<p>The Naval Academy sub-forum on College Confidential has many more threads and posts than the other service academy sub-forums. Why is this?</p>
<p>That's a great question. I have often wondered about that myself. If you look at the profiles of entering classes, Navy had over 2500 more applications than WP. Not sure about AF. I suspect that the interest in Navy runs high as there are so many career options available, more than the other SA. I can say that from the perspective of a parent, there is sooooo much support from the Navy family. Two excellent listserves and a wonderful network of parent clubs. This message board is just a hint of what lies ahead for future Mids. I live 20 minutes from WP and have attended many events there. The Navy network of support is like nothing I have ever seen before. By the way, we have blizzard warnings in the WP area today and tonight and it was below zero this morning. If you have a future cadet in your family, I hope they like the cold!!! The most beautiful season at WP is the fall where the beautiful fall colors make the location on the cliffs over the Hudson a spectacular site.</p>
<p>nyminute,
And your answer was great! Your perspective is somewhat unique because of your familiarity with both institutions and proximity to WP. The question is: do you put USNA stickers on your car??? Hopefully I am the parent of a future midshipman from California. Earlier this week it was 80 degrees in Southern California, but my daughter is an avid snowboarder and likes to ride her board down steep cliffs in blizzards! The summer humidity will be new for kids from the West.</p>
<p>Not only do I put USNA stickers on my car, but I try to go up to WP to cheer on the Mids whenever there is a Army-Navy game going on. I am not the only Navy fan in attendance so it is a lot of fun. I have known quite a number of cadets over the years. It is a great place but I have a real bias at this point based on my exposure to USNA. Nonetheless, I have a great deal of respect for any young man or woman that chooses to attend any of the SA.</p>
<p>Well, the Merchant Marine Academy actually offers you the most options after graduation: Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or work as a civilian in a Marine field.</p>
<p>I've also wondered why USNA has more applicants then any other service academy. One of the possibilities I've thought of is if you look at the current situation of the world there is a very high possibility of someone in the Army and Marine Corps going to the Middle East. I believe Westpoint used to have the most number of applicants? Maybe this has changed because they want to serve but in a "safer" way. Don't get me wrong going in the Navy can be very dangerous but in these days you are safer on a carrier then in a foxhole in Iraq.</p>
<p>"I've also wondered why USNA has more applicants then any other service academy. One of the possibilities I've thought of is if you look at the current situation of the world there is a very high possibility of someone in the Army and Marine Corps going to the Middle East. I believe Westpoint used to have the most number of applicants? Maybe this has changed because they want to serve but in a "safer" way. Don't get me wrong going in the Navy can be very dangerous but in these days you are safer on a carrier then in a foxhole in Iraq."</p>
<p>Plenty of Naval Academy graduates are commissioned in the Marine Corps. Some of them have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know if I get in I'm going for the Marine commission. SEALs would also kick ass.</p>
<p>Up to 1/6 go USMC as designated by Congress and 16 can go SEALs but I do believe that number was bumped to 23...last year....</p>
<p>If you want to be a SEAL enlist, if you DOR as an enlisted man you can come back, as an officer never again, unless of course you leave the Navy and sign back up!</p>
<p>I know what your saying about the Marines and SEALs, but they have their choice if they want a more "combat likely" specialty. From Westpoint you have options but even if you work in supply or engineerings you might be disabling road side bombs or on a convoy through Iraq.</p>
<p>USNA has more posts becuase it kicks so much A$$!!!!!</p>
<p>jaja</p>
<p>have you ever been to west point in the winter? its terrible. the naval academy is so much prettier. that may be a reason, but i also agree that its the number of options midshipmen have coming out of the academy. as a midshipmen you can go into basically any field the army has by joining the marine corps, but if grunting it out on the ground isnt your style you can join subs, ride ships, fly fighter planes, or be a navy seal. the options are so much greater than at west point and that is why i think there is a larger interest there.</p>
<p>BTW when I meant they have their choice if they want a more "combat likely" specialty I meant USNA Grads, not Marines or SEALs.</p>