Commitment Questions?

tsearcy

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2010
Messages
11
I have become somewhat confused by others posts and information and was hoping someone could give a clear and concrete answer about the commitment required. If I were to accept my appointment, get sworn in on I-day, go to plebe summer, complete a full year (or two years?) at USNA and then decide it wasn't for me and I wanted to return to civilian life, would I owe the Navy money? Would I be obligated to serve any years? Thanks for the help. I'm not by any means saying I plan on taking advantage of the government but I simply need to know the facts.
 
Ok thanks for the reply. I just found that hard to believe because it seems some people would abuse that and just get two years of college out of the way for free and then return to a normal university. Hmm, I guess they don't really have a problem with people doing that sort of thing because if you go for two years you develop some sort of a bond with the school.
 
I think of people doing that too, but at the same time I believe it would be extremely difficult to make it through plebe summer and plebe year in general without having a passion for wanting to become an officer. It would not surprise me if a few people do that, but I could not imagine making it through Annapolis (well 4th/3rd Class years) without the motivation and commitment to succeed.
 
Ok thanks for the reply. I just found that hard to believe because it seems some people would abuse that and just get two years of college out of the way for free and then return to a normal university. Hmm, I guess they don't really have a problem with people doing that sort of thing because if you go for two years you develop some sort of a bond with the school.

What makes you think that 'some people' abuse the system? I suppose you know someone who left after two years?
The graduation rate for the service academies is among the highest of all colleges in the country.
It is doubtful that anyone who did not want to be there would last two full years. Yes, some leave but it is mostly for a change of heart - rather than deceit.
 
JustAMom, I think you are exactly right. I don't know of anyone personally doing that. I was just trying to better understand how things work.
 
Oh contraire on playing the system. Although a very small number, there are those who calculatingly go through the rigors of Plebe Summer, Plebe Year and 3C only to transfer to a civilian college. Not only do most, if not all, of their USNA credits transfer, they are 'independent' from parents and score big on financial assistance at the civilian college as a result. Not the most admirable or honorable way to do it, but some do just the same. The rigor of admissions is designed to choose the most committed, but can't be 100%.
 
Signing may be ceremonial but the point is they can leave prior to that 2nd class year with no service obligation or money owed.
 
In my day, there were a handful of people each year who leave after their 3/c year. The ones I knew made an informed decision that USNA and the military wasn't for them. I didn't see anyone who just tried to get 2 free years of education, although there are probably a few who do just that. :rolleyes:
 
It seems far fetched that a kid would go through the he11 of plebe summer and two full years just to get some class credits - especially since most who get into any academy could have probably got very nice scholarship packages elsewhere. And no 0500 wake up runs.
 
What if student gets kicked out after 3/C year,for whatever reason, as has happened recently? Do they have to pay back the tuition (how much is that?) or do they have to serve as enlisted?
 
My thoughts exactly, OSDAD! My kids has wanted to attend USNA for years, and that stuff even discourages him sometimes.
 
What if student gets kicked out after 3/C year,for whatever reason, as has happened recently? Do they have to pay back the tuition (how much is that?) or do they have to serve as enlisted?

Neither. (Well, it depends on how much "after" their 3/c year you are talking about).

All academy appointments allow the first two years (4/c and 3/c) without obligation, monetary or service.

The commitment does not begin until their 2/c academic year begins.
 
It all depends. They could be sent a bill or they could be enlisted. It's at the pleasure of the service.
They also could lawyer up and negotiate their discharge and bill. It all depends on the situation.
 
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