<p>Its been a while since I've posted on here, but this conversation sparked my interest... I went through the whole Service Academy selection process almost 6-7 years ago (doesn't seem that long). I was torn between USNA and USMA. I ended up going Navy and have never once regretted my decision. As a mid, I probably joked that it was one of the best decisions of my life not to go to West Point... People love to claim that the Academy isn't a good place to be at, but a good place to be from, but I legitimately enjoyed my four years by the Bay. I absolutely loved the town of Annapolis, and often took trips into DC and Baltimore when I had time off. For my tastes, there was no comparison with what I viewed as a very dreary and gray looking West Point, surrounded by the very boring and backward town of Highland Falls.</p>
<p>For much of my Academy career I still wanted to be a ground guy. Being a history major, I loved the stories and traditions of the Corps, even if I knew many of the stories were more legend than truth. As I got through 1/c summer though, I realized that even though I could max a pft and enjoyed small unit leadership, I no longer had a desire to be commissioned into the Marine Corps. Being at the Academy though, there were still a number of other choices before me, and at the beginning of 1/c year, I chose navy pilot and got my slot. Now as I sit here, only one or two days from finding out my next station, and four days from getting wings, I can still say that I am entirely happy with my decision. I know that I am headed to San Diego, Va Beach, or Jacksonville, and I will be flying helos (yes, despite all you potential Mavericks out there, the Navy does have quite a few helicopters too). </p>
<p>Before I finish though, I need to footnote this post with the fact that this is only my personal experience with the two insitutions, jaded by my own likes and dislikes. I preferred USNA and the Navy for several reasons. First, there is a much wider range of service opportunities. Also, the potential locations to be stationed in the Navy are a lot more attractive to me than the Army (obviously thats personal opinion). And as I have also made it clear, I very much favored the surroundings of USNA over USMA. In the end though, these are just a few of my personal feelings on the subject. I was never the outdoorsy type which explains a lot of why West Point didn't jive with me. I think the extent of my camping experience ended after cub scouts. Maybe that also explains my preference to be on a ship rather than in a tent. </p>
<p>Whatever you end up deciding between any of the service academies, a lot of your decision has to be based on what institution/service is right for you. While USNA was the best choice for me, that may not be the case for others.</p>