Anonymous
06/14/2025 10:59
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote: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.
Not while alcohol Pete and Trump are in power you have to be insane to do this
Anonymous
06/14/2025 10:56
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The jeering, cheering and booing graduates at Trumps West Point speech were shameful.
No kings. Respect is earned. Undermine the office, lose the respect.
Yeah that “undermine the office” thing do you remember Bill Clinton at all, and what he did in the office?
Yes but that was 30 years ago. A different climate. Willy would have no chance of being elected today.
Anonymous
06/14/2025 10:55
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote: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.
MMA gets to travel for a year (2 semesters) and they have no active duty service requirements. You can even be an athlete. You get weekends in NYC if that's your thing. School is FREE.
Best deal in the government.
Anonymous
06/14/2025 10:53
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
USNA grad here. The Coast Guard Academy is sometimes off candidates radar because it’s a smaller D3 school. But the Coast Guard has a much higher retention rate than the other services, you can get command at sea of a smaller vessel as a lieutenant, and they are always on a mission to save lives. Rare to have to endure an extended multi month deployment.
Anonymous
06/14/2025 07:23
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The jeering, cheering and booing graduates at Trumps West Point speech were shameful.
No kings. Respect is earned. Undermine the office, lose the respect.
Yeah that “undermine the office” thing do you remember Bill Clinton at all, and what he did in the office?
Anonymous
06/13/2025 23:24
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Best for "FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence" goals (as stated in the OP post to which I was responding).Anonymous wrote:Np curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?Anonymous wrote:West Point then Annapolis are best bets. At least, they would be if we were still living in the same world that existed between 1945 and the beginning of this year...Anonymous wrote:Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
I’ve heard that USAF has the best overall lifestyle long term, and is the ‘easiest’ academy physically.
As far as merchant marine, I know a grad from there who was a female and the semester at sea is incredible, but yes, there were some issues with men about 10 years ago, not sure if that’s ongoing. She’s now a pilot fwiw.
If foreign service is goal, current Foreign Area Officer is USAF has an excellent promotion rate. This should persist for the next 5-8 years and maybe longer. You do need to do well on the language learning testing (DLAB)- that is for all services. Army has lots of embassy security cooperation assignments, Navy has lots of OCONUS billets.
All overseas service is constrained by EFMP (family health) considerations. I have never met a teen who can imagine that impact, but it is real. Basically if you have a spouse or child with something like asthma- you can’t go OCONUS.
But honestly- if they want an academy- they have to go to the one they love. It’s not just a school with career outplacement. It’s an Alma mater in the real sense of the concept.
For serious health issues it depends on the base, for things like mild asthma it’s fine.
Anonymous
06/13/2025 20:34
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Best for "FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence" goals (as stated in the OP post to which I was responding).Anonymous wrote:Np curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?Anonymous wrote:West Point then Annapolis are best bets. At least, they would be if we were still living in the same world that existed between 1945 and the beginning of this year...Anonymous wrote:Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
I’ve heard that USAF has the best overall lifestyle long term, and is the ‘easiest’ academy physically.
As far as merchant marine, I know a grad from there who was a female and the semester at sea is incredible, but yes, there were some issues with men about 10 years ago, not sure if that’s ongoing. She’s now a pilot fwiw.
If foreign service is goal, current Foreign Area Officer is USAF has an excellent promotion rate. This should persist for the next 5-8 years and maybe longer. You do need to do well on the language learning testing (DLAB)- that is for all services. Army has lots of embassy security cooperation assignments, Navy has lots of OCONUS billets.
All overseas service is constrained by EFMP (family health) considerations. I have never met a teen who can imagine that impact, but it is real. Basically if you have a spouse or child with something like asthma- you can’t go OCONUS.
But honestly- if they want an academy- they have to go to the one they love. It’s not just a school with career outplacement. It’s an Alma mater in the real sense of the concept.
Anonymous
06/13/2025 20:21
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.
West Point for this. USNA second, Air Force a very distant third. I wouldn’t even consider Coast Guard or Merchant Marine
I’m reposting my question.
I’m curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?
Nothing to do with combat, though if the thought of combat is concerning to your kid, they shouldn’t be applying to any of the service academies.
You aren’t going to understand a specific explanation since you don’t seem at all familiar with the military. But the above ranking would be your child’s best bet to receive the best training, skills, and attributes for the career path you posted.
The poster you're addressing didn't post the career path; that was OP. To the poster above, my understanding is that Army and Marines have highest chances of active combat. Some applicants are interested in that aspect, while many aren't -- but all should be aware of the possibility and risk.
Someone above posted a link to the USNA post-,grad assignments, which gives you an idea of where many USNA grads end up. I'm sure USAFA and USMA post something similar.
Pp this is helpful, thank you. I can’t imagine there are not a lot of potential service applicants that don’t consider the combat issue…
Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point can choose service in the NOAA Corps or USCG, neither of which is likely to be in direct combat. MSC civilians often went through MMA first. MSC does not crew combat ships only supply ships.
Anonymous
06/13/2025 19:48
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.
West Point for this. USNA second, Air Force a very distant third. I wouldn’t even consider Coast Guard or Merchant Marine
I’m reposting my question.
I’m curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?
