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He's looked into some civilian colleges but he seems to have his mind set on the military and being an officer.
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<p>A couple of add'l thoughts. Your son does need to consider whether gymnastics or the military is more important -- and I'm not being flip. If he is a highly recruited gymnast and wants to compete at an elite level the next 4 yrs, he may not be happy at a SA. He might be better off going to a civilian school and doing ROTC. That way, he still becomes an officer but can devote more time/effort to his sport.</p>
<p>If his priority is the military, then a SA is the right choice. He can probably still do gymnastics, but I don't believe any of the SAs are considered gymnastics powerhouses. </p>
<p>In deciding among academies or ROTC programs, why does your son want to be an officer? When he closes his eyes and pictures himself as an officer, what is he doing? Leading men on a battlefield? Flying jets? Standing on the bridge of a ship? Most people have some idea -- whatever his is should lead him to at least limit his SA choices.</p>
<p>Finally, on being a JAG . . . I'm an attorney, although was not one in the military. On this issue . . . First, you CAN become a JAG after an academy, at least in the Army and Navy. You apply after graduation and incur an add'l service obligation. Or, you can do what I did and serve your 5+ yrs, get out and go to law school and then come back to serve either as a JAG or stay out as a civilian lawyer. Having that military background is a huge plus in a civilian career.</p>
<p>Finally, my advice on law school in general -- do something else first with your life. Do not simply go directly to law school from college. I know many people do it successfully, but I think that folks who "go back" to law school are generally happier in the profession.</p>
<p>Thank you USNA1985. I really appreciate your post. He's well aware that the SA's teams are not going to be as competitive as some of the civilian colleges. A Big 10 school has shown interest in him, but he said he'd rather go to an academy. He did say he wants to serve active duty for a couple of years at least before he starts looking into the JAG program, but in what capacity - I think he's still sorting that out. I'll certainly share your thoughts with him and he may have some questions for you if you don't mind.</p>
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He did say he wants to serve active duty for a couple of years at least before he starts looking into the JAG program
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<p>He'll have to. :) The program is not available directly out of an academy. I know quite a bit (but not all) about the Navy program b/c one of my USN colleagues went through the process while we worked together. He was accepted but ultimately chose to get out & do it the civilian route. </p>
<p>I know something about USN JAGs -- enough to know that it's NOT AT ALL like the TV show. JAG on TV is entertainment, not reality. One of the attorneys in our office was an Army JAG (but didn't attend a SA), so have some info on that side as well.</p>
<p>Lemme add a little something here. Food for thought…. My son’s sport, precision rifle, wasn’t offered at USMMA. I truly hated to see him give it up as he was competing on a national level in high school but he went in looking at things differently. He said he had the opportunity to learn a few new sports at USMMA. So far he has ultimate frisbee going on & if I don’t get a “real” sport to cheer about this year, I’m gonna be seriously miffed. LOL (Everybody say all together “No boxing Jamz”. Maybe he’ll get a subliminal message & forget about it when he gets back from sea…)</p>
<p>It has to be hard for kids to look down the road to their futures but if one stops to think about it, how many 40 year old guys/gals are still competing in precision rifle? His goal of becoming an officer & the education came above all else. They need sports, don’t get me wrong. But carefully weigh the importance of it in the big scheme of things to come. Please don’t discount USMMA. Its another option of many. And a good one. I feel for you Jwags. You guys have much to think about in this whole process. I wish you nothing but the very best. Learning all you can about the academies takes a while. Get ready for the fun! Stay sane!</p>
<p>I dunno jwags. I'd let him run with the idea until academy graduation night. It'll keep him goin' for four years. </p>
<p>Why do I get this mental picture of Zap & GA tearing at this poor woman. One of them getting a hand full of her hair, the other has a leg & they pull saying "SHE'S MINE!" How quaint guys. You'll never get a girl that way! ;)</p>
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I hate to say this (John Paul Jones, forgive me!), but knowing what I know now, I would have applied to Kings Point back in 1986.
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<p>Actually, Zaph, Johm Paul Jones would be proud of you. Don't forget he was a Merchant Mariner before he was the father of the US Navy.</p>
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From the Chinfo site:</p>
<p>John Paul was born at Arbigland, Kirkbean, Kirkcudbright, Scotland, 6 July 1747. Apprenticed to a merchant at age 13, he went to sea in the brig Friendship to learn the art of seamanship. At 21, he received his first command, the brig John.</p>
<p>After several successful years as a merchant skipper in the West Indies trade, John Paul emigrated to the British colonies in North America and there added "Jones" to his name. At the outbreak of the American Revolution, Jones was in Virginia. He cast his lot with the rebels, and on 7 December 1775, he was commissioned first lieutenant in the Continental Navy, serving aboard Esek Hopkins' flagship Alfred.
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<p>So, there is a long history of US Naval Officers learning to sail on merchant ships before they join the Navy.</p>
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Why do I get this mental picture of Zap & GA tearing at this poor woman. One of them getting a hand full of her hair, the other has a leg & they pull saying "SHE'S MINE!" How quaint guys. You'll never get a girl that way!
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<p>Never happen, no matter what WP thinks. </p>
<p>Now, GA and I beating EACH OTHER about the head with pipe wrenches over her is another thing entirely. :D ;)</p>
<p>Dad, what I find most attractive about USMMA is that option at the end to go into any service you want.</p>
<p>I'm curious, if one wants to be a Navy pilot, how would he select aviation coming out of King's Point?</p>
<p>Interesting that you mention pilots Navy pilots. The two FA-18 pilots that did the fly over at graduation were both Kings Pointers. One of the things they tell all the folks looking at KP that if they want to fly Navy they have a better shot out of KP because there is no limit on the number of aviation billets for KP. So, basically, if you qualify you can get a slot. Where as at USNA, you may qualify, but if all the slots ahead you are taken you are SOL.</p>
<p>YAY! John Paul Jones! Another reason for my kid to use to explain his kilt. I met a fly navy KPer in our state a few months ago. He tried to explain that to me but, well, you know, it kinda went over my head. I was distracted by the fried green tomatoes two tables over. LOL You explained it much better anyway. Very interesting indeed.</p>
<p>Zaph, I have a brand spankin' new 24" pipe wrench with your name on it. Now I am imagining cave man days. Might want to change into your bear fur first. Heh.</p>