Career After West Point

HalsooIssDa

USMA 2026
Joined
Sep 30, 2021
Messages
24
Hello all,

I am currently sitting on top of an LOA and I am fully qualified academically, physically, and medically. I had my Congressional Nomination interview this past Saturday and is just waiting for that result. I have been long wanting to attend West Point and in terms of my career I aspire to be a lawyer of some sort and/or work in a major government agency (ex. the Pentagon, CIA, etc.). At West Point, I intend to major in Legal Studies. If I am appointed to West Point, I plan on working to earn a Rhodes Scholarship and graduating as one of the top cadets in my class (I believe I have a strong academic background as a high school student). I was wondering how well of a fit West Point and this academic goal are for my career aspirations, as I want to attend law school as soon as possible and pursue the career I have mentioned.

Thank you all for your time.
 
That's still an "if", even with a LOA in hand. If you don't receive a nomination, that LOA won't get you an offer of appointment.

For starters, one would serve a minimum of eight (8) years of combination active duty and reserve service after commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. When the government decides to give you more instruction (like Law School, for example) it will also add on years to that minimum service time. The idea is that you pay back everything that we taxpayers graciously allow you to have (knowledge, skills, degrees, etc.), in terms of years of service to your country. It's a great job, and I recommend it.

You may want to read here: https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/careers

If your intention is to choose one of the combat service support branches (such as Adjutant General) be advised that there may be quite a bit of competition for only a few spots. You can want it all you want, but are not guaranteed anything. The needs of the Army will often guide you in your endeavors, without many or all of your personal desires in mind for your career. If you work hard however - you will succeed - much of the time.
 
Hello all,

I am currently sitting on top of an LOA and I am fully qualified academically, physically, and medically. I had my Congressional Nomination interview this past Saturday and is just waiting for that result. I have been long wanting to attend West Point and in terms of my career I aspire to be a lawyer of some sort and/or work in a major government agency (ex. the Pentagon, CIA, etc.). At West Point, I intend to major in Legal Studies. If I am appointed to West Point, I plan on working to earn a Rhodes Scholarship and graduating as one of the top cadets in my class (I believe I have a strong academic background as a high school student). I was wondering how well of a fit West Point and this academic goal are for my career aspirations, as I want to attend law school as soon as possible and pursue the career I have mentioned.

Thank you all for your time.
Why do you wish to attend West Point?
What job would you like to do while serving in the Army?
 
Hello all,

I am currently sitting on top of an LOA and I am fully qualified academically, physically, and medically. I had my Congressional Nomination interview this past Saturday and is just waiting for that result. I have been long wanting to attend West Point and in terms of my career I aspire to be a lawyer of some sort and/or work in a major government agency (ex. the Pentagon, CIA, etc.). At West Point, I intend to major in Legal Studies. If I am appointed to West Point, I plan on working to earn a Rhodes Scholarship and graduating as one of the top cadets in my class (I believe I have a strong academic background as a high school student). I was wondering how well of a fit West Point and this academic goal are for my career aspirations, as I want to attend law school as soon as possible and pursue the career I have mentioned.

Thank you all for your time.
West Point may appear to be a better place to go for aspiring Rhodes Scholars than just about any other school.

But, I think that what likely has some of us scratching our heads is your failure to mention your desire to serve as an Army Officer. After all, if that is not one of your primary goals, attending West Point would seem like a very wrong choice. I have not heard of a path to law school directly from West Point. And, I believe it is fair to say that your fastest path to law school from West Point would require you to leave the Army upon completion of five years of active duty. Assuming you took the LSAT and applied to law school while still serving, you could attend shortly after leaving the service. But, you say you "want to attend law school as soon as possible." If that is the case, why West Point and not an Ivy League school or equivalent where you could also compete for a Rhodes. Or, you could then just go straight to law school. That way, you could move to your law school phase even faster.

