Naval Career?

Machdude

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2012
Messages
14
Hi, I have a very strong interest in a career in the US Navy (most likely SWO). In truth, nothing besides the navy really interests me. My first choice is, understandably, that little canoeing school in Annapolis. I attended NASS, and I was sure that the USNA was the only place I could be 100% happy. But I realize that dreams don't always come true (and to be honest, the Academy was always secondary to the Navy in my mind). So KP, with its maritime focus, seemed like a logical "back up" school.
After reading up on KP... I've come to the conclusion that it isn't a back up school. It's job is to train Merchant Marine officers, not to catch all the unfortunate souls who didn't make it into Navy. I'm not applying to west point, I'm not applying to USAFA. I have been called to the sea, and they don't train people for that. As I'm writing this, I feel silly for wanting to apply to a program that doesn't offer what I want, what I need. I have been called to serve in the United States Navy, and I believe that my choice of college should reflect that. It has to be a place where I can get a lot of exposure to the Navy. As far as I know, that's either the Academy or nrotc. If there are any opportunities at KP, please let me know... otherwise, I think I'm going to take it off my list permanently.

///I'm sorry, this started out like a question but then I started rambling... I think I've already made my decision. If you have any advice on the subject, I would very much appreciate it. If you don't really understand my rambling... well I don't blame you, lol.\\\
 
Well, seeing as how you're in the Naval Reserves while a MIDN at Kings Point, I'd say it's heading in the direction you desire. Our son met the best friends of his life at KP. It's a great place to be FROM. Many will chime in saying it may not be the most enjoyable place to attend school. But the opportunities it offers are fantastic.
 
If you have been truly "called to the sea" then you will find what you are looking for at KP.
 
If you have been truly "called to the sea" then you will find what you are looking for at KP.

Very true words. I have made no secret about KP not being my first choice for an education back in my high school days. After applying to be nominated to all of the academies, with my main focus being the Air Force, I became less and less enamored with that lifestyle while visiting the local AF Bases for testing, evaluations, etc. The more I learned about KP and the difference in lifestyle as a merchant mariner as opposed to a Navy sailor/officer, my choice became clear. I have never hand any regrets about giving up on an Air Force or other military career. A "call to the sea" is better answered as a merchant mariner than any other role. In my opinion, anyway.
 
I'm not applying to west point, I'm not applying to USAFA. I have been called to the sea, and they don't train people for that.

If you don't mind wading ashore when you're in trouble :rolleyes: there's another sea-going US military service you might want to investigate.

I hear they train you to become a sea-going military officer as well.
 
Wading ashore

Luigi
Don't you hafta be over 6 feet tall for the Coast Guard?
:shake:
 
Machdude: If you want to take USMMA "off your list permanently" then feel free to do so. However, as has already been said, while you have the primary mission and purpose of the USMMA:


"It's job is to train Merchant Marine officers"

dead nuts on; there's also probably no better place to learn how to be a SWO and as you also point out, the USN is a sea-going service; and if you attend USMMA you will also be in an NROTC program, one of the larger ones in the Nation, in fact.

So I'm not at all sure what you mean or why you "ask":

"If there are any opportunities at KP, please let me know... "

Of course if being in a full 24/7 regimental system, as a Midshipman, USNR isn't enough exposure to the Navy for you; or being pushed both subtly and overtly to also consider a career in the commercial maritime industry during your four years at the Academy is abhorrent to you then yes, I'd drop USMMA from your list and move on. But if you want either USN (particularly SWO) or Commercial Maritime as a career, then I'd continue to consider it. Folks like me will always appreciate folks like you understanding, no one likes their Alma Mater to be someone's back-up or fallback school, but as you can see form the responses, a lot of successful graduates have changed their thought process to/from Active Duty Navy and/or Commercial Maritime or vice versa during their time at the USMMA.

Best of luck whatever you decide.
 
What he said. One thing to remember. Now that I am in my 50s, I am working in a career that I didn't even know existed when I was in high school, making my early career decisions. I am also VERY happy to be doing what I am doing (except, of course when I am stuck in some tropical third world uh, not nice place). As we grow and learn more about the world, our wants and desires change. I have changed my career twice since leaving KP; although work is loosely related. I can also say that I would not be where I am today without having gone to KP.
 
Note that all midshipmen at USMMA (minus the foreign students) by default commission in the Navy Reserves in the SSO program. There is no requirement for USMMA to commission active duty member of any branch, it just happens that you can co into any branch from USMMA (even NOAA). If your goal is to go active duty Navy as a SWO, USMMA may be a good choice but not your best. Yes, you will get time on the sea (on a merchant ship) and may be able to do a midshipmen cruise on a Navy ship (not required and not guaranteed and considering the jam packed schedule, not always feasible). What you won't get is a guaranteed spot as a SWO. in the past, whoever put in for SWO has generally gotten it, but with the state of the Navy as it is now, it is not a sure thing to get picked up SWO(just as the class of 2012 who applied and didn't get SWO). Yes, things can change in 4 years, but who knows. At a real ROTC unit (sure USMMA falls under NSTC, but is not a real ROTC) you will get an active commission in one of the unrestricted line communities (sure there are exceptions where you may go restricted or staff corps). So, in conclusion, if you want more options, USMMA gives that. If you want a more guaranteed active duty SWO option, and a real college experience, an ROTC unit will give you that.
 
DS went to The Basic School at Quantico with a graduate from USNA. He was a great guy and a great officer but during his time at the Naval Academy he had spent a total of 6 days at sea.(4 of them were on shore leave.) If you choose to go to KP and if you graduate you will have accrued more than three hundred days at sea and you will have a Coast guard license as a 3rd mate for vessels of unlimited tonnage in any ocean. My son's KP classmate who went active duty Navy as a SWO cruised through the Navy's school. (after 2 days he was no longer allowed to answer questions.) Just something to consider. USNA produces fine Navy officers. USMMA produces mariners who know how to handle ships.
 
USNA produces fine Navy officers. USMMA produces mariners who know how to handle ships.
DS did his internship on USS Wasp (CO is a KP grad) along with ROTC and USNA mids as part of their summer tour. He said the folks in the engine room liked his sea partner and him because they knew their way around an engine room.:thumb:
 
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