USNA or USMA?

CallSignGaspar

CallSignGaspar

Member
Joined
May 28, 2018
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180
I am not trying to compare them in any way because I love all the service academies, but I came down to these top 2. I need the insights of the forum.

I considered USNA as my top school because I wanted to be a naval aviator or a marine corps pilot. It has always been my goal to be a pilot whether flying fighter planes or others.

I considered USMA as my 2nd top school because I wanted to be a part of the army. I also considered West Point for being West Point creating the best leaders of our nation and the world. I am also interested in the stellar leadership program that can't be matched by other top colleges.

I have received an appointment to USNA, and I am waiting to hear back from USMA.

I need your insights for both of the academies. I really love both of the schools, but sadly I can only choose one at the end of the day.
 
Your decision should come down to two things: Which service branch can best meet your military career aspirations, i.e. what can you see yourself doing for at least five years after graduation, especially if your preferred MOS doesn’t pan out? Which SA feels like your tribe, i.e. where do you feel the most at home?

Seems like you’ve already answered the first. For the second, CVW or SS/SLE is usually the best way to answer that (coupled with meeting as many alumni, active-duty officers and veterans as you can).

Regarding the leadership aspect, WP certainly has a well-earned reputation for turning out great leaders. But so does USNA. Look at this comparison as more than, “Which one turned out more presidents or famous generals/admirals.” Any difference in leadership development is a matter of degrees — and process, which is more similar than different. In the end, the kind and quality of leader you become will be a product of who you are and what you put into it, not which SA you attended.
 
May 28, 2018
CallSignGaspar said:
I am applying for USMA and USCGA making Coastguard my top pick.
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January 20, 2019
CallSignGaspar said:
...I am worried because USNA is my top school and will do anything to get in. I know that I made a lot of mistakes throughout my application process. Past is past and I am ready to move on as in create more ways into getting to USNA. I won't give up until I get in there...
DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!
-CallSignGaspar
Go Navy! Beat Army!
Guam, U.S.A
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February 8, 2019
CallSignGaspar said:
UPDATE: I got principal appointment to USMMA !!
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March 20, 2019
CallSignGaspar said:
...I love all the service academies, but I came down to these top 2...
Click to expand...

I don't know what to tell you.
 
THParent said:
May 28, 2018
CallSignGaspar said:
I am applying for USMA and USCGA making Coastguard my top pick.
Click to expand...

January 20, 2019
CallSignGaspar said:
...I am worried because USNA is my top school and will do anything to get in. I know that I made a lot of mistakes throughout my application process. Past is past and I am ready to move on as in create more ways into getting to USNA. I won't give up until I get in there...
DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!
-CallSignGaspar
Go Navy! Beat Army!
Guam, U.S.A
Click to expand...

February 8, 2019
CallSignGaspar said:
UPDATE: I got principal appointment to USMMA !!
Click to expand...

March 20, 2019
CallSignGaspar said:
...I love all the service academies, but I came down to these top 2...
Click to expand...

I don't know what to tell you.
Click to expand...
For months, I've been applying to 4 service academies. I am fortunate enough to be appointed to 3/4 so far. I have yet to wait for West Point's decision, but I got my top two picks which are USNA and USMA. I am currently leaning on USNA because they have a lot of careers that I see myself doing especially aviation and cyber warfare.
 
Agree with everything stated about focusing on the service. Bottom line... what you take away in leadership and training is what you put into it. If you open yourself up, volunteer and seek opportunities you will get what you want out of it regardless of school. There are lots of old threads on this topic... take a look at them. Pretty much anything you can do in the Army in terms of Branch/MOS you can do in the Marines. It comes down to aviation and platforms you are interested in flying. Your chances of flying are greater at USNA. You want to drive a tank go Army. USNA does have the most diverse post graduation options between both services. Comes down to what you want, what your goals are and what service fits you best.
 
The disadvantage you have is that you haven't been able to visit any of the academies. Research is important but there is no substitute to being there.

Plus, have you ever experienced cold weather?
West Point's winters will be much harsher that USNA's.

You still have around 40 days to decide. I would try to find a way to fly here and visit each academy. I know it's a long flight from Guam but it's still shorter than 9 years of your life.
 
Overwhelmed said:
The disadvantage you have is that you haven't been able to visit any of the academies. Research is important but there is no substitute to being there.

Plus, have you ever experienced cold weather?
West Point's winters will be much harsher that USNA's.

You still have around 40 days to decide. I would try to find a way to fly here and visit each academy. I know it's a long flight from Guam but it's still shorter than 9 years of your life.
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I would if I had the money. I don't come from a rich family lol. It's about 2 grand just to fly to Maryland.
 
I don’t think you could go wrong with any of your choices. Sometimes in life we have to take leaps of faith! It may come down to that. Don’t OVER think it. Great leaders come from all places. It’s within you. It will be fostered at any of the SA’s.

My advice would be to look around the forums to try and get a feel for the culture of with academy and their active duty. The culture is very different. And you want to be among “your people”. Feel comfortable and at ‘home’. Navy and Army are pretty different. Assuming they both meet your career goal.

Sometimes I think we can have too many choices. Too much information. What does your gut tell you? Sometimes we have to listen to our inner self and take a leap!
 
CallSignGaspar said:
I considered USNA as my top school because I wanted to be a naval aviator or a marine corps pilot. It has always been my goal to be a pilot whether flying fighter planes or others.
Click to expand...

One other consideration is what if something pops up that prevents you from being a pilot - which service has better options for you if you are not "turning and burning"?

+1 @justdoit19 - at some point in the decision process, you'll need listen to follow your gut and "take a leap". Close your eyes and clear your mind - imagine where you will be in six years. Is that initial image in your mind as an Army or Naval officer?

Whatever you choose, don't look back and second guess yourself. Embrace it.
 
Many many years ago, I was looking at Navy ROTC and Army ROTC. I took an afternoon to look at the services just in case I got both programs. Looking at the two, I decided I preferred not spending a lot of time outdoors in the field, so made NROTC my first choice. Once I was on that path, it was just a matter of finding the opportunities available. I eventually got aviation, and never looked back.

The first five years after the academy you'll either be in the field with the Army, or afloat in the fleet (generally).
 
First 5 years is the best 5 years. Like life itself, Career gets more complicated and challenging and even more with a family. Important choices to make, no longer by yourself when you have a family. You will have opportunities to do joint service branch time with other services. In fact, it is encouraged you have that to advance in your career. Normally as an Iron Major or as a LT CDR. Enjoy the time at the Academy and time as a Junior Officer. There’s no bad choice only a better choice for you to become the person you want to be.
 
How can this even be a question...there is only one right answer...years from now do you really want to be telling your grandchildren how you pushed buttons on a boat? GO ARMY!!!!

But seriously yes, like justdoit2019 mentioned, follow your gut. What does your gut tell you? You must have some instinct telling you one way or another.

Either way, you will be serving your country and it is a high honor. Good luck and let us know how you decide.
 
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