Nothing to do with combat, though if the thought of combat is concerning to your kid, they shouldn’t be applying to any of the service academies.
You aren’t going to understand a specific explanation since you don’t seem at all familiar with the military. But the above ranking would be your child’s best bet to receive the best training, skills, and attributes for the career path you posted.
The poster you're addressing didn't post the career path; that was OP. To the poster above, my understanding is that Army and Marines have highest chances of active combat. Some applicants are interested in that aspect, while many aren't -- but all should be aware of the possibility and risk.
Someone above posted a link to the USNA post-,grad assignments, which gives you an idea of where many USNA grads end up. I'm sure USAFA and USMA post something similar.
Pp this is helpful, thank you. I can’t imagine there are not a lot of potential service applicants that don’t consider the combat issue…
West Point doesn't sugar coat this; there is a mandatory combat class, etc.
Anonymous
06/13/2025 18:08
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.
West Point for this. USNA second, Air Force a very distant third. I wouldn’t even consider Coast Guard or Merchant Marine
I’m reposting my question.
I’m curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?
Nothing to do with combat, though if the thought of combat is concerning to your kid, they shouldn’t be applying to any of the service academies.
You aren’t going to understand a specific explanation since you don’t seem at all familiar with the military. But the above ranking would be your child’s best bet to receive the best training, skills, and attributes for the career path you posted.
The poster you're addressing didn't post the career path; that was OP. To the poster above, my understanding is that Army and Marines have highest chances of active combat. Some applicants are interested in that aspect, while many aren't -- but all should be aware of the possibility and risk.
Someone above posted a link to the USNA post-,grad assignments, which gives you an idea of where many USNA grads end up. I'm sure USAFA and USMA post something similar.
Pp this is helpful, thank you. I can’t imagine there are not a lot of potential service applicants that don’t consider the combat issue…
Anonymous
06/13/2025 18:06
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Best for "FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence" goals (as stated in the OP post to which I was responding).Anonymous wrote:Np curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?Anonymous wrote:West Point then Annapolis are best bets. At least, they would be if we were still living in the same world that existed between 1945 and the beginning of this year...Anonymous wrote:Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
I’ve heard that USAF has the best overall lifestyle long term, and is the ‘easiest’ academy physically.
As far as merchant marine, I know a grad from there who was a female and the semester at sea is incredible, but yes, there were some issues with men about 10 years ago, not sure if that’s ongoing. She’s now a pilot fwiw.
How is Army best for those careers? And what about the combat issue?
Any thoughts on that ?
Anonymous
06/13/2025 17:33
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:The jeering, cheering and booing graduates at Trumps West Point speech were shameful.
No kings. Respect is earned. Undermine the office, lose the respect.
Anonymous
06/13/2025 17:27
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.
West Point for this. USNA second, Air Force a very distant third. I wouldn’t even consider Coast Guard or Merchant Marine
I’m reposting my question.
I’m curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?
Nothing to do with combat, though if the thought of combat is concerning to your kid, they shouldn’t be applying to any of the service academies.
You aren’t going to understand a specific explanation since you don’t seem at all familiar with the military. But the above ranking would be your child’s best bet to receive the best training, skills, and attributes for the career path you posted.
The poster you're addressing didn't post the career path; that was OP. To the poster above, my understanding is that Army and Marines have highest chances of active combat. Some applicants are interested in that aspect, while many aren't -- but all should be aware of the possibility and risk.
Someone above posted a link to the USNA post-,grad assignments, which gives you an idea of where many USNA grads end up. I'm sure USAFA and USMA post something similar.
Anonymous
06/13/2025 16:58
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.
West Point for this. USNA second, Air Force a very distant third. I wouldn’t even consider Coast Guard or Merchant Marine
I’m reposting my question.
I’m curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?
Nothing to do with combat, though if the thought of combat is concerning to your kid, they shouldn’t be applying to any of the service academies.
You aren’t going to understand a specific explanation since you don’t seem at all familiar with the military. But the above ranking would be your child’s best bet to receive the best training, skills, and attributes for the career path you posted.
Anonymous
06/13/2025 16:31
Subject: Comparison of Service Academies
Best for "FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence" goals (as stated in the OP post to which I was responding).Anonymous wrote:Np curious why you and others are saying West Point is ‘best’? In what way? I’ve heard that chance of active combat are highest in army. Is that what you mean by best?Anonymous wrote:West Point then Annapolis are best bets. At least, they would be if we were still living in the same world that existed between 1945 and the beginning of this year...Anonymous wrote:Currently, FBI /CIA /Foreign Service or military intelligence.Anonymous wrote:What does he want to DO?
If he wants to be an F-16 pilot, for example, the choice is obvious.
How does he want to LIVE? Is he even ok with the idea of living on a ship for months at a time?
That said, morale is at an all time low. They’re about to be used for a Banana Republic parade to feed the ego of a guy who wants to be Kim Jong- Un on what should be a day off. At least three people have resigned from the Naval Academy over the politicization of the academy.
I’ve heard that USAF has the best overall lifestyle long term, and is the ‘easiest’ academy physically.
As far as merchant marine, I know a grad from there who was a female and the semester at sea is incredible, but yes, there were some issues with men about 10 years ago, not sure if that’s ongoing. She’s now a pilot fwiw.