<p>what are some strengths and weaknesses about west point and the air force academy? ive got family history at WP but ive also had the dream of flying for quite some time.</p>
<p>What are you going to do if you cannot fly planes? Are you prepared for the other options? At WP, you can fly helicopters...or you can do do many, many other jobs. Which academy prepares you best for the other jobs you'd be happy doing?</p>
<p>You have to give us more information to work with. What are your academic strengths and weaknesses? Do you play sports?
Did you only apply to West Point because of the family history? If so that is not a reason to attend.<br>
What do you want to do in the Army? What do you want to major in?
Have you looked at the differences? Not pros and cons but clear differences between the academies militarily, educationally and culturally?</p>
<p>Flip a coin. You will have your answer. seriously. If Army wins and you are disappointed then choose Air Force and vice versa. Go with your heart. Either way you can't lose and will have forgotten about the other by taps on R-Day.</p>
<p>but you see, i dont think i would be in the top half of the class at AFA, meaning no Undergraduate Pilot Training. and i dont just want to go to west point because of family, its the tradition and excellence that intrigues me. how different can the academics be?</p>
<p>The top half of each class doesn't automatically get a pilot slot each at AFA, mostly becasue some people just aren't qualified for it medically, or they pursue different options becaue they don't want a 10 year long commitmment. Who knows, you may get a pilot slot.
Anyway, take a look at the other jobs you can do across all services and see which one most suits you.</p>
<p>I can't imagine that there's a real choice here. USAFA is a fine school but some question whether we even need an Air Force Academy.</p>
<p>What is that supposed to mean?</p>
<p>If you attend Air Force you will always trace your roots to the Army Air Corps...and many of the historical role models are West Point grads.</p>
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If you attend Air Force you will always trace your roots to the Army Air Corps...and many of the historical role models are West Point grads.
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<p>OK, so what? That is no reason NOT to choose Air Force. Every academy has its die-hard supporters and they show up regularly on these forums.</p>
<p>Each of the academies has pros and cons. If you have to choose, (and what a position to be in) then ask yourself, what will make you the happiest? Air Force is a great route to go, even if you don't fly. Our nephew loved it, and he's not a pilot. West Point is great if you want to be in the Army. The school's rather isolated from the world, you have to drive an hour to get anywhere, or so it seems. Air Force is right in Colorado Springs, lots to do for a quick getaway. But those are small things that won't mean too much later on in life. What do you see yourself doing? An impossible question for any teenager to accurately answer. Go with your heart's desire and you won't have second thoughts.</p>
<p>The point is that institutions share a common history - and going to AF is not necessarily turning your back to WP. The two share a bond that does not exist with Navy. BTW, our son goes to AF.</p>
<p>BigGreen, I hope that wasnt a serious question....</p>
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The point is that institutions share a common history - and going to AF is not necessarily turning your back to WP. The two share a bond that does not exist with Navy. BTW, our son goes to AF.
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<p>Understood. BTW, our eldest went to West Point. ;)</p>
<p>NCRC4,</p>
<p>If you want to fly go to the Air Force Academy. I was in the same position as you were, but I made my choice because I have a passion for aeronautics. Also there are times where the AFA will not fill all their pilot slots, so that means that if you really want to become a pilot then you will (as long as you pass all meds and flight screening). Now, if you have a passion for leading others, then go to USMA because you will be leading a platoon right after graduation. I was told by numerous Air Force officers that it takes years to actually be in a position to lead others, such as an aircrew. For example, during my nomination interview one of the board members, an AF Major, told me that it takes years to be in a position to lead others if you are a pilot. He told me that he is just now starting to lead others.</p>
<p>BigGreen:</p>
<p>Your tone and word choice suggest that you are looking to start turmoil here. If I am wrong then I apologize, but your seeming disrespect for even one of our nation's service academies is unwarranted in a discussion with cadet/midshipman candidates about their choice of schooling.</p>
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<p>Like others have mentioned, it's not like the top half of the class is automatically sent to UPT. Some aren't medically qualified, and others just don't want to fly. In recent years, the vast majority of those who applied for a spot (and are medically qualified) have gotten one. This year, I think we had somewhere around 650 apply for 550 slots. The odds are pretty good. Work hard, and you can do it.</p>
<p>Also, it's not like there's no tradition or excellence at USAFA. Sure, talking to WP grads, I'll concede tradition and say that we only have "habits." But the main idea, if you will, of all service academies is the same. Integrity, excellence, etc. are things you'll find at each of the SAs.</p>
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<p>Don't put too much stock into this. USAFA isn't "right in" CO Springs, but about 6-7 miles outside of town. That may not seem like much, but it's enough to rule out walking/running as a method of getting anywhere. Since you can't have a car until you're a junior, it can be hard to get out of here even after plebe year. Good luck trying to borrow one on the weekends.</p>
<p>Summary: If you want to lead men and women into combat, go to USMA. If you want to fly jets, go to USAFA. You're not just choosing a college, you're choosing a profession and a way of life. Do what makes you happy.</p>
<p>NCRC4,</p>
<p>However, if you want to fly jets from an aircraft carrier, go USNA. The Navy flew a lot of CAS during Desert Storm. ;)</p>
<p>OK3-Wire</p>