<p>I’m a junior in high school, and I’m really interested in both the Naval Academy and the AFA…I plan to go into either math or engineering…</p>
<p>I was told by my uncle, an Annapolis alum (of a long time ago…'68), that since I don’t plan to be a pilot, I should lean towards applying at the naval academy.
What do you think?</p>
<p>Apply to both Navy and Air Force. Keep your options open. :)</p>
<p>better pilots come from the navy. i mean, who else lands a jet on a moving boat.</p>
<p>Apply to both. Also, apply to the ROTC programs. Make sure you apply for NASS and the Air Force's equivelant. I believe they start accepting applications for that in February. Check the web sites just to make sure. </p>
<p>Have you gone to the academy nights hosted by your congressman? They have reps from all of the academies with a plethora of information. </p>
<p>Visit the schools, if you can. Both have excellent degree programs (but so do some of the civilian schools that have ROTC). </p>
<p>Yes, navy pilots can one-up the "chair force" in landing on carriers. However, my husband was pretty good in his day (USAF pilot).</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>"better pilots come from the navy. i mean, who else lands a jet on a moving boat."</p>
<p>better pilots come from the air force, i mean, who else spends all their time learning arial combat versus landing on a moving boat. ;)</p>
<p>JK.apply to both, make the decision after you've visited both, learned about career options at both and where you ultimately get accepted. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Consider as well, do you want to be on a boat for months at a time or would you rather have a semi-permanent base? If you go navy, chances are you will be at sea for long stretches. If you want a family, that could be difficult, at least more so than always being around if you were at an AF base.</p>
<p>missmuff, who said you have to be a pilot? </p>
<p>Take a look at the Coast Guard's web sight. They have very respectible math and engineering programs. You still must meet tough admissions requirements as the other Academies, but you do not need to obtain a nomination for an Appointment.</p>
<p>Definitely consider all three...and add USMMA in there too. My dd's list switched around after the summer seminars. She only went to Navy's on sort of a whim and is a plebe there now...</p>
<p>When you get into service you will find out that something like choosing between the Navy and the Air Force has much MUCH bigger implications than you thought it did in high school. It seems like a simple decision now, but you need to know the real difference. The academies themselves are not very different at all. It's the life afterwards that is different.</p>
<p>Talk to as many retired military from both the Navy and the Air Force as you possibly can, and try to talk to some active folks too. You need to make an educated decision. It's not about who has better pilots, a better school, or a flashier campaign ad. It's about your life. The Navy and Air Force are NOTHING alike. Make sure you consider carefully.</p>