M; both engineering majors.

With one at an academy and one at a traditional university; I would say the ROTC route offers more opportunities as a student and perhaps the service academy route offers a bit more of a network career wise, though that may not be the case for graduates of VMI, Va Tech, Citadel, Texas A&M etc as they also produce many officers every year.

DH spent 20 years as a Naval Pilot and he did not graduate from Annapolis and has had a great military career and retirement career. It worked out for us.

Congrats! You must be proud! This is great info. I know it’s early, but do your dc know their desired career paths yet? Are they happy with their choices so far?

Did you and your family move around a lot with your dhs career? My niece and her newish dh are Navy pilots. They’re very happy so far. They were in Japan together for a few years but are now back in the US.

My Firstie is graduating and commissioning into the Space Force at the end of May. We are so thrilled and proud! She will go into training for a year before getting her job. Job drops for cadets that picked up Air Force were announced this fall; Space Force does it differently as they will receive their jobs after about a year of training.

Our Army cadet has monthly drill as a part of his contract and is drilling at a helicopter unit and naturally wants to fly helicopters now. We’ll see.

It’s not for everyone, though I am so proud that our kids have chosen to serve and are part of a shrinking number of young people who are physically, mentally, and academically qualified to do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As I said early on my DD isn't at WP. She is admitted and still deciding. Both DH and I are military - one academy grad and one SMC grad, though that was decades ago. And I said not every kid knows exactly but we haven't met those kids. There is less flexibility in an academy path and most 17 year olds that choose it know that.

Ohhh right. Both you and your dh are military but somehow you forgot to mention it above. Got it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mom of current USAFA Firstie and a Sophomore on a full 5-yr Army Reserve scholarship at Texas A&M; both engineering majors.

With one at an academy and one at a traditional university; I would say the ROTC route offers more opportunities as a student and perhaps the service academy route offers a bit more of a network career wise, though that may not be the case for graduates of VMI, Va Tech, Citadel, Texas A&M etc as they also produce many officers every year.

DH spent 20 years as a Naval Pilot and he did not graduate from Annapolis and has had a great military career and retirement career. It worked out for us.

Congrats! You must be proud! This is great info. I know it’s early, but do your dc know their desired career paths yet? Are they happy with their choices so far?

Did you and your family move around a lot with your dhs career? My niece and her newish dh are Navy pilots. They’re very happy so far. They were in Japan together for a few years but are now back in the US.

My Firstie is graduating and commissioning into the Space Force at the end of May. We are so thrilled and proud! She will go into training for a year before getting her job. Job drops for cadets that picked up Air Force were announced this fall; Space Force does it differently as they will receive their jobs after about a year of training.

Our Army cadet has monthly drill as a part of his contract and is drilling at a helicopter unit and naturally wants to fly helicopters now. We’ll see.

It’s not for everyone, though I am so proud that our kids have chosen to serve and are part of a shrinking number of young people who are physically, mentally, and academically qualified to do so.

We stayed East Coast for most of my husband’s career, Norfolk and Pax River mostly. Then rounded out the last couple of tours in gorgeous Monterey, CA at NPS, can’t complain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I chose an Army ROTC scholarship at an Ivy over my admission to West Point. I did not enjoy my shadow visit to USMA and decided I wanted a more "normal" college life. I was also not convinced that a 20-year military career was for me and thought the Ivy degree would give me more options plus at least a chance to avoid an active duty commitment if that was the direction I wanted to go (which it ultimately did as I spent my 15-year Army career entirely in the reserves with the exception of necessary active duty training and a single 6-month active duty mobilization). Two of my ROTC contemporaries at the Ivy ultimately made 4 star general -- so there is no limit on potential military advancement as a ROTC grad.

I thought the ROTC scholarships required the same active duty service payback as the service academies? No??? If not, that's a huge distinction...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not do it with the current commander in chief. But if you want to, sure. It's a lifestyle. If one is okay with a command and control approach, go for it.

My parent wanted me to attend one of these. It was not for me but it's great for those who are okay with the approach.

When we visited USNA, they tried to persuade my kid to apply by saying there was no longer "hand to hand combat." That, honestly, was a turn off.

IME, WP does not sugarcoat the infantry and combat aspect. Everyone is required to take boxing and combat skills, which includes hand to hand combat.

Being an athlete at an academy would not be easy bc of everything else the cadets have to do. Also, no transfer portal or NIL money, if your kid is that good.

I wonder if being a college athlete and having
an ROTC scholarship is possible. Would you have time to do both?

[Anonymous]

My kid received both the nomination to West Point and a four year ROTC scholarship. Ultimately, he chose the ROTC scholarship. For him, he wanted both worlds - the college experience and the military so it worked for him. The four year scholarship is also a pretty good hook for the more selective schools. MIT, Princeton, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Notre Dame all have very active ROTC cadres and they need smart students to fill those spaces. My kid attends one of the schools above and I'm pretty sure the ROTC scholarship helped. Something to consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid received both the nomination to West Point and a four year ROTC scholarship. Ultimately, he chose the ROTC scholarship. For him, he wanted both worlds - the college experience and the military so it worked for him. The four year scholarship is also a pretty good hook for the more selective schools. MIT, Princeton, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Notre Dame all have very active ROTC cadres and they need smart students to fill those spaces. My kid attends one of the schools above and I'm pretty sure the ROTC scholarship helped. Something to consider.

Does the ROTC scholarship come with a 5-year active duty service requirement? Is it possible to do a college sport and fulfill the ROTC scholarship requirements?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid received both the nomination to West Point and a four year ROTC scholarship. Ultimately, he chose the ROTC scholarship. For him, he wanted both worlds - the college experience and the military so it worked for him. The four year scholarship is also a pretty good hook for the more selective schools. MIT, Princeton, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Notre Dame all have very active ROTC cadres and they need smart students to fill those spaces. My kid attends one of the schools above and I'm pretty sure the ROTC scholarship helped. Something to consider.

Does the ROTC scholarship come with a 5-year active duty service requirement? Is it possible to do a college sport and fulfill the ROTC scholarship requirements?

Army is 4 if you go Active. I think Navy and AF are 5. Honestly, I think it would be impossible to do D1 varsity and ROTC. But perhaps accommodations are made with recruited athletes.