Bear in mind that while West Point has a lot of Rhodes Scholars, it is not an indication that it is an easy path to that goal. After all, at West Point, your effort to win a scholarship can be derailed by a lot more than academics, i.e., the three pillars - academics, physical, military grades.
 
IF you graduate near the top of your West Point class, the path you describe is quite achievable and enhanced by your West Point/military background.

However, going to law school directly after graduation is not realistic. If the Army sends you to law school, expect to serve through company command before attending, or at least a first 3 year tour. If you leave after 5 years and choose to go to law school, you should expect to be admitted to a top law school (Harvard, Yale, etc.), assuming you graduated near the top of your USMA class. From there opportunities are unlimited.

The above assumes graduating near the top of a USMA class, no easy task. If your other options are Ivy League or equivalent universities, your career possibilities are just as bright if you graduate near the top of the class at one of those colleges, and you would likely begin your career much sooner than going to West Point. Again, no easy task.

My opinion - if your goal is work in the CIA, Pentagon, etc. , a West Point/military background is an excellent path.
 
Why do you wish to attend West Point?
What job would you like to do while serving in the Army?
Ah, yes, the elephant in the room. Along the gilded path to Rhodes Scholarship, law degree and government bureaucrat lies that nasty little detail called active duty. The one that entails leading America’s finest men and women in defense of our country. The experience often referred to by SA candidates as “being part of something bigger than myself.” Hopefully it’s not a mere stepping stone en route to greater personal glory.
 
Hello all,

I am currently sitting on top of an LOA and I am fully qualified academically, physically, and medically. I had my Congressional Nomination interview this past Saturday and is just waiting for that result. I have been long wanting to attend West Point and in terms of my career I aspire to be a lawyer of some sort and/or work in a major government agency (ex. the Pentagon, CIA, etc.). At West Point, I intend to major in Legal Studies. If I am appointed to West Point, I plan on working to earn a Rhodes Scholarship and graduating as one of the top cadets in my class (I believe I have a strong academic background as a high school student). I was wondering how well of a fit West Point and this academic goal are for my career aspirations, as I want to attend law school as soon as possible and pursue the career I have mentioned.

Thank you all for your time.
You may be much better suited to attend a top "Pre-Law" Program at a school that has an affiliated Law School, and do AROTC which would allow you to enter the Reserves upon Commissioning and go right to Law School. Still a free education, and possibly a scholarship to Law School and you would get your desired goals quicker and possibly easier.

The very fact that you don't mention WHY (in regards to Branch) or WHAT (as in job) you want out of West Point leads me to believe that you may want to investigate other avenues. A Rhodes Scholarship is not sought after in the Legal Field as much as in International Studies or Government, and may push back your expected goal a while. And if you do a 5 and dive, you are not entitled to VA Educational benefits to pay for Law School, you need 36 months past ADSO to get those.

Our son is a "Legal Studies" Major with Terrorism as a minor, shares your goals of becoming an attorney, but he wants to be a JAG, not an attorney with another agency. CIA prefers PhD's, and FBI, Masters Degree's in Criminal Justice over a Law Degree, but there are plenty of openings for attorneys in ALL Federal Agencies, but I suggest you explore ALL options before settling on WP as others have said you likely will not get even a shot at FLEP until a Senior O-2 or O-3, then you will owe the Army additional ADSO.
 
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Why do you wish to attend West Point?
What job would you like to do while serving in the Army?
I wish to attend West Point because I resonate with many of the cadets there in wishing to "be part of something greater than myself." My grandfather was a colonel in the Republic of Korea Army and served during the Vietnam War, and growing up, I always wanted to follow in his footsteps, but obviously through a path in the United States. I see the demands for not only academic success, but also athletic and leadership demands, as a welcoming challenge rather than a daunting task that I want to avoid.

While serving in the Army, I have a deep interest in the Military Intelligence branch and the Adjutant General branch. Joining one of these two branches would definitely be a top goal of mine during my time as a cadet if I am appointed to West Point.
 
