Enlisted options after NAPS

HM3ACE

5-Year Member
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Jan 6, 2010
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I'm currently enlisted and have received my acceptance letter to NAPS. What are all my possible options assuming I were to make it through NAPS. It's not that I doubt I will, I would just like to know exactly what I'm looking at. Obviously going to the USNA is an option. What about attending an NROTC at a civilian college? Or what would happen if I decided to Deny the USNA appointment? Would I just PSC with new orders to another command and if so how much time would be added on the my original enlistment? I know, I know, if you don't really want to go to NAPS then don't take up someone's place.....I'm just trying to get a feel for ALL my options.
 
NAPS is a blessing and a lot of people don't realize that. It is your foot in the door to the Naval Academy. Going to Naps does count as a year of service so it goes towards your retirement so instead of working your going to school and making some money. I think Enlisted who become officers get extra pay because of that.

Going to Annapolis is about a 400,000 dollar scholarship sure you can go to NROTC but if your foot is in the door why not go the NAPS route. Be very careful in your choice if you choose not to take this road you may never get that chance again. These schools are tough but they are the best of the best and to say your a Naval Academy graduate is golden!!!! Think hard my daughter is going to NAPS and my son is at the Naval Academy if you need to know anything please PM me also we are a Enlisted military family as well my husband who is in Afghanistan right now is AF 18 years...and on his 9th time there...

Good luck!! Think hard !!!!
 
Thank you for your input. There are several academy grads at my command and they all have assured me of how benificial the academy is. I have no doubt that going would better me in every way. What I really wanted to know were my options after graduating NAPS. Could joining NROTC after NAPS be a possibility or is attending USNA my only option?
 
You would recieve PCS orders to a new command. No time would be added to your original contract, provided that you don't sign an extension to go to naps. I'm at NAPs now if you want to send me a message.
 
Have you ever heard of any prior enlisted applying for for NROTC from NAPS? Are you a prior, if so what do you honestly think about being a prior at NAPS?
 
After NAPS you can only go to Annapolis. As a prior the only way to go to NROTC is to apply for STA-21, which is a totally different application process.

As another prior enlisted applicant, I'm kind of shocked that you didn't research all of your options prior to completing your application, but I guess late is better than never.
 
After NAPS you can only go to Annapolis. As a prior the only way to go to NROTC is to apply for STA-21, which is a totally different application process.

As another prior enlisted applicant, I'm kind of shocked that you didn't research all of your options prior to completing your application, but I guess late is better than never.


I know exactly what STA-21 is and believe me I've researched practically every commissioning option out there. As a prior, you should know that this stuff is practically jammed down our throats without us even having to ask for the info; or at least that's how it is at my command. My question was if it was still possible, while at Naps, to go through the NROTC route instead of going to USNA. So, I guess it's a no. It can't hurt to ask but anyway that was a wild assumption.
 
Why would you want to go anywhere BUT USNA after NAPS? You are being prepared for one of the most coveted college slots out there.
 
Anyone considering applying for an SA or ROTC really needs to do a self-examination to get a handle on what is important to him/her. Both programs are very fine programs for earning a degree and being commissioned in the armed forces, but they are different. With the exception of schools such as VMI, the Citadel, Texas A&M, etc, the ROTC programs are conducted at civilian schools and are an adjunct to the regular curriculum. Drill requirements are rather minimal interruptions to the normal routine. ROTC typically have access to much wider range of majors to pursue. The SA's are full immersion military programs with rather limited majors availability. They offer rich service environments and some service-related or relevant opportunities that may not be available via ROTC. There have been situations where I recommended a candidate strongly consider going ROTC rather than NAVY, because it struck me that the fit would be better for them.
It is important and incumbent upon the candidate to do this self-evaluation before accepting an offer to either program, and try to keep external factors and pressures out of the mix. Go where you feel you will do your best and will be in your best interests.

Best wishes.
 
The big reason I guess that I'm questioning myself is because I already have an associates degree. I'm less than a 1 1/2 years from getting my BS and it just seems that having to start fresh from zero would be a step back. I know all about the Naval Academy's reputation and I know that If I choose to attend that it will not only be a great decision but an amazing life altering opportunity. I also have to strongly look at the fact that the four years at the academy will not count towards time in service. These questions really have me going insane.
 
In the old days

The big reason I guess that I'm questioning myself is because I already have an associates degree. I'm less than a 1 1/2 years from getting my BS and it just seems that having to start fresh from zero would be a step back. I know all about the Naval Academy's reputation and I know that If I choose to attend that it will not only be a great decision but an amazing life altering opportunity. I also have to strongly look at the fact that the four years at the academy will not count towards time in service. These questions really have me going insane.
I don't know how old you are and perhaps that's an issue as well.
I was a HM2 with a RER1 re-enlistment code being released from 4 years active duty just before my 21st birthday. USNA was mentioned as a possibility although, I'm not sure it was a REAL possibility. OTOH, I was offered the opportunity to pursue MSC(Medical Service Corps).
My captain was a great guy, he had been enlisted and went on to college and med school.
I didn't pursue any of these options because the GI Bill back then provided everything(well, almost EVERYTHING). 4 1/2 years later I had my BS as a PA and a career. Few years later USN-R was offering me a commission to come back!
This was a long time ago and I have no regrets. The Navy gave me something I could never repay.
One of my sons is genuinely interested in becoming a jarhead, I would prefer he do it as a commissioned officer.
 
The big reason I guess that I'm questioning myself is because I already have an associates degree. I'm less than a 1 1/2 years from getting my BS and it just seems that having to start fresh from zero would be a step back. .

Keep in mind that you would not necessarily need to re-take classes that you've already passed. I'm not certain how course validation works for those who have one or more years of college-level classes, but you should check with your RD. Also check the USNA web site for validation requirements. Even coming straight out of HS, some Mids validate out of several classes, which allows them to take more advanced courses. Depending on how far ahead one is academically, it is possible to take some graduate-level classes during 1/C year at a local university.
 
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