I have been researching lately the differences in the academies. I was wondering if you guys could provide any input on any of the 5? I think the one I am liking the most is the naval academy. Also what are some pros and cons of the three of them? Such as: better engineering programs, athletics, etc.
I've always said that Naval Academy graduates have a much wider spectrum of warfare specialties from which to choose that all have the potential to offer successful careers should the graduate do well and stick with it.
Look at the Naval Academy now. The Superintendent is an aviator and the Commandant is a submariner, two radically different communities, yet both of them are doing very well. There are admirals who are surface warfare officers and there are Marine Corps generals who are both grunts and aviators.
In the Air Force & Army, such warfare diversity does not exist to the degree that it does in the Navy. For instance, the dirty little secret in the Air Force is that you're either a pilot our your
not. That's how they are culturally divided. A disproportionate number of high-ranking officers are pilots. There's a caste system in the Air Force.
The drawbacks with the Navy is that you are away from home more than with the other services.
Don't think about the academies - think about the service.
Academy-wise, there's no question about it - the Naval Academy is most picturesque and most convenient. It's nestled within the town of Annapolis - the capital of Maryland! The Air Force Academy is basically in a mountain dessert, far away from everything. West Point isn't as bad but it sits rather isolated on the cliffs overlooking the Hudson River.
Believe me, if you don't like one particular academy, the chances are high that you won't like any of the others, either.