That's still an "if", even with a LOA in hand. If you don't receive a nomination, that LOA won't get you an offer of appointment.

For starters, one would serve a minimum of eight (8) years of combination active duty and reserve service after commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. When the government decides to give you more instruction (like Law School, for example) it will also add on years to that minimum service time. The idea is that you pay back everything that we taxpayers graciously allow you to have (knowledge, skills, degrees, etc.), in terms of years of service to your country. It's a great job, and I recommend it.

You may want to read here: https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/careers

If your intention is to choose one of the combat service support branches (such as Adjutant General) be advised that there may be quite a bit of competition for only a few spots. You can want it all you want, but are not guaranteed anything. The needs of the Army will often guide you in your endeavors, without many or all of your personal desires in mind for your career. If you work hard however - you will succeed - much of the time.
Thank you for your words, I truly appreciate it.
 
West Point may appear to be a better place to go for aspiring Rhodes Scholars than just about any other school.

But, I think that what likely has some of us scratching our heads is your failure to mention your desire to serve as an Army Officer. After all, if that is not one of your primary goals, attending West Point would seem like a very wrong choice. I have not heard of a path to law school directly from West Point. And, I believe it is fair to say that your fastest path to law school from West Point would require you to leave the Army upon completion of five years of active duty. Assuming you took the LSAT and applied to law school while still serving, you could attend shortly after leaving the service. But, you say you "want to attend law school as soon as possible." If that is the case, why West Point and not an Ivy League school or equivalent where you could also compete for a Rhodes. Or, you could then just go straight to law school. That way, you could move to your law school phase even faster.

Bear in mind that while West Point has a lot of Rhodes Scholars, it is not an indication that it is an easy path to that goal. After all, at West Point, your effort to win a scholarship can be derailed by a lot more than academics, i.e., the three pillars - academics, physical, military grades.
That is also a path that I heavily considered, but I do want to serve as an officer in the Army very much. I failed to mention it because of my specific question regarding a specific curiosity that I had, but I do understand the responsibilities and roles that come with attending West Point, and I am both excited and determined to take on these responsibilities and roles.

I hope to attend law school whenever it is possible for me, and whether this may be taking the LSAT and applying "to law school while serving" or serving for the full five years after West Point and then going on my law endeavors, I am willing to do whatever is required of me and beyond.

Thank you for your advice, I appreciate it.
 
@dxnielk, that’s a terrific answer! Should you become a cadet and then an officer, keep your soldiers front and center, well ahead of your post-AD career planning. You owe them that. Best wishes.
 
IF you graduate near the top of your West Point class, the path you describe is quite achievable and enhanced by your West Point/military background.

However, going to law school directly after graduation is not realistic. If the Army sends you to law school, expect to serve through company command before attending, or at least a first 3 year tour. If you leave after 5 years and choose to go to law school, you should expect to be admitted to a top law school (Harvard, Yale, etc.), assuming you graduated near the top of your USMA class. From there opportunities are unlimited.

The above assumes graduating near the top of a USMA class, no easy task. If your other options are Ivy League or equivalent universities, your career possibilities are just as bright if you graduate near the top of the class at one of those colleges, and you would likely begin your career much sooner than going to West Point. Again, no easy task.

My opinion - if your goal is work in the CIA, Pentagon, etc. , a West Point/military background is an excellent path.
Thank you! This is the most ideal path that I will always continue to strive for, but I understand that it is absolutely no easy task. However, I am prepared and determined to make it happen to the best of my ability.

Working in the CIA, Pentagon, etc. would allow me to work for the American people even outside of the Army, which is something that I have been wanting to do all my life, and it excites me that West Point and my military experience afterwards is an "excellent path."
 
You may be much better suited to attend a top "Pre-Law" Program at a school that has an affiliated Law School, and do AROTC which would allow you to enter the Reserves upon Commissioning and go right to Law School. Still a free education, and possibly a scholarship to Law School and you would get your desired goals quicker and possibly easier.

