Having graduated from USNA and served as a naval aviator, I always wondered: What happens to USAFA graduates who, for one reason or another, cannot be a pilot? It always seemed to me, in the Air Force, if you're not a pilot ... uh ... just what
are you? Do you live in a missile silo waiting to push a button, or something?
What is unique about the Naval Academy and a naval career, in general - you have a wide assortment of viable, interesting, and career-enhancing options. Marine Corps, Nuclear Power, Surface Warfare, Aviation, etc ...
My twin sons are currently pursuing the Medical Corps, which is going to be a big academic challenge. But, if for some reason they come up short, they have many other areas to pursue.
One of my sons jokingly says, "I'm either going to be a doctor or a SEAL." That's hilarious because there is
no way in the world he is going to be a SEAL. That's not his style and he knows it. We all get a good chuckle out of that.