<p>Okay, I know that was a loaded question/title, but I need some fast attention. Son's first choice was USNA but didn't get in. Not even on wait list and he had great everything (or obviously not...). He is trying to decide whether to go USMA or try to get into Boston College NROTC and reapply to USNA. Challenge: unsure whether he would get medical waiver from Navy.
(Did get waiver from WP) He wants to be an officer, wants military academy experience, but if he says no to WP, goes to BC, doesn't get waiver, huge regrets. Went to Navy SS, had overnights at both places, liked both. QUESTION: Did any of your kids go to WP as second choice and regret it or did they get into it and look back fondly, "remember when I just had to go to Navy?" DODMERB person told me some kids will say yes to WP while waiting for NROTC paperwork goes through. Ethically, I have a problem with that. Thank you.</p>
<p>Talk to shogun. His daughter chose WP over USNA and had reasons that were very valid for her. </p>
<p>I have heard both sides of this discussion. It will be very difficult to succeed at a service academy if you don't want to be there. However, if you want to serve our country and were at least interested enough in WP to apply, then it can be an exciting opportunity. </p>
<p>Best of luck to both of you! Until the decision is made it may seem like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.</p>
<p>I chose WP over Navy too, and I wanted to go to Navy very badly. I accepted at West Point, and finally got my Navy acceptance in late April. I stuck with West Point, and I DO NOT regret my decision at all. If you want to talk specifics, I'd be happy to talk with you over PM...</p>
<p>I think the key to making the right decision is to really look beyond the four years you will spend at the Academy you choose to attend. All three of the Academy's offer a great education and many excellent experiences beyond the classroom. The real focus, however should be on what you want to do once you enter the respective active duty service. If you want to spend time at sea or supporting maritime missions, the the Naval Academy should be your choice. If you want deploy to airfields around the world to be a part of Air or Space missions, then perhaps the AF Academy would be a better fit. If you want to get the opportunity to be out in the field and lead young men and women at an early age and want to be on the front lines of the current Global War on Terror, then you might want to take a hard look at West Point. I think all three of the service academy's will prepare you well for entry into the next phase of life. The real challenge is to know what you want to do and choose the path that will take you there.</p>
<p>College Dad sums it up best. Forget anything about the Academies, all that matters is what you want to do when you get done. Although it is possible, albeit very difficult, to interservice transfer at graduation (I think 6 in my class did it and the SUPT had to fight tooth and nail with DoD to get them in because the Army needs people), what really matters is going to a commissioning source that will put you where you want to be. I could not be on ships and I have no desire to fly, it would be idiotic for me to have gone to another one of the academies. I know its a tough decision to make right out of high school, but I think you just need to look down deep and realize what you think will make you happiest to do after graduation.</p>
<p>Make sure that your son knows that the barracks at West Point, unlike Annapolis, are not air-conditioned. I'd hate for him to be disappointed.</p>
<p>Seriously, if he really wanted Annapolis then he should probably forget about West Point. My son never even thought about Navy - his goal was to be an officer in the United States Army.</p>
<p>College Dad,</p>
<p>There are five academies.</p>
<p>Along with USNA, USMA and USAFA, are the US Coast Guard Academy and the US Merchant Marine Academy.</p>
<p>Of all five service academies, only USMMA provides its graduates the option of taking an active duty commission in any of the services, or the option of taking a Reserve Commission and serving in the US Maritime industry.</p>
<p>Moreover, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is privileged among the nation's five federal academies to be the only institution authorized to carry a battle standard as part of its color guard. The battle standard perpetuates the memory of the 142 Academy cadet/midshipmen who were casualties of World War II. </p>
<p>During times of war, members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard engage in combat, but the students at their respective service academies do not. However, the students of the USMMA receive an integral part of their training at sea, (an entire year) and in the Second World War often found their lives in peril as they sailed through enemy-controlled waters or unloaded precious cargo in overseas combat areas. In all, 142 such cadet/midshipmen never returned to home port. Kings Point Midshipman have served in every US conflict since then. Currently over 150 USMMA Midshipman have served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.</p>
<p>I am an Academy graduate, so not only am I aware that there are five academies, I have visited all five and have friends who have graduated from all five.</p>
<p>I did not intend to slight anyone by mentioning the three folks usually recognize most. I certainly respect the USCGA and USMMA and know that they have a lot to offer. The original question was focused on USMA and USNA, so I don't think my response was misleading at all.</p>
<p>My point still stands, the focus should be on the career path that you are most interested in after graduation not which academy you find most attractive.</p>
<p>usnso, are you lurking? ^^^ This is some great stuff here buddy. What do you think?</p>
<p>College Dad,</p>
<p>Roger that. Its just that often when folks start looking at service academies they often don't think of KP. And given the options it provides, it is often a good choice that is overlooked. </p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>Thank you all for your thoughts and help. My son read all and after deep thinking on what he wants down the road and the opportunity of West Point he has decided to take the appointment to USMA. He seems very happy and content so...now onto the admittance to do list..</p>
<p>midwestmom,</p>
<p>Congratulations to your son and family! Have fun with all of the paperwork! Buy lots of bubblewrap. :)</p>
<p>Army football players may have some regrets though ;) </p>
<p>Enjoy the video of Admiral Rempt, Coach Johnson, and the Navy football team visiting the White House!</p>
<p>All-Time Army-Navy Record:
Navy leads, 846-645-38 (.566)</p>
<p>Navy's Overall Record vs. Army, Last Nine Years (1997-98 to 2005-06)
183-93-5 (.660)</p>
<p>Navy's Star-Game Record vs. Army, Last Nine Years (1997-98 to 2005-06)
134-57-5 (.696)</p>
<p>Navy's 2005-06 Overall Record vs. Army
17-13 (.567)</p>
<p>Navy's 2005-06 Star-Game Record vs. Army
14-8 (.636)</p>
<p>Navy's 2005-06 Star Game Victories
Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Sprint Football, Women's Swimming & Diving, Men's Swimming & Diving, Football, Men's Indoor Track & Field, Women's Indoor Track & Field, Men's Basketball, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Women's Outdoor Track & Field, Lacrosse, Tennis</p>
<p>congrajulations, but i'm pretty sure no one cares. this is the usma forum.</p>
<p>Yeah Homer, I would have expected a post like that from a Naval Academy midshipman or something :p</p>
<p>midwestmom- I chose West Point over Annapolis for a few reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li>West Point is the number one school for leadership</li>
<li>West Point has 44 majors compared to Naval Academy's 19 majors (which is great because I have no idea what I want to major in). </li>
<li>I'm not very interested in ships/planes.</li>
<li>There's a ton of stuff you can do as an Army officer.</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notable_graduates_of_West_Point%5B/url%5D">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notable_graduates_of_West_Point</a></li>
</ol>
<p>I chose WP over Navy. </p>
<p>All of TMac's reasons go for me too. But the biggest is I got the feeling a lot of these Navy guys are really "too hot" for their own good (or so they think). The USNA is a great school, but I think USMA is more people oriented in the sense its about your men, the mission, not the ship. And no offense Air Force...but don't bother with 'em less you want to fly or design aircraft...In that case I'd go to Navy anyhow. (They have more astronauts than any other undergrad insitution in the world and their pilots are -arguably- more accomplished)</p>