The very fact that you don't mention WHY (in regards to Branch) or WHAT (as in job) you want out of West Point leads me to believe that you may want to investigate other avenues. A Rhodes Scholarship is not sought after in the Legal Field as much as in International Studies or Government, and may push back your expected goal a while. And if you do a 5 and dive, you are not entitled to VA Educational benefits to pay for Law School, you need 36 months past ADSO to get those.

Our son is a "Legal Studies" Major with Terrorism as a minor, shares your goals of becoming an attorney, but he wants to be a JAG, not an attorney with another agency. CIA prefers PhD's, and FBI, Masters Degree's in Criminal Justice over a Law Degree, but there are plenty of openings for attorneys in ALL Federal Agencies, but I suggest you explore ALL options before settling on WP as others have said you likely will not get even a shot at FLEP until a Senior O-2 or O-3, then you will owe the Army additional ADSO.
Thank you! A master's degree in Criminal Justice is something that I have also considered and will continue to keep in mind along with my interest in law. I want to further these two interests during my time at West Point if I am appointed in order to clarify my future life goals. I would be honored and content with a MD in Criminal Justice if that means I would be able to further help the American people in the FBI or any other major government agency. After all, I have a much greater interest in being part of a government agency than being a civilian lawyer of some sort.
 
Thank you! I will definitely do just that.
I'm a current plebe with similar career goals involved in some stuff you would definitely like. I've got much more insight now that I'm "in the system" if you'd like to talk. PM me if you're interested.
 
@dxnielk, congrats with the LOA. It appears you are on your way to a full Appointment in January, subject to Nomination, successful graduation with good conduct until Reception Day at WP.

Regarding your career aspiration, it is nice to plan ahead. In fact, planning 10 years ahead from today is quite realistic since that's when your service obligation ends after serving 5 years in the Army and be on IRR for 3 more years. Nevertheless, many things can go differently during your time at West Point or at a AROTC program. Deviation from this plan is most often caused by you, and secondly by the needs of the Army.

If contemplating MI, you will have to most likely branch detail with combat arms branch like the Infantry, Armor or Field Artillery. You can get MI if you are ranked in top 50% at the Academy. You will start doing MI work after you make 1LT and do some time as XO to Company CDR. So you will not be doing MI work straight out of commission. In fact, most successful MI officers do combat time or serve in combat tours during their careers. Some of my close friends did just that while serving in MI. One MI is still in who is G2 representing the US at NATO. And one is leaving as O-8 next year. Both WP grads.

Getting nominated as a Rhodes Scholar to study at Oxford then serve 5 years then go to law school have been done in the past. But not often. Perhaps one cadet every 5 years. All this sounds great but set your eyes first on the BCT next summer, then being prepared to do well in your Plebe AC year, then summer training, etc. Keeping your grades up and maintaining top order of merits are not always in your control. They are impacted by others as well such as military responsibilities at WP, Athletics (intramural/Varsity), ACFT, leadership responsibilities, opinions of those who serve with you and senior officers in your COC. Be sure to be a good fella to others and not be that loaner who is focused on his/her goals throughout the Academy life. You will also have to remain healthy and medically fit to serve before commissioning when you're a Firstie.

Be sure to become a good analytical writer. Your ACT English and SAT Verbal, AP English Comp and Lit are good indications to how well you may perform in college reading and writing classes. English writing classes at WP can be challenging. Since you want to become a lawyer, you can do this two ways. You can go to law school after leaving the Army or you can go to law school during Army on Army dime by joining the Army JAG Corp. You can do this as early as after serving 2 years and do lat transfer to JAG. The JAG Corp will want to see that you have taken your LSAT during your Junior or Senior year in school and have a guranteed admissions to law school as early as at the end of your Junior year or before applying to the JAG Corp. I have been told it is easier to take this route if graduating from a AROTC program rather than from West Point or Service Academy.

