USMMA VS USNA VS NROTC for active duty US Navy

Hockeydad

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My son just got his appointment for USMMA today. He's also a USNA candidate and has nominations from our senator and congressman. Waiting on a USNA waiver on cold-induced bronchitis that he already got from USMMA and Navy Nuke delayed entry. Definitely wants active duty in USN when he's done- surface warfare, Seals, aviation etc. are all still interesting to him. We are interested in hearing from former USMMA graduates who went active duty navy. How did that affect your choices in the US Navy, if at all? Any thoughts about training at USMMA compared to what you have learned from friends who went to USNA? or NROTC? Comments much appreciated.
 
I feel like a broken record. I seem to field these questions a lot. Maybe it is because them come up so much. If you look though my posts from the last year you can see that I've discussed this at length.

Long and short of it; KP isn't the place to go if you want AD Navy.

With that said a lot of people show up and want AD Navy but change their mind. Close to 30 applied for active duty Navy in 2015, 18 got slots. A lot of NFO and Pilots, I think only 3 SWOs, and the Nuke Selection was high (...including a deckie). ROTC and USNA will train you to become a professional Naval Officer, KP will train you to become a professional Mariner. There is a lot of over lap, but it is very different.

Find and read my other posts.

Merry Christmas,
Beyond
 
About 25% go AD. Send me a PM and I'll put you in touch with someone to answer your specific questions. Last year was unusual because of downsizing. The number of slots varies every year depending on the needs (just like at the other Academies). What is open in terms of jobs and that is dependent on what our President does in terms of downsizing and shifting billets. No one knows where or what will be happening in five years. With all the Academies downsizing and a need for AD it is a great time to enter the academy and have choice of MOS.
 
AND the maritime industry can change, too. I can tell you it was a different animal compared to when I entered and when I graduated. . . It was even very different from my sea year to when I graduated. . . one just never knows.
 
Thank you. It does sound like USMMA is a great choice with a realistic chance of going Navy AD and my DS is going to have a hard time deciding whatever the final choices are this spring. At the moment his choices are 1) USMMA and 2) delayed entry Navy Nuclear program with reapplication to USNA after completion of the Navy Nuclear program (he's already accepted there). I've counseled him option 2 could be risky. What if his CO didn't support him applying for USNA? Even if his CO loved him, if there was a shortage of Navy Nuclear technicians, which I've heard happens, they could expect him to continue in that capacity.
 
My son just got his appointment for USMMA today. He's also a USNA candidate and has nominations from our senator and congressman. Waiting on a USNA waiver on cold-induced bronchitis that he already got from USMMA and Navy Nuke delayed entry. Definitely wants active duty in USN when he's done- surface warfare, Seals, aviation etc. are all still interesting to him. We are interested in hearing from former USMMA graduates who went active duty navy. How did that affect your choices in the US Navy, if at all? Any thoughts about training at USMMA compared to what you have learned from friends who went to USNA? or NROTC? Comments much appreciated.

Hockeydad, My DS graduated in 13 and went AD Naval Aviation.

Yes it can be done.

luv2fly
 
Hockeydad, My DS graduated in 13 and went AD Naval Aviation.

Yes it can be done.

luv2fly

Thank you. In some ways, I think USMMA would be the best place for my DS. Really, the first big decision of his life but still waiting to see what the options will be. I'll pass this on to him.
 
One of my Sea Year shipmates went Naval Aviation. Was a right seater in an Intruder in the first wave of the first Gulf War. . . some good stories there. He retired a couple of years ago.
 
I feel like a broken record. I seem to field these questions a lot. Maybe it is because them come up so much. If you look though my posts from the last year you can see that I've discussed this at length.

Long and short of it; KP isn't the place to go if you want AD Navy.


Not sure this is quite true - If you want to go AD Navy you will have a leg up going SWO as your watch-standing and shiphandling skills are far more advanced than guys coming from USNA. A lot of classmates also went Navy/Army aviation in my class and the class behind. USMMA has many options active duty, your DS just needs to ensure he or she starts the application process early as the spots are competitive as with any other service academy.
 
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