USAFA V.S. USMA

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SA'19

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Jan 7, 2015
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I saw similar posts like this around the forum, but it I was wondering if any experienced Academy graduates/active duty people can give me a little insight on this.

I was fortunate enough to receive an appointment to both of the Academies, but I have no idea which to choose. I focused most of my research on what missions and life is like AFTER each of the Academies, and I really like both. I want to be a political science/foreign relations/comparative science (something like that) major. Of course this may change later on, but that has been my focus for the past four years. I'd like to ultimately go into military intelligence after the Academies which both branches offer. Somewhere down the line, however, I'd like to pursue a job in the Department of State/Pentagon/etc... as a civilian after I serve my years in the military. Obviously each Academy comes with much prestige, but what Academy would be best for this pathway?
 
Well, you posted in the AF forum...:D

Seriously, come to USAFA with me and the rest of us! You won't regret it! :cool:

In all honesty, it seems to me that both academies could get you where you want to go. I would say that it depends more on which branch you prefer to serve in. I have personally found it helpful to talk to retired/active duty members of each branch--they usually have really good insights and suggestions.

Good luck, and congratulations! :thumb:
 
wildblueyonder said:
Well, you posted in the AF forum...:D
Click to expand...

I had a similar answer to a previous post a while ago way to go wildblue!

No one academy is going to help you more than the other on your post military career desires. My personal opinion, that's up to you and what you do along the way career wise. Unless of course one doesn't offer the degree that you want but I think in this case they both do.

I think you have to focus on the post academy jobs (not your career after the military) that are available to each service and the life that each one has during your military career. Pick the one that has the most options that you like because remember you many not get your first choice when it comes to military careers so you should make sure you're happy with your other options.
 
Of coarse, we would all love to see you join us at USAFA, but I will say this...
I was in a similar situation as you. I got appointed to both USMA and USAFA. Even though I've known I wanted USAFA for years, lots of people urged me to go West Point because it sounded more prestigious (to them, at least). And for a couple days, I started to question what I really wanted. After a while though, I realized that the whole time, I KNEW where I belonged. Just felt it in my gut. If I had let myself be swayed by others, I would have ended up in the wrong place.
My whole point for saying this is just to say, make sure you know what YOU want. Regardless of the decision you make, make sure it's the best place for you, not just because it's where parents, grandparents, friends, etc. want you to go! This is YOUR life and YOUR career, so make sure you are the one calling the shots!
Best of luck! (And I really do hope you decide to go USAFA, but like I said, choose the best place for you!)
 
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