<p>I joined swimming this year because 1) a few swimmers ran XC for me and 2) I wanted to learn how to swim. </p>
<p>The coaches are really kind. They know I'm dedicated, and they let me come back to practice all the time. Even when there is no practice, the other schools that we swim against let me practice with them. This is mostly because of my running reputation, and they like to see me drown. I found out how much I love swimming. It's all about form...and a little mental practice.</p>
<p>Arrgh...so frustrated. I still can't decide between USMA and USNA. I need some serious soul-searching.</p>
<p>Dictoranna - THINK about what most excites you about military service. Don't think about the location of the Academies....or which friends are where...or weather....or anything that only has a short-term part of the bigger picture. Don't even think about majors, especially. All branches of military service provide lots of choices in majors...so that alone shouldn't be the deciding factor. </p>
<p>When you look at yourself graduated from college in military service, what do you see yourself doing? Where is your heart? Are you commanding a group of men on the ground? Are you flying planes? Are you checking out navigation or communications on a ship in the middle of the ocean? Are you getting all mucky in jungle swamps? Are you in a helo? </p>
<p>The Navy Mission and Army Mission, while having some overlap - have some clearly different focuses....and your heart can direct where you might best 'fit.</p>
<p>We have a dear friend who graduated USNA '94 - but spent a semester at USMA, and ended up a Marine Officer. That matched him the best.</p>
<p>We know others who had that gut-wrenching desire to live full-time on adrenalin....and chose to be a carrier-plane pilot in the Navy.</p>
<p>Others we know have loved the military challenges of battlefield infantry and the many unique things the current US Army is doing around the world...and USMA was for them.</p>
<p>We have several young men from our Civil Air Patrol Squadron right now at the Air Force Academy - and they are thriving in that environment....where 60% of billets are flying billets.</p>
<p>So think about yourself 5, 10, even 15 years out. Which kind of job do you think most suits your heart? That may help direct your school choice.</p>
<p>Boss, they didn't blinfold me. If they had, I'd have fainted from fright. One of the hardest things i did in the Navy was pass water survival training so I could fly backseat in an A-7. No "dilbert dunker" machine but lots of other nasty water activities.</p>
<p>peskemom: Thanks for the advice. Here's the dilemma: I would love to go Marines, but I like the training at USMA more (you know, the whole getting down and dirty in the woods thing really suits me)...</p>
<p>Please remember that "getting down and dirty in the woods" is what you'll do during Beast and the following summer for Cadet Field Training. It's not part of the academic year. Then again, I'm sure you could find a club or two...</p>
<p>Peskemom's advice is excellent. The best thing you can do (other than choosing USMA :)) is to take advantage of the overnight visits at both academies. If you attended the summer programs, you'll see the schools from a different perspective. It's an important decision and you want to make sure it is the most informed decision possible.</p>
<p>dictatoranna: you might want to check into the ranger program at USMA- it approximates the Marine training to an extent- good luck with your decision, but you can't go wrong either way!</p>
<p>Dictoranna....we LOVE the Marines....Our daughter plans on going Marine through USNA....But it is dicey at the end of the day, since only -what- 16% are allowed those billets upon graduation?</p>
<p>If you want muck from early on training....USMA may be a better fit for you. </p>
<p>If you don't want to spend a GREAT deal of your time in ocean navigation both in class, in sailing, and in your summer training....than think again about USNA.</p>
<p>I am not trying to turn you off from Annapolis. Being the wife of a USNA and soon to be Class of '10 girl....you know where my loyalities are.</p>
<p>But all branches of our Service Academies need outstanding young people like you, with a desire to use your gifts in military officer service. I salute your dilemna! Either Academy will be enhanced by the likes of you! One's loss will be the other's gain!! :-)</p>
<p>you have to go off the 5 meter your plebe year, and the 10 meter your youngster year. you do it during your swim class. they'll separate you if you don't jump after a year or so.</p>
<p>I clearly remember my daughter at four years of age getting such a kick out of jumping off the 3 meter board after swim lessons at the university pool (with my encouragement). This year she jumped from the 7 meter platform at USNA. I'm just glad the parents don't have to watch or participate...I guess it simulates jumping off a ship.</p>