<p>I was wondering if any USNA Alumni like Zaphod could tell me if they really got a good taste(summer cruises) of all the different career opportunities in the Navy/Marines by the time they had to decide. Did you know by then what you wanted to do or was it still a tough decision?</p>
<p>Well, in my case, I did an SSBN deterrent patrol my 3/C summer and an extended SSN patrol my 1/C summer. </p>
<p>The first was done because I was interested in submarines and figured what better way to learn about them than to dive right in (pardon the pun) and spend 10 weeks on patrol. Besides, I could then earn my dolphins, too. The second was selected because by then I knew I wanted to go submarines, and because taking that cruise would give me a VERY long summer leave. No fool here.</p>
<p>During 2/C summer, I did the required summer school classes, the required YP cruise, and then Pistol Detail for the Plebes. I love firearms, and it was definitely better than jumping all over the country playing pilot (which I couldn't be due to eyesight, so why bother?), Marine (which I had no interest in being), SWO (who wants to be a target?), etc.</p>
<p>Now, that was MY case. YOUR case may be very different. I think that by the time YOUR time to select rolls by, you have a pretty good idea of what your options are, and have gotten enough of a sampling to be able to make an informed decision.</p>
<p>Just be sure to STUDY and do well on the PRTs and PCRs so that you CAN choose what you WANT to choose, rather than being stuck with SWO. Ask me how I know what that feels like. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>i thought u didn't have to have perftect eyesight to be an aviator?</p>
<p>In the "old" days (80s and early 90s), you simply chose your service selection on a cold night in January. It was all based on your QPR. Prior to that and in order to help you decide, you had 3/C cruise (real ship + YP/sail), 2/C summer (a week of subs for the guys and desk jobs for women b/c at the time they couldn't go into combat, a week of Marines and a week of Navy Air) and then 1/C cruise (real ship). To be honest, selection night was somewhat of a crapshoot and some people ended up pretty unhappy. Some might choose Marines just to be a pilot -- with no interest in being a Marine. </p>
<p>It's my understanding that things have improved considerably so that, now, service selection night merely memorializes decisions that have previously been made on both sides -- somewhat anti-climatic, as it were. For example, future Marines spend a part of their 1/C summer at Bulldog training, which is designed to show them what the Marines is like and lets the Marines decide if they want to take these men/women. I believe there are similar, intensive programs for other warfare areas.</p>
<p>Also, there is a lot more interaction on career issues b/t officers and mids during their entire time at USNA and I believe even something along the lines of "selection boards" where warfare communities vet the mids to ascertain suitability, motivation, etc. </p>
<p>To be clear, class rank still matters. However, it is my understanding that it's no longer enough to get you your choice. IOW, selection has to be mutual -- just b/c you're #1 in your class and want to be a Marine doesn't mean you can be -- if the Marines don't also want you. </p>
<p>Zaphod is correct, however, that those who fall in the bottom of their class are not only more likely to be "forced" to go SWO but also will have last choice of their ships -- and all ships aren't considered equal.</p>
<p>Oh. Yea my dad is class of 80, and he told me about his whole 'selection night' thing. Right now I'm thinking either SWO or Marines, but I really have no idea, which is one big reason why I want to go to Annapolis over West Point or Colorado Springs, because of the awesome service options available upon graduation. Well, thanks a bunch Zaph & 85', you guys helped a lot.</p>