My decision

smokey%

USNA '28 ⚓ | USMA & USAFA ‘28 Appointee
Joined
Mar 30, 2023
Messages
599
Today is my “cake day” on these forums (one year since I’ve joined) and I would like to celebrate by sharing some wonderful news. I have been very fortunate to receive appointments from USNA, USMA, and USAFA. It is an absolute privilege and dream come true for my family and I, especially considering I had zero clue about the academies and application process a year ago. These forums have been a great help to me navigating my nomination, ROTC, and academy applications. They say it takes a village and it truly does, I will forever be indebted to my family, friends, teachers, and members of Congress who have helped me along the way.

With all this being said, I am glad to share that I will be accepting my USNA appointment to the class of 2028! It was certainly a hard decision between my three appointments, and one that was made even harder when I visited UT Austin this week (man I love that school). Through speaking with my family and grads, I realized that attending an academy is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one that I have worked very hard for. I also feel that I will benefit from being in an environment where I am surrounded by hundreds of like minded individuals, who love the grind and are willing to get after it in and out of the classroom.

With ROTC ruled out for me, now came the good to have but difficult problem to choosing between USAFA, USNA, and USMA. I think you should always choose based on the branch as opposed to the academy itself and I like to think I did that! Between the three branches, I would enjoy a career in the Navy more; the jobs are more interesting, and they’re highly focused on STEM which will transfer well to the civilian world if I choose to leave AD. With the Air Force, I wasn’t as interested in the officer jobs available, and the same goes with the Army. Really what only kept West Point in the running for me was the prestige, but I suppose USNA is just as prestigious.

Anyways I guess this is all a really long explanation for something which most of you probably saw coming lol. Thank you to everyone here and I look forward to getting after it with my fellow ‘28ers for the next 4 years.

GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY! ⚓
 
I was wearing a Naval Academy hoodie on the bus back to the airport and the lady next to me recognized it and asked if I went there. I said I would be heading there this summer and she said that she is a graduate of the academy! Small world! I guess this is the universe telling me I’m making the right choice lol.
 
I was wearing a Naval Academy hoodie on the bus back to the airport and the lady next to me recognized it and asked if I went there. I said I would be heading there this summer and she said that she is a graduate of the academy! Small world! I guess this is the universe telling me I’m making the right choice lol.
A guy sat next to me in a dining hall a few days ago wearing an Annapolis/Navy hoodie. I asked him if he knew someone at the academy, and he said he just thought it looked cool
 
Today is my “cake day” on these forums (one year since I’ve joined) and I would like to celebrate by sharing some wonderful news. I have been very fortunate to receive appointments from USNA, USMA, and USAFA. It is an absolute privilege and dream come true for my family and I, especially considering I had zero clue about the academies and application process a year ago. These forums have been a great help to me navigating my nomination, ROTC, and academy applications. They say it takes a village and it truly does, I will forever be indebted to my family, friends, teachers, and members of Congress who have helped me along the way.

With all this being said, I am glad to share that I will be accepting my USNA appointment to the class of 2028! It was certainly a hard decision between my three appointments, and one that was made even harder when I visited UT Austin this week (man I love that school). Through speaking with my family and grads, I realized that attending an academy is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one that I have worked very hard for. I also feel that I will benefit from being in an environment where I am surrounded by hundreds of like minded individuals, who love the grind and are willing to get after it in and out of the classroom.

With ROTC ruled out for me, now came the good to have but difficult problem to choosing between USAFA, USNA, and USMA. I think you should always choose based on the branch as opposed to the academy itself and I like to think I did that! Between the three branches, I would enjoy a career in the Navy more; the jobs are more interesting, and they’re highly focused on STEM which will transfer well to the civilian world if I choose to leave AD. With the Air Force, I wasn’t as interested in the officer jobs available, and the same goes with the Army. Really what only kept West Point in the running for me was the prestige, but I suppose USNA is just as prestigious.

Anyways I guess this is all a really long explanation for something which most of you probably saw coming lol. Thank you to everyone here and I look forward to getting after it with my fellow ‘28ers for the next 4 years.

GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY! ⚓
First off, congratulations on making this big decision! All the Academies have great programs and opportunities! I also applaud you for looking past the four year journey. As a proud graduate, I will say that your USNA career is just that, your USNA career. Every tour will have its own flavor. It isn't worth it to go to a school that you're in love with for four years just to have a career you dread for the next five. Now that you have committed to Navy, start trying to learn about the Navy, USMC, and USNA. It will serve you well coming into Plebe Summer. Also, take a look at the different jobs available to Navy and USMC officers.

Don't worry about the prestige aspect. It is no secret SAs are highly regarded on the outside. Also, West Point is America's oldest SA. America, for being as pro-military as it is, is relatively uninformed about the military. People tend to default to the Army when they think of the military. The same applies to West Point. Regardless of branch, people will recognize your uniform and will be grateful for your service. However, prestige is only a fringe benefit; it shouldn't be the reason you serve. Not saying it is, I just mean in general.

Again, congratulations! You are going to have busy, tough, but fun and unforgettable four years by the Severn.
 
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I don’t see your name in the 2028 appt list …. Copy, paste, and 50 or so key strokes and you’re done.

Now you can focus on getting in shape away from the keyboard …. You can make yourself busy too by helping your parents with yard work and chopping some firewood for next season.
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I don’t see your name in the 2028 appt list …. Copy, paste, and 50 or so key strokes and you’re done.

Now you can focus on getting in shape away from the keyboard …. You can make yourself busy too by helping your parents with yard work and chopping some firewood for next season.
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Im number 33 on the appt list!
 
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Change #33 from “will accept” to “accepted” and you are done …
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I don’t see your name in the 2028 appt list …. Copy, paste, and 50 or so key strokes and you’re done.

Now you can focus on getting in shape away from the keyboard …. You can make yourself busy too by helping your parents with yard work and chopping some firewood for next season.
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Love the “yard work”. It will mean so much for your parents. Will more likely bring tears to see you do it before the send off. I know i would. Congratulations to all appointees! Enjoy precious time with your loved ones especially your parents. Pretty sure everyone’s heart are bursting with joy and pride for all your accomplishments and passion to serve.
 
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