Army V. Navy (No, not football)

cbasalt1

USNA 27'
Joined
Mar 29, 2021
Messages
229
I know that there are other forums about this.

I am just facing a really hard choice right now.

I am applying to both USNA, and USMA, and I figure that the decision of where I go will be decided by if/where I am accepted. Even this far ahead though, I find it troubling to think of deciding a service/academy. I had reached a predetermination, but after meeting some of the Army community I am back to ground zero.

I think beyond the 4 years at an academy though, is the perhaps 20+ years that I have considered serving. I also like to think that from what I have seen the school reflect there respective branch.

Can anyone offer insight on differences between the branches or SA's? This information is particularly relevant as I am currently in the process of ranking for noms.

Thanks
 
I know that there are other forums about this.

I am just facing a really hard choice right now.

I am applying to both USNA, and USMA, and I figure that the decision of where I go will be decided by if/where I am accepted. Even this far ahead though, I find it troubling to think of deciding a service/academy. I had reached a predetermination, but after meeting some of the Army community I am back to ground zero.

I think beyond the 4 years at an academy though, is the perhaps 20+ years that I have considered serving. I also like to think that from what I have seen the school reflect there respective branch.

Can anyone offer insight on differences between the branches or SA's? This information is particularly relevant as I am currently in the process of ranking for noms.

Thanks
Oh take this with a grain of salt.

DS got rejected 1Dec20 by USMA; Offered USNA Foundation Prep
15Apr21. Initially, I was disappointed
‘Cause I was in the US Army for 30 years.

Then I realized that DS don’t have to jump in the Arctic at -30 degrees; or take the annual 12-mile road march with a 60 lbs ruck.

So yes, USNA is the way to go.
 
I know that there are other forums about this.

I am just facing a really hard choice right now.

I am applying to both USNA, and USMA, and I figure that the decision of where I go will be decided by if/where I am accepted. Even this far ahead though, I find it troubling to think of deciding a service/academy. I had reached a predetermination, but after meeting some of the Army community I am back to ground zero.

I think beyond the 4 years at an academy though, is the perhaps 20+ years that I have considered serving. I also like to think that from what I have seen the school reflect there respective branch.

Can anyone offer insight on differences between the branches or SA's? This information is particularly relevant as I am currently in the process of ranking for noms.

Thanks
You have over a year to decide. Apply to both. Be open to both. Spend time discerning both. And don’t worry now. It may become quite clear to you. It may not, but that’s about 14 months from now. You don’t have to decide until you hold appointments. You may have the decision made for you. But you have time to work through processing which is a better fit.
 
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I know that there are other forums about this.

I am just facing a really hard choice right now.

I am applying to both USNA, and USMA, and I figure that the decision of where I go will be decided by if/where I am accepted. Even this far ahead though, I find it troubling to think of deciding a service/academy. I had reached a predetermination, but after meeting some of the Army community I am back to ground zero.

I think beyond the 4 years at an academy though, is the perhaps 20+ years that I have considered serving. I also like to think that from what I have seen the school reflect there respective branch.

Can anyone offer insight on differences between the branches or SA's? This information is particularly relevant as I am currently in the process of ranking for noms.

Thanks
Don’t think 20+ years; think ADSO - which officer specialties appeal to you, which culture. Dig into the Army, Navy and Marine Corps websites about those.

More often than not, or it always seemed so to me, peers that said “full career for me,” got out at 5-7, and those who said “ADSO and I’m gone,” surprised the heck out of themselves and stayed far longer or did full career. DH got Navy air out of USNA, planned to go to the airlines as soon as he could. One aerobatic hop in flight school, and that was it for him, full career, 4 operational commands including an aircraft carrier. Me, I was “three and flee” out of OCS, except somehow I stayed for 26, because I loved serving, the mission, the Navy culture, the things I got to see/do/learn, the people I met, the dedicated and savvy sailors I had the privilege of leading and serving with - I would do it all again, without pay, even the crappy parts.

All the services plan for attrition every year, especially as ADSO dates come up for officer year groups each year. It is not expected everyone will stay past ADSO or ADSO+36 months for GI Bill; the services have numerical caps on each pay grade, by law. There are fewer officers at each pay grade, the more senior. What is expected is honorable and faithful service while you wear the uniform. You have no idea how your life journey will unfold. You could get married and have a child with special needs, and your family decision is for you to separate. You could love everything you do in the Army/Navy/Marine Corps, but realize in your heart, you really don’t think command is for you, but are excited to go get your MBA at Wharton, go be an entrepreneur, perhaps be active in the Reserve, or just join the millions of vets who have served honorably, but have moved on to other paths. You have another 60-75 years on the planet - there is a delicious array of opportunity and twists and turns awaiting you.

