Looks like we have some problem

[2012mom?]

It is fairly routine now for USNA Mids who need it to have PRK surgery after signing their service commitment papers ("2 for 7's") at the start of their third year. However, there can be vision issues that prevent PRK. Also, other things can disqualify someone from pilot qualification: physical dimensions (too tall, too short, arm length out of proportion, etc) or performance on the required aptitude tests are just two reasons someone may not qualify.

As far as thinking ahead about career service options goes, while it's good to think about, your son's opinions could change radically between now and his SA graduation year. My Mid went into USNA thinking about a career as a SWO (surface ship officer), and she was absolutely delighted that women were not allowed aboard subs, as she had ZERO interest in sub service. Now, several summer trainings later, SWO is her very LAST choice of service, and subs (while not first choice) would be a totally acceptable alternative. My suggestion would be for your son to consider the aggregate of all the service possibilities in each case (LITS and others here can be of great help with CG options!). It may help him to think about the question, "How would I feel/react if I were assigned to service choice #3?" with respect to either service.

In the short term, it's important for your son to feel that he's a good "fit" with either USCGA or USNA, and for that decision, he needs to know as much as he can about each one. Not attending NASS is not a big deal wrt to USNA; most of my Mids' friends did not attend NASS. I would suggest that, even though he participated in AIM, that he should, if possible, attend a Candidate Visit Weekend (CVW, or whatever it's called at USCGA) at both places. That will give him a much better feel for life as a Plebe/Swab during the academic year at each place.

Congratulations to you and your son. Choosing between USCGA and USNA is a win-win situation!

 

[navy_clarinet_mom]

summer1942... Like others have mentioned it is a good problem to have. My daughter had a similar situation but probably a bit more difficult. She was offered direct admit to USAFA and NAPS. The AFA came in first and NAPS was about 3 weeks later. She also had a full scholarship to her plan B school. Her problem...4 years versus 5 years...we let her think about it and take the time to decide what her heart was telling her.

She is at USNA now and has never looked back. Best of luck at whatever the decision is.

 

[summer1942]

Son was told at Annapolis that vision (nearsightedness) is no longer an issue for admissions at USNA; many of the mids no get PRK their third year and opt for flight school.

Thanks for the information.

Last, the LOA from Annapolis is great, but don't turn down USCGA until your son has the appointment in hand!

Absolutely !! Even he has the LOA from USNA and appointment from USCGA, he still have to submit the applications for regular colleges. We want to be safe . Everything can happen between now and I day or R day.

 

[summer1942]

Like others have mentioned it is a good problem to have. My daughter had a similar situation but probably a bit more difficult. She was offered direct admit to USAFA and NAPS. The AFA came in first and NAPS was about 3 weeks later. She also had a full scholarship to her plan B school. Her problem...4 years versus 5 years...we let her think about it and take the time to decide what her heart was telling her.

She is at USNA now and has never looked back. Best of luck at whatever the decision is.

I like you input. So far , I think USNA will be his decision . But again, I let him make a final call.

 

[singaporemom]

I heartily disagree.

Enlisted recruiters are one of the worst sources of information about the Service Academies.

They are neither trained or experienced in speaking about the academies, and are the source of much confusion and misinformation.

I'm sorry I didn't make it clear. My son talked with every source he could find, including recruiters and ROTC people to find out about military life and career opportunities. He told them right from the start what his choices were and what type of information he was after. They were very helpful. Didn't 'recruit', just talked.

 

[LineInTheSand]

Last, the LOA from Annapolis is great, but don't turn down USCGA until your son has the appointment in hand! [By the way,LITS, what's "beansprouting?"]

Beansprouting is what cadets call "cadet for a day". Accepted high school seniors have the option to shadow a 4/c cadet for the day, going to class, sports, and eventually sleeping on a cot in the cadet's room.

4/c cadets are excited to get a "beansprout". I never got one. I was a beansprout however, my senior year, and that's what sealed the deal for me, to attend CGA.

 

[Memphis9489]

Beansprouting is what cadets call "cadet for a day". Accepted high school seniors have the option to shadow a 4/c cadet for the day, going to class, sports, and eventually sleeping on a cot in the cadet's room.

4/c cadets are excited to get a "beansprout". I never got one. I was a beansprout however, my senior year, and that's what sealed the deal for me, to attend CGA.

I can only speak for the Naval Academy, but "dragging" a candidate around was considered a good deal for a Plebe because it meant that he (the Plebe) was released from many Plebe-like annoyances like chopping, squaring corners, sounding-off, chow calls, come-arounds, etc..

It was like being given "carry on" privileges.

 

[LineInTheSand]

I can only speak for the Naval Academy, but "dragging" a candidate around was considered a good deal for a Plebe because it meant that he (the Plebe) was released from many Plebe-like annoyances like chopping, squaring corners, sounding-off, chow calls, come-arounds, etc..

It was like being given "carry on" privileges.

Exactly!