USMA vs USAFA

J

jojohn246

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2015
Messages
31
Good evening! I have been very fortunate this past weekend to have been accepted to USMA, making that two appointments so far (the other being to USAFA)! However, although I am very grateful for this amazing opportunity, it leaves me with a rather tough question: USMA or USAFA? Both are great schools and both have awesome post-graduation prospects. I was hoping someone could give me some insight to the pros and cons of each academy. I am honestly unsure right now of what I want to do in the military, with both flying and ground combat interesting me. Any information you all can give me would be greatly appreciated!

On another note, lets say that I were to accept an appointment to one of the academies, then decide that, for whatever reason, I wanted to go into another academy. Is that possible? I hope someone with experience or an academy representative can give me information about this. I don't think that I will be in that position, but having the information would not hurt. Thanks in advance!

I posted this to the USAFA forum as well.
 
Have you been able to visit either? USMA can set up a CVW for you - talk to your FFR.
 
I have received an appointment to USMA and also applied to the other academies. The way I have started looking at it is which military service gives you the most opportunities in career fields you would like and are either service offering a career that you would definitely not want to do and which service will fit your personality best. Don't make the decision based on which academy seems the coolest but which service will offer the best opportunities for you because the academy is only 4 years and service is 5+ years
 
Two great options. Two relatively different options, as you've noticed.

You need to be sure when you make your choice. Proper etiquette is to notify the academy you're not selecting when you accept the appointment to the other. That way, they can go ahead and fill the slot you're not taking. So, once you've selected one academy, your slot at the other academy isn't going to wait on you having second thoughts.

Wish I could help you more. So many great careers in each branch of the military.
 
scouthollins said:
Don't make the decision based on which academy seems the coolest but which service will offer the best opportunities for you because the academy is only 4 years and service is 5+ years
Click to expand...
If you don't graduate there are 0 years of service. I don't think it would be a good idea to disregard what the service academy is like and only consider what the branch of service is like.
 
frenzymando said:
If you don't graduate there are 0 years of service. I don't think it would be a good idea to disregard what the service academy is like and only consider what the branch of service is like.
Click to expand...
Most of the academies are similar enough that if you don't graduate from one its doubtful you'll graduate from another
 
scouthollins said:
Most of the academies are similar enough that if you don't graduate from one its doubtful you'll graduate from another
Click to expand...
USNA bare minimum passing 1.5 mile run is 10:30. USMA's bare minimum passing 2 mile run is 15:54. So for USMA you get an extra 5:24 to run half a mile to pass. That's a lot easier. That can be a difference maker for poor runners. USNA there are more swimming tests than at USMA. That can be a difference maker for poor swimmers. At USMA you have to pass the IOTC. That can be a difference maker. At USMA all cadets are required to take foreign language classes while at USNA certain majors don't have to. If someone sucks at learning foreign languages, that can be a difference maker. Not very similar if you ask me, but to each his own.
 
Don't forget the possibility of cross-commissioning.

I know of a retired officer from USAFA who cross-commissioned into Army aviation.
 
USMA had one cross commission to a navy this year. And he is slated for SEALS. What are the odds? (Very small).
 
You really just have to figure out what YOU want. This is your decision, so take some time to decide. Once you decide, commit with all you have and you will be successful.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top