<p>This question is generated more for those who have had active duty experience.</p>
<p>If you read my past posts I've told my story -- sad apathetic high school student who decided to change his ways a little late. I read in Smallwood's "Naval Academy Candidate Handbook" that people who go active duty and show leadership can get an appointment easier than civilians because the Academy no longer pays high attention toward their grades and more on their leadership abilities in the fleet. So, here's the question:</p>
<p>Which would be better -- go active and become a leader as an enlisted Navy SEAL for a few years and then apply through my Commanding Officer and probably go to NAPS or struggle through school and HOPE the Academy appoints me?</p>
<p>I don't know about going SEAL then to the academy ...</p>
<p>I actually don't know if that's possible; I know there are certain requirements you have to have before and after becoming a SEAL that might prevent you from going to the USNA. </p>
<p>you could try to go to nuclear power school. That involves math- so I hear- and that could keep you up to par in regards to math. If tyou read he profile of class of 2006 @ Naps, there are a few people from nuclear power school. As well as the profile from USNA, or you could just enlist in the marines, talk about a workout.</p>
<p>there are 16 straight from that school in particular. I know that school well, several recruits from the local NRS are going NUC. You have to be appointed yourself, you cannot ask for the position the CO must appoint you to either OCS, USNA, or NROTC whichever his choice. I fi read correctly I believe it was 62 USN and 14 USMC. I'm just curious as to which would look better, an education from a community college or service and an online education from Navy Knowledge Online.</p>
<p>Well, here's the thing...you're going to be HOPING the academy appoints you either way...nothing is garaunteed even if you go enlisted.</p>
<p>Remember that USNA is a school...yes, it's purpose is to churn out damn fine Naval Officers, but at it's heart, it's a school.</p>
<p>So, IMHO, by enlisting to avoid showing bad grades to the Academy, you're only going to be prolonging the inevitable.</p>
<p>I would tell you to go to a civilian college, and, if you're looking to show your leadership/dedication to service/committment, go ROTC for a year...you can get a nomination from the CO, which is just as good.</p>
<p>I think you'd be far better off staying in school to prepare yourself for the academic rigours of the school instead of working in the fleet.</p>
<p>I don't know a thing about the active duty path to the Academy, but I do know that for students with college experience, its the college grades, especially in math and science, not the high school transcript that counts. One or even two years of stellar performance in college plus a strong NROTC recommendation is a good path to pursue. You may not be eligible for an NROTC scholarship right off the bat, but you can still sign up. If USNA doesn't materialize for you, you will still be on the path to becoming an officer (which I hope is your real goal!)</p>