Focus on what you would be doing immediately after commissioning, ADSO and the 36 months after that it takes to earn the full Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefit (if you choose to do that, serve <36, % drops from 100%). The Navy does most of its work in the water, under the water, below the water, often for months at a time or most of a year, in the far corners of the world, during operational tours. The Marines go with them many times. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Both are fine paths, however long or short you end up being on that path. When it’s time to choose, trust your brain, heart and gut. One of them you will be more able to let go of.
 
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There is a quote that gets repeated here fairly often about choosing between flying in the Air Force and Navy.
The real heart of it is the differing service cultures that exist. Once you get into the "club", you begin to see that
the cultures of the individual service branches or officer specialties also vary widely. When thinking about USNA,
understand that what is expected of an junior Officer Aviator is VERY different than that expected of a junior
Officer Submariner and both are incredibly different from what is expected of a junior Officer Marine.
The experience of a 2nd Lt Cyber Officer is not going to be very similar to that of a 2nd Lt Infantry Officer in the 10th
Mountain Division.
I might have just just taken an A vs B decision and compounded into MANY outcomes which might be too much for
now but even the broad organizations of the Army vs the Navy differ a lot and you might find some insight into
that which is useful here.
 
Oh take this with a grain of salt.

DS got rejected 1Dec20 by USMA; Offered USNA Foundation Prep
15Apr21. Initially, I was disappointed
‘Cause I was in the US Army for 30 years.

Then I realized that DS don’t have to jump in the Arctic at -30 degrees; or take the annual 12-mile road march with a 60 lbs ruck.

So yes, USNA is the way to go.
What am I saying, 30 got SEAL in Class of 2021.
 

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With all due respect the OP isn’t asking about how many select for SEAL training.

Our son was blessed to receive appointments to 3 SA’s. He was not mentally prepared for that.

As a result he had to do some hard research and talk to people who had served in various service branches. He did deep dives into different jobs and duty stations. Different options for each service selection at each SA.

He then selected the one that fit what he could see for himself at that time.

OP you have time to do some research. It is a good question to ask.
 
With all due respect the OP isn’t asking about how many select for SEAL training.

Our son was blessed to receive appointments to 3 SA’s. He was not mentally prepared for that.

As a result he had to do some hard research and talk to people who had served in various service branches. He did deep dives into different jobs and duty stations. Different options for each service selection at each SA.

He then selected the one that fit what he could see for himself at that time.

OP you have time to do some research. It is a good question to ask.
The class of 2021 branch selection was presented… it might give him some ideas.
 
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Hey dude, fellow junior here. I was going through this same dilemma not long ago. Have you done an overnight at either USNA or USMA? I recently did a CVW at USNA this past weekend it solidified USNA as my #1 choice. It gave me an unfiltered look into academy life and culture, especially plebe life during a tough point in the academic year. I can't recommend it enough; its definitely a great experience if you get the opportunity.
 
Oh take this with a grain of salt.

DS got rejected 1Dec20 by USMA; Offered USNA Foundation Prep
15Apr21. Initially, I was disappointed
‘Cause I was in the US Army for 30 years.

Then I realized that DS don’t have to jump in the Arctic at -30 degrees; or take the annual 12-mile road march with a 60 lbs ruck.

So yes, USNA is the way to go.
DS stationed in Alaska looking forward to Arctic training. Go figure
 
I don’t think you will find your answer in one post, but there is some good advice.
The academies also have different vibes. USMA is placed beside the bustling metropolis of Highland Falls while USNA is in the sleepy village of Annapolis. Even the climates are different, with USMA experiencing beautiful springs and the gorgeous fall foliage (for two weeks). While USNA is hot and muggy.
 
I don’t think you will find your answer in one post, but there is some good advice.
The academies also have different vibes. USMA is placed beside the bustling metropolis of Highland Falls while USNA is in the sleepy village of Annapolis. Even the climates are different, with USMA experiencing beautiful springs and the gorgeous fall foliage (for two weeks). While USNA is hot and muggy.
Don't forget the exciting nightlife of Fort Montgomery!
 
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The Rocket City Trash Pandas are a Minor League baseball team, apparently. They play at Toyota Field, but honestly I can't tell where. Their website doesn't mention where "Rocket City" is.

Huntsville maybe?
 
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