For this reason, my daughter made her decision to go NROTC rather than to attend a Service Academy, although she considered Annapolis and Air Force as options. Air Force has the largest JAG, then Army, then Navy. Well it was one of her reasons. It is easier to lat transfer into JAG between years 2-4 while meeting and exceeding your performance at your current job. Also your CO has to release you in order to lat transfer.

Bottomline, you can plan all you want but the outcome remains to be seen subject to the needs of the Army, your performance, your continuing interest, and your acceptance to programs that are most competitive and sought after by many aspiring MIDNs, Cadets, and Students around the world. So for now, focus on finishing strong in your remaining two semesters in high school and don't forget to enjoy being a kid one last time before leaving the comforts of your family!
 
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@dxnielk, congrats with the LOA. It appears you are on your way to a full Appointment in January, subject to Nomination, successful graduation with good conduct until Reception Day at WP.

Regarding your career aspiration, it is nice to plan ahead. In fact, planning 10 years ahead from today is quite realistic since that's when your service obligation ends after serving 5 years in the Army and be on IRR for 3 more years. Nevertheless, many things can go differently during your time at West Point or at a AROTC program. Deviation from this plan is most often caused by you, and secondly by the needs of the Army.

If contemplating MI, you will have to most likely branch detail with combat arms branch like the Infantry, Armor or Field Artillery. You can get MI if you are ranked in top 50% at the Academy. You will start doing MI work after you make 1LT and do some time as XO to Company CDR. So you will not be doing MI work straight out of commission. In fact, most successful MI officers do combat time or serve in combat tours during their careers. Some of my close friends did just that while serving in MI. One MI is still in who is G2 representing the US at NATO. And one is leaving as O-8 next year. Both WP grads.

Getting nominated as a Rhodes Scholar to study at Oxford then serve 5 years then go to law school have been done in the past. But not often. Perhaps one cadet every 5 years. All this sounds great but set your eyes first on the BCT next summer, then being prepared to do well in your Plebe AC year, then summer training, etc. Keeping your grades up and maintaining top order of merits are not always in your control. They are impacted by others as well such as military responsibilities at WP, Athletics (intramural/Varsity), ACFT, leadership responsibilities, opinions of those who serve with you and senior officers in your COC. Be sure to be a good fella to others and not be that loaner who is focused on his/her goals throughout the Academy life. You will also have to remain healthy and medically fit to serve before commissioning when you're a Firstie.

Be sure to become a good analytical writer. Your ACT English and SAT Verbal, AP English Comp and Lit are good indications to how well you may perform in college reading and writing classes. English writing classes at WP can be challenging. Since you want to become a lawyer, you can do this two ways. You can go to law school after leaving the Army or you can go to law school during Army on Army dime by joining the Army JAG Corp. You can do this as early as after serving 2 years and do lat transfer to JAG. The JAG Corp will want to see that you have taken your LSAT during your Junior or Senior year in school and have a guranteed admissions to law school as early as at the end of your Junior year or before applying to the JAG Corp. I have been told it is easier to take this route if graduating from a AROTC program rather than from West Point or Service Academy.

For this reason, my daughter made her decision to go NROTC rather than to attend a Service Academy, although she considered Annapolis and Air Force as options. Air Force has the largest JAG, then Army, then Navy. Well it was one of her reasons. It is easier to lat transfer into JAG between years 2-4 while meeting and exceeding your performance at your current job. Also your CO has to release you in order to lat transfer.

Bottomline, you can plan all you want but the outcome remains to be seen subject to the needs of the Army, your performance, your continuing interest, and your acceptance to programs that are most competitive and sought after by many aspiring MIDNs, Cadets, and Students around the world. So for now, focus on finishing strong in your remaining two semesters in high school and don't forget to enjoy being a kid one last time before leaving the comforts of your family!
Wow, that was extremely insightful and thorough! I truly appreciate your time and efforts, and I will take your words and advice into heart. I will be enjoying my time at home as much as I can until (hopefully) my appointment to West Point. Thank you!
 
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