Career Preference Prior to Graduation

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pieterm

5-Year Member
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Jan 23, 2011
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I have been told that, upon entering your senior year, you are asked to state your preferences upon graduation into which field of the navy you go into (i.e., Marine, aviation, surface warfare, EOD...). Does anyone know what all of the options are or where I can find them? My first choice is the Marine Corps, and I'd hate to be stuck doing something I dont like. :thumbdown:
 
My first choice is marine corps too and I totally understand where you're coming from because I used to be the same way, but you should come to terms that it's the "needs of the navy" and you may end up not getting your first choice of the marines and may end up on a ship. You may even change your mind once you get to usna and decide you want to be in the navy!!
 
Well the process tends to be a "dance" of sorts in which one asks and the other says yes, no, meet my friend who'd love to dance w/ you.

"Oh yea, I'd thought about asking her. So that'll be ok, I guess."

In the end, it is the "needs of the Navy" so IF you've somehow concluded (I've no idea how you could have at this point) you have to be a Marine, then the Academy is likely not for you. Currently only 25% or so go into the Corps, ground and air. 3 out of 4 end up in the USN.
 
Check that website re: various options for USNA grad's. During their four years @ USNA, Midshipmen are asked repeatedly to provide their preferences. My Mid says this changes for many over the years, as they're exposed to all sorts of experiences, briefings, etc. Preferences really count as they enter their final year.

To get USMC, excel during Leatherneck summer, and be the fittest of the fit. Marines care about that more than you can imagine. Run! Pull-up!

Whistle Pig is right (I CHOKE AS I TYPE THAT) in noting that only 25% of the class "gets" USMC, but many -- even most -- 1/C's want Navy, not USMC. If you make this your goal, and despite the endless demands of USNA academics and obligations, you can do it.
 
One final note to expand upon this. While it might seem as though the odds of getting USMC are confounding, i.e. 1 out of 4, and one is competing against the best pool of students on the entire planet :thumb: ...

It is important to know that while there are many among the USMC who are top dog/OOM in the class, there are many, perhaps many more, who are not. And analysis shows that the most Marines tend to be from the "bull" majors, not aero, chem, engineering. For good reason. Marines are "boots on the ground/take the beach" soldiers, no need to know how to do differential equations or the nuances of nuclear reactors.

What is the point? Simply to say that the tough odds do not correlate to or imply that becoming a USMC requires being stellar or technical in the classroom. At worst, USMC selectees are likely distributed throughout the order of merit. No matter what the Semper Fi service selects might otherwise have you believe. :wink:
 
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