this summer I attended the usna summer seminar and I did enjoy it a lot. the campus is beauitful and there’s a lot of great vibes and people. I understand the self discipline and work ethic placed into the school is tremendous and I would love to say that I am greatly interested in it. I mean, it’s completely government funded and right after college you get placed into a job you want and get paid immediately… where else do you get that? however, I don’t want to serve in the navy, or military what so ever. i just can’t get over that fact and I know if you go to usna, you have to be prepared and actually have an affinity for it (serving the country). that really puts me at a cross roads as to whether or not I should apply (already started half way). is the 5 years that bad to serve after or is going to a regular college like UC’s or Ivys better?
If you do not want to be an officer in the Navy or Marines, the USNA is not a suitable school for you.
Job straight out college after graduating sounds great but will you be in management or combat upon graduating? Think of those factors, what are your stats?
When you go to a military academy you are getting a world class education in exchange for military service as an officer. It is a win win for many people. However, if you are not prepared to give back through military service then the service academies are not for you.
Do yourself a favor. Don’t apply. You will wash out during the summer and will have to find another school.
Not everyone will get the job they want, otherwise 90-95% of the service academy graduates would be pilots.
I am in sea cadets and am currently a petty officer 2nd class. I am aware of what plebe summer is like as well as the rigor of the classes, sports, and general schedule. I can handle all that. but my main issue was the service afterwards and I think you guys really fine tuned my decision. thanks for the insight
Levygvbby, I’m sure you’re a great American and will have a nice future in a great college. But there’s a reason they call it the “service.” Your focus seems to be on what is best for you, rather than what is best for your country. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you are not the type of midshipman that USNA needs. We need men and women who understand the concept of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in all you do. “Inclination toward service” is a big part of the Blue and Gold officer interview and they would not be eager to recommend someone who doesn’t desire to serve.
Levygvbby, I’m sure you’re a great American and will have a nice future in a great college. But there’s a reason they call it the “service.” Your focus seems to be on what is best for you, rather than what is best for your country. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you are not the type of midshipman that USNA needs. We need men and women who understand the concept of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in all you do. “Inclination toward service” is a big part of the Blue and Gold officer interview and they would not be eager to recommend someone who doesn’t desire to serve.
My H went began the process for USNA and it was made abundantly clear to candidates that the major goal of the academy was to train future soldiers. If you don’t want to serve after graduation I’d strongly suggest you don’t pursue a military academy.
Even though you don’t want to serve in combat, there are a lot of other jobs in the Navy or Marines do not make you go into combat. For example, you could work on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, and maintain planes and helicopters. I hope this helps.