<p>Of course it doesn't. Applying, receiving and accepting a valuable nomination and spot might though.</p>
<p>It absolutely does not reflect poorly on an individual that in the course of the process comes to the realization that this path is not for them. No matter when that realization occurs. Every single young man or women who chooses to to apply, receives a nomination and appointments, takes the oath of office and then in the course of time realizes it it not for them should be applauded.</p>
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It absolutely does not reflect poorly on an individual that in the course of the process comes to the realization that this path is not for them. No matter when that realization occurs. Every single young man or women who chooses to to apply, receives a nomination and appointments, takes the oath of office and then in the course of time realizes it it not for them should be applauded.
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<p>Yes, but I think they should at least complete plebe summer first. That way they can say, "I didn't quit because it was too hard. I could do it. It just wasn't for me."</p>
<p>That way, you're not a quitter and no one can claim that you "couldn't hack it."</p>
<p>Just make sure that when you even start to apply you think A LOT about if you think it is what you want. if you go as far as receiving an appoitment and you want to back out it is ok b/c someone on the wait list will fill in your spot, but there may be other pepole out there who would stay through the whole 4 years who didnt make it in. but if you do realize that it is not right for you i would still make it through plebe summer-just to go along with what GoinToUSNA08 said. that is why they have the summer seminar, so pepole can choose what they want to do. best of luck!! :)</p>
<p>First Summer Scaminar does nothing to let you know if the Academy if for you. It is a marketing tool pure and simple. </p>
<p>Until you have been through Plebe Summer, Plebe Year, Youngster year etc. Do not judge those who have gone before you and for what ever reason decide to pursue a different path. Each and everyone made it to I Day. Not everyone will choose to remain. It makes them no less "noble" than the Mid who stays to commissioning. No one has "taken" someone else's spot. That other person you all want to feel sorry for because they didn't get the appointment, may not have made it through either. </p>
<p>You will have shipmates, even possibly a squad mate that choses to go to Tango this summer. They still deserve your respect. Just because they decide that USNA is not for them does not make them any less of a person than you... just different. Respect and empathy go a long way.</p>
<p>Just to add on, I have a lot more respect for someone who knows it is not for them and chooses another path than those who continue on becuase they do not have the guts to admit it is not for them. </p>
<p>Those that do not have the guts to quit move on to the fleet/FMF and it is their Marines/Sailors who end up paying the price</p>
<p>Listen to those who are there and have been there. The SAs are not for everyone and, no matter how much prepping and research, reality will not hit home until they experience it. And no, NASS and CVW are valuable experiences, but they are not the real thing. They are not quitters. </p>
<p>They are not taking a slot from someone else. No matter how fine tuned the selection process, the SAs must plan for attrition. A certain percentage is not supposed to graduate. As '07 has just pointed out, the sooner these cadets and midshipmen realize their situation, the better it is for everyone. </p>
<p>Respect them not only for having tried but also for being honest with their capabilities and goals.</p>
<p>I'm starting to think, maybe it isn't for me. Even though I liked NASS, when I think back to earlier in my life, joining the military wasn't something I considered. However, that is in part because my family discouraged it.</p>
<p>When you say that SAs are only for a certain kind of person, what kind of person are you referring to? What does his/her background look like?</p>
<p>If I went through USNA, and devoted myself to the lifestyle, but was one of those people who didn't enjoy the service (again, this is so far off, I have no idea if I'd like it or not) and only stayed 5 years, would I have made a poor choice to attend USNA?</p>
<p>Thanks again for all your advice.</p>
<p>There is no cookie cutter person that goes to the academy. Sure most have good grades, most are varsity athletes, most have many ecas but there is not one background. </p>
<p>Is it bad to stay in for just 5 years?...no. The key is if you stay in 5 or 35 years it is not about you. Its about the Marines/sailors under your command. The only way that going to the academy would be a mistake in my opinion is if I let down those under my command.</p>
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<p>One would be surprised at the number of gung-ho candidates who hate it by the time they graduate. And an equal additional surprise would be the number that couldn't wait to resign their commission that end up as Captains and maybe even a few Admirals and Generals. I most often take an "all I have ever wanted to do was have a 30 yr Navy career" with the same grain of salt that "I am most definitely going to only serve my mandatory 5 years and then resign." </p>
<p>One of the great benefits of the Academy is exposure to all the various career choices and the ability to talk to successful officers at all stages in those careers.</p>
<p>So what would your advice be, how am I to go about making the big decision?</p>
<p>Read everything you can about both the Academy and service life. Ask questions of everyone that can give you any insight about either or both. When you think you know everything about both your four years at school and at least five years afterwards, ask yourself if you can enthusiastically be a part of that environment. If so, it is worth the effort. If not, find something else to do. I think enthusiasm and knowing what one is getting into are the two major factors in the decision making process.</p>
<p>I agree with the above. Ask yourself what the real reason for wanting to go the academy is. Ask yourself if you ultimate goal is to be a combat leader for five years. There are many more things to add to the equation with the operation tempo due to GWOT. At this time and I do not forsee it changing much for a while, you will be deployed a lot. This is not the peacetime Marine Corps/Navy of the late 90s and pre 9/11. Multiple 12 months deployments are common. </p>
<p>People want to go to the academy for many reason. I have heard everything from wanting to be a leader to wanting to go because the uniforms are cool. You have to want to go to be a combat leader, a leader of Marines/Sailors, and everything else should come second. Going to the academy is a sacrifice. You will be sacrificing the "college experience" and a normal family life for at least five years after graduations. I however assure you that if you do choose to go the academy, you will make friends there that will be closer and more loyal than any frat brother you could find. In my opinion I could have no greater honor than leading America's sons and daughters into combat.</p>
<p>These are just some things you must consider before applying and more importantly before accepting a comission in the armed forces.</p>
<p>Powerhawk-</p>
<p>You've received a lot of great advice and info on this thread and your honesty is refreshing. After reading through your posts a couple times and yet not 'knowing' you, I think you already know your answer to your question. You seem to be agonizing so much over applying to/attending the Naval Academy, that may be your biggest indicator.</p>
<p>I wish you joy and success wherever life takes you.</p>