Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:West Point is unquestionably the best.

Just by ranking, USNA is the best, then West Point, then Air Force.

Yes, but shouldn't necesarily pick one based on name/ranking alone versus what you do in the 5+ years after graduating and what majors are available.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone relate to being concerned about the service academy their DC chose? Compared to the choice of where to go to college, it's a heavier choice because of the time/service commitment after graduation. Had multiple options but seems like may have focused on the four years or the name rather than opportunities for the service requirement.

Can relate, but from the rotc side. Had both army and navy, but to different schools. Chose the preferred service (with lower career options) at the lower ranked school. But really, they’re probably only going to do 5 years active duty and then start a civilian career.

Yes, the 5 years seems like a long time at that age, though, because you're then looking at late 20s. Then, they don't know going in what they'll necessarily be doing in those 5 years, and whether it sets them up for the civilian career they want. On the other hand, it will involve leadership.

\

In the era of AI, I think having a ready-made entry level officer job will be invaluable. Entry level positions are rapidly disappearing in the private sector.

Anonymous wrote:I will pick Air Force personally. After service, pilots have millions of chances in high payment job market.

It's a tough career. You are away from family for days and days at a time.

I will pick Air Force personally. After service, pilots have millions of chances in high payment job market.

Anonymous wrote:West Point is unquestionably the best.

Just by ranking, USNA is the best, then West Point, then Air Force.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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

They don't call it the ChAir Force for nothing. Airstrip first, golf course second.

Laugh. USAF vets will say you got it backwards. AF always built the housing, BX, tennis courts, and golf course first. They knew they could always go back to Congress to get more money for runways and hangars.

Excellent schools. Your child needs to be prepared to fight and sacrifice life and limb, though. I am not saying it's not worth it, but just because you think they will have a computer job in Arizone doesn't mean that is how it will turn out.

Take a look at the companies that recruit service academy grads after they complete their service commitment. SACC holds multiple job fairs every year: https://sacc-jobfair.com/candidate

Anonymous wrote: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

They don't call it the ChAir Force for nothing. Airstrip first, golf course second.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone relate to being concerned about the service academy their DC chose? Compared to the choice of where to go to college, it's a heavier choice because of the time/service commitment after graduation. Had multiple options but seems like may have focused on the four years or the name rather than opportunities for the service requirement.

Can relate, but from the rotc side. Had both army and navy, but to different schools. Chose the preferred service (with lower career options) at the lower ranked school. But really, they’re probably only going to do 5 years active duty and then start a civilian career.

Yes, the 5 years seems like a long time at that age, though, because you're then looking at late 20s. Then, they don't know going in what they'll necessarily be doing in those 5 years, and whether it sets them up for the civilian career they want. On the other hand, it will involve leadership.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone relate to being concerned about the service academy their DC chose? Compared to the choice of where to go to college, it's a heavier choice because of the time/service commitment after graduation. Had multiple options but seems like may have focused on the four years or the name rather than opportunities for the service requirement.

Can relate, but from the rotc side. Had both army and navy, but to different schools. Chose the preferred service (with lower career options) at the lower ranked school. But really, they’re probably only going to do 5 years active duty and then start a civilian career.

Anyone relate to being concerned about the service academy their DC chose? Compared to the choice of where to go to college, it's a heavier choice because of the time/service commitment after graduation. Had multiple options but seems like may have focused on the four years or the name rather than opportunities for the service requirement.

Hi, OP, USMA Class of 2025 parent. My child also got accepted to USAFA but didn't apply to USNA (no interest in sea services).

Please go to serviceacademyforums.com for great advice and experience. As you see from your thread, you will get many responses from posters with no military experience. I can't stand our current administration, but I am wise enough to know that administrations will come and go - and the military institution will survive them all. Always has.

Agree with the helpful prior posters who point out that the post-academy service is really the most important factor. Service cultures, career opportunities, and locations of installations are definitely different.

Good luck to your child! My STEM focused child thrived at USMA and graduation (yes, Trump speech was awful, but prior posters are confusing with the Fort Bragg speech - cadets at USMA and families sat quietly, unlike the Soldiers pictured at Fort Bragg) was a celebration of kids willing to serve. Not everyone's cup of tea - but the academies offer a unique opportunity.

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?

Remind me how he tried to transform our professional military into his personal thug force? I was around and aware in the 90’s, but somehow that bit must have slipped by me.