cyclicredundancy
Member
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2023
- Messages
- 25
Background first: This was my second time applying to the SAs; I'm currently at a maritime academy and do NROTC, lots of leadership stuff, varsity sailing, rigorous classes, etc. I made it my life's mission to be accepted into a service academy - and here I am, with offers of appointments to USNA and USMA (still waiting on USAFA).
I applied intending to become a pilot (helicopter or fixed wing) in any branch, and want to study aerospace/mechanical engineering- aerospace fascinates me, and I come from a NASA/Boeing family. I've also broadened my horizons and the idea of becoming an aerospace engineer for Lockheed, Raytheon, etc appeals a lot to me (working a 9-5 every day, stability and consistency, in other words, I wouldn't mind a "boring non-military" job).
I was dead-set on USNA for the past two years but am starting to reconsider because through my experiences on the sailing team at my school and getting lots of time on our training ship, I have discovered I don't particularly like being on the ocean and working on a ship.
So, as the deadline to decide approaches, I am still having a lot of trouble deciding between the potential 3 choices. As a maritime academy mid, I know a few high-ranking aviators/officers employed at my school who were previously in the USAF, Navy, or Army. I have talked to all of them, received advice, and still don't know which to choose. Here are my takeaways for each academy from forums/articles/talking with people:
USNA: Best "academy experience" out of the 3 from what I heard, good opportunities for aviation, but not sure because I would dislike working on a ship if I decided not to go aviation. I did a Candidate Visit Weekend and also attended the Naval Academy Leadership Conf as a delegate (where I networked and got info about USNA through the lens of a maritime academy mid rather than a high schooler), and have a lot of contacts at USNA.
USMA: Doesn't have aerospace, and I've heard it's the most miserable branch so probably not. I did a day visit when I was in HS.
USAFA: Best aerospace degree from what I've heard, good opportunities for aviation, and no water which is a plus. The main reason for considering this is because of the "posh USAF lifestyle" I keep hearing about. But, I keep hearing poor opinions about the current state of USAFA, and that it's not really a "military school" anymore (most lax out of the three, I've heard their dorms are even rowdier than ours from mids at my school who went to the USAF Leadership Conference). I haven't visited but the campus looks great from videos I've seen. However, I'm trying to look past the four years and at the career side of it.
So, if you guys have any advice for a current mid who wants to get into aerospace and potentially become an aviator or engineer, fire away! TIA.
I applied intending to become a pilot (helicopter or fixed wing) in any branch, and want to study aerospace/mechanical engineering- aerospace fascinates me, and I come from a NASA/Boeing family. I've also broadened my horizons and the idea of becoming an aerospace engineer for Lockheed, Raytheon, etc appeals a lot to me (working a 9-5 every day, stability and consistency, in other words, I wouldn't mind a "boring non-military" job).
I was dead-set on USNA for the past two years but am starting to reconsider because through my experiences on the sailing team at my school and getting lots of time on our training ship, I have discovered I don't particularly like being on the ocean and working on a ship.
So, as the deadline to decide approaches, I am still having a lot of trouble deciding between the potential 3 choices. As a maritime academy mid, I know a few high-ranking aviators/officers employed at my school who were previously in the USAF, Navy, or Army. I have talked to all of them, received advice, and still don't know which to choose. Here are my takeaways for each academy from forums/articles/talking with people:
USNA: Best "academy experience" out of the 3 from what I heard, good opportunities for aviation, but not sure because I would dislike working on a ship if I decided not to go aviation. I did a Candidate Visit Weekend and also attended the Naval Academy Leadership Conf as a delegate (where I networked and got info about USNA through the lens of a maritime academy mid rather than a high schooler), and have a lot of contacts at USNA.
USMA: Doesn't have aerospace, and I've heard it's the most miserable branch so probably not. I did a day visit when I was in HS.
USAFA: Best aerospace degree from what I've heard, good opportunities for aviation, and no water which is a plus. The main reason for considering this is because of the "posh USAF lifestyle" I keep hearing about. But, I keep hearing poor opinions about the current state of USAFA, and that it's not really a "military school" anymore (most lax out of the three, I've heard their dorms are even rowdier than ours from mids at my school who went to the USAF Leadership Conference). I haven't visited but the campus looks great from videos I've seen. However, I'm trying to look past the four years and at the career side of it.
So, if you guys have any advice for a current mid who wants to get into aerospace and potentially become an aviator or engineer, fire away! TIA.
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