<p>When I first decided to apply for an academy, Air Force was my first choice. I applied to West Point and Naval Academy secondly with my heart hoping on Colorado Springs. As the application process progressed, Air Force seemed unreachable since my strengths are not in Math and Science and since I was told that my height (5'1" and apparently too short to fly) would be a hindering factor in my application. My goal soon rested in West Point. I found that i was accepted in Feburary and have been planning on going ever since. However, today I found that I have been accepted to Air Force and have 24 hours to decide where I want to go (due to nomination reasons). My family is pushing AFA, since it is closer to my Southern California home, near my grandfather who lives in denver, and for 'safety reasons' due to the war in Iraq. I understand that what I need to look at is my later career in Army vs AF but I do not know enough about either to make that decision. Any input?</p>
<p>Flip a coin and if you have any doubt about the way it comes up... go to the other place. </p>
<p>You have done well. You will be challenged and excel at either place.</p>
<p>I had a similar situation. If you can't fly, are there other things you want to do in the AF? If you want to fly/can, go to USAFA, no question about that. If you think you aren't done growing, go to USAFA. If there are jobs in the Army which you feel you would like instead of flying, go there. While making my decision, I looked 100% at what I would be able to do afterwards. I chose Coast Guard because it has Search and Rescue, and also Law Enforcement. Don't worry about what your time at the Academy will be like, what's important is to be sure there is something afterwards you would really love to do. West Point and USAFA are both very, very good places and you will love either one. Also, don't listen to family pressure, it's your life and I'm sure they will be happy with whatever decision you make.</p>
<p>My advice is think about what you want to deal with: people or machines. The Army is a people organization. You will lead a platoon of 40 soldiers after graduation, you will work with local populations trying to undermine insurgent activities, you will always be there ensuring your soldiers get the best. </p>
<p>From what I know of the AF from talking to many cadets, their focus is different. Yes, there is plenty of leadership, however, the AF is geared towards technology and machines. You will graduate and be a pilot or go into acquisitions. You will not have a 40 people looking to you saying "what do we do now?" You will gain enormous opportunities and skills from the Air Force (not to say you wont from the Army). I hear the quality (bases, food, etc) of life is better in the AF as well.</p>
<p>It all comes down to what you want, and that's a tough call to make. I can tell you from my experience, no matter how many bad things I've said about the Army, that I would not have it any other way. Simply put, the greatest honor an American can have is to lead our nation's sons and daughters into combat. You don't get the same edge in the AF.</p>
<p>You can't really go wrong either way, but it's your call to make, dont let your parents or anyone else make it for you.</p>
<p>it may be a good idea to decide what your interests are and list a few specialties or branches you may want to go into. For example, if you are really into engineering and would want to do that for a career, then maybe west point and the army is a better choice. The army has a lot of jobs related to engineering that are pretty much the same for civilians, which may help you find a good job should you choose to leave the military after your five year obligation. However, if you want to be a navigator or something related to flying, then obviously the AFA is the place to be. The key is to research your options and branches and decide what you are really interested in. Doing that may help you make a good educated decision as to where you want to spend the next decade or so of your life. Good luck and I hope this helped.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for all the responses, FYI My interests are in Military Intelligence or Law (JAG program).</p>
<p>Just throwing my two cents in, I got accepted straight into the Air Force Academy with the class of 2009, and was offered a prep year for West Point, to enter with the class of 2010. After visiting both posts, West Point and the AFA are two different beasts....While they are similar, they really, really are not, in many very important ways. Like screamingeagle said, our resident firstie and much better source than me, it really is about what you want to do as a career. To me, West Point and the Army are simply more driven towards the ideals of service, country, and leadership. Thats why I have no regrets for doing a prep year for it. </p>
<p>Well thats just what I think.</p>
<p>where did you do your prep year at, demosthenes?</p>
<p>old post, nmmi</p>
<p>Pick a service, not an academy. If you want to drive tanks or lead men in the infantry, go West Point. If you want to fly planes, go to the Air Force Academy.</p>
<p>Now, speaking from personal experience, I wouldn´t go to AFA because the culture of the place there isn´t too good. The scandals have rocked the place, and I hear either the Supe or the Commandant never flew jets. I´m speaking this as someone who heard from someone else, but my family has some deep connections to AFA, and my dad is an AFA grad, and he pushed West Point over Air Force, mostly because I didn´t want to fly, and because of this culture problem. The choice is up to you, but I would def. decide based on service, and not on the actual academy, though I know from personal experience how hard that is to do. Also, if you haven´t, pray about this.</p>
<p>Oh, and I´m going to West Point next year, so obviously it´s the place to be. ;)</p>
<p>I am having the same type of problem. West Point or the United States Naval Academy? I really can't decide. My Blue and Gold Officer seems pretty upset since hes worried I will go to West Point. I guess he should be because I have almost sent in that acceptance card four times. Already filled it out...</p>
<p>edit:
Sorry I missed the bit about the nomination problem. </p>
<p>Flip a coin, sounds good!</p>
<p>ragmanlaw,</p>
<p>It will be a relief once you decide and actually mail in the card. You'll love West Point...</p>
<p>Haha, I'm in the same exact predicament ragmanlaw. I have my filled-out West Point acceptance card sitting right in front of me, but part of me still wants to go to the Naval Academy. 2 weeks to make a decision :p</p>
<p>haha ok then, its good to know that I am not alone! Good luck with all your decisions - Post them when you decide, I'll post mine too!</p>