Service Academies Day

U

USNA20

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2014
Messages
4
Hi all,
I'm planning on attending a service academies day this Saturday. Just a couple of quick questions for everyone:
1: what is the normal dress for such an event
2: what should I expect when I go

I'm in PA-15 if that helps at all
Thank you in advance.
 
Mine was in north Texas but I assume it will be similar. I went in a dress. I saw some guys in nice slacks and button down shirts, even fewer with ties on, but that was as nice as it got. I remember one girl next to me was wearing orange crocs with camo pants and a hoodie; probably not what I would recommend;) But I would recommend dressing nice cause you may or may not shake hands with your representative:). The day is very informative. They had 1 member from each service academy describing their experience and later answering questions. We then visited different tables including the one for my MOC, USAFA/USMA/USNA tables, and also ones for their respective parent clubs. It's very informative, have fun!
 
I would suggest dressy casual... as stated above, you may well meet the sponsoring MOC. Usually the rep from the MOC's local office will tell you how the MOC will go about selecting nominees. You can expect presentation "pitches" from each of the five service academies (including CGA), a general Q&A session with all of the academy reps available, and a breakout session where you can meet with reps from the specific academies in which you have an interest.

It would be in your best interest to do your homework on the academies in which you have an interest so that you can ask meaningful questions. Go and make the most of this opportunity to get reasonably authoritative responses.
 
Dress up nice, but not too nice. You will come off as pretentious. This is from experience at a service academy day I went to. Came in with cargo shorts and a polo. Some kids arrived in full suits, like they were going in for an interview, when in reality they were just going to shake hands and talk a little bit, if anything.
 
Obviously it depends on the weather. I would wear the equivalent of khakis and a collared shirt (so, if weather is cold, maybe wool slacks and a sweater).

A suit would be overkill. The bottom line is you don't want to stick out in a bad way. As I say with BGO interviews, dress as if this is an important event in your day -- that you took the time to wear something "decent," -- not torn, dirty jeans, gym gear, etc.

You never know who will be there (MOC committee members, BGO/ALO, etc.). Never waste a chance to make a positive impression.
 
Thank you guys so much. I really appreciate it.
So just checking, khakis and a polo short is good or should I wear a dress shirt?
 
Remember...

At this type of function, you are representing all of us as Americans. You are interested in looking good to future academy applicants and your Members of Congress. Forget the polo and wear dress shirt w/ a coat and tie!!! I am 51 years old and I still expect certain young men and women to show that they stand out from the crowds!
 
Agree completely with USNA1985. No one is expecting a prospective candidate to come in a suit. A long sleeve shirt and khakis (with or without a tie) makes a good impression. I presume USNA1985 has attended numerous of these functions; I have attended many of them as well and I think what USNA1985 and I suggested above holds true.
 
Not all applicants have the means to buy certain types clothes. But understand you can take a bath and be well groomed (hair, nails). You can likely press the clothes you do know. You can look people in the eye and speak clearly and not chew gum. You can shake hand firmly and do you research to ask intelligent questions. Think about how you would answer question they might throw at you. You represent yourself. You're there because you likely have a desire to serve, but so does everyone else. So stand out!


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top