you want hands on? you got it.
Correct me if I am wrong, but you guys are saying that KP will give me a "hands on" experience as well as the theoretical/mathematical background of engineering? Also, would I be guaranteed the chance to commission into any of the branches of the military? No offense to anyone, but I don't want to be an officer in the merchant marine. One thing that got me interested in KP was the fact that they could keep their options open...Speaking of options, does KP have any sort of summer experiences like the other SA's? For instance, could they go aboard the Eagle or participate in any sort of flight training?
KP will give you more hands on experience than any other engineering program i'm aware of (other maritime schools provide a close second from what i gather from those that i've sailed with). spending a year at sea, you are working every day on engine machinery that requires in depth understanding of engineering principles and theory. this hands on experience not only shows that you know your stuff, but helps you understand the more advanced principles more clearly.
as far as commissioning goes, there are ample opportunities to commission where ever you'd like. some require you sign the dotted line earlier than others, but either way you can do it.
as for saying you don't want to be a MM officer, that's fine, but i wouldn't come to conclusions at your stage in life about what sea life is like. i said the same thing when i was still in the application process, and after spending a year at sea, a lot has changed in how i view going to sea. while i still don't think i would want to make a full career of it, i won't close that door just yet because YOU NEVER KNOW. sea life is quite interesting and is quite enjoyable...most of the time.
as far as "other training", and no offense to the USCGA, but the Eagle's got nothing on what we do at sea. that'd be like comparing AA high school ball to the NY Yankees. if you want to do a flight internship, bring it on. many of my friends did internships with fighter squadrons and flew backseat on several occasions. they also offer Airborne and Air Assault trainings through the Army, CG search and rescue helo ops, etc...
for my internship, for example, i worked with the US Army Research and Development Engineering Corps in NJ to assist in the redesign of an armor system that is currently being used in theatre.
i guess i say all that to say this: if you want unique, hands-on training, don't waste your time looking elsewhere. i have friends at USNA, USMA, USAFA, and USCGA, and none of them have done the kinds of things i've not only been able to do, but been required to do. while they still have great opportunities, you'd be hard pressed to find guys from the other SAs that have been around the world 3 times, been in the middle of civil wars on the other side of the world, etc... and know how to do everything from mathematically analyze bearings to weld and rebuild complicated pieces of machinery.
you want a challenge? come on.
you want to become a competent engineer? let's go.
you want an experience that no other school in the world will offer? bring your A game. you'll need it.