<p>I'm just starting my Annapolis research, and naturally it's raised a few questions. The most pressing of which is what I would become upon graduation from Annapolis. Currently, I'm an E3 in the Marine Corps, and it's hard for me to imagine being in any other service, even though I'm technically part of the Navy at this very moment.
So, is there a choice upon graduation as to whether one becomes a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marines or an Ensign in the Navy? Does prior service have any say? Any information would be appreciated.</p>
<p>LCpl,</p>
<p>I am not sure how much prior service helps, but I am sure it is considered. There have been some prior Marines who have become Ensigns, not all willingly (I can't understand why they would willingly do it!)...some have been in major conduct trouble, which caused them not be accepted (or rejected?) by the USMC community. So by no mean is prior service a guarantee in. </p>
<p>My Marine Major instructor knows a lot of information about sitting on the Marine Service Selection Board, except he doesn't give too much of it away. He did tell me that they are looking for all-around midshipmen...not just ones with 4.0's or high order of merits. Leadership positions are very good. I'm sure participating in the Semper Fi Society looks good too!</p>
<p>To answer your question, you do have a choice in service selection, but nothing is guaranteed.</p>
<p>S/f.</p>
<p>At a recent CVW, the Dir of Admissions told the group that about 90% get their first choice of assignment for "job", i.e. flight school, subs, etc. And she went on to say that the % of USNA grads going USMC has risen (probably because of the Middle East, Korea, etc.) For years it was "capped" @ something like 15.47% (it was some unusual number like and about that) and has been changed to an absolute # of men and women which translates now to about 20% of the grads, I believe.</p>
<p>It's been a long time, but in my day if you wanted to go USMC you had to sign up for a string of evaluations and programs, including Bulldog. You had to pass them all to go USMC.</p>
<p>Now before you panic, let me stress that Bulldog at the time was no different than anything you've already seen as a Marine: PT, ruck marches, etc. If you go in wanting to be a USMC officer, and you get decent (notice I didn't say STELLAR) grades, pass your PT tests, and jump through the appropriate hoops, then on Service Selection Night you will walk up to the table with all your Brother Marines behind it and hand them your name. On Graduation Day, you will take the Oath of a Marine Corps Officer and start the officer training pipeline (Basic School, etc.).</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry too much about it, actually. Being a prior Marine, you have already overcome 95% of the obstacles that a non-Marine Midshipman needs to overcome to earn the EGA. Most of those obstacles are, as I'm sure you already know, mental rather than physical.</p>
<p>Apply, get the appointment, graduate, and rejoin your Brothers as one of their leaders. </p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>P.S. - To be quite honest, if I had to do it all over again, and knowing what I know now, I'd very likely opt for USMC, too. Keep that between you and me, OK? Don't tell anyone. ;)</p>
<p>ryguyrp ...this article just came out and tells a cool story about another lance corporal who is headed to USNA class of 2011....you might enjoy reading it...it doesn't exactly answer your questions, but nevertheless, I bet you'd like to read it.</p>
<p>Thanks PM--I sent this to several of my homeschooling lists.</p>
<p>Bulldog is now called Leatherneck (3 weeks at TBS, then 1 week with a MAGTF). It is NOT a requirement, though it is ENCOURAGED! </p>
<p>Like Zaph says, if you stay out of MAJOR conduct trouble (and I don't mean a few offenses), it shouldn't be hard.</p>
<p>Here's a twist--my son's friend is a plebe this year at USMA (after 2 tours in Iraq)--he is on extended leave from the Marines to attend West Point. Evidently when he graduates he will be commissioned and exchanged back to the Marines---</p>
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Bulldog is now called Leatherneck (3 weeks at TBS, then 1 week with a MAGTF). It is NOT a requirement, though it is ENCOURAGED!
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<p>Thanks for the clarification.</p>
<p>I think any USMC wannabe would be nuts NOT to do it.</p>