Decision time

bulldog300

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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Dec 29, 2008
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Well I don't know whether this goes in the Navy forum or ROTC, so I'll probably put it in both if that's cool. A few weeks ago, I received an AFROTC scholarship (Ga Tech). Today, I just found out today that I got offered an appointment to Naval Academy. I'm supposed to be getting stuff in the mail tomorrow, but now I have to make a decision... quickly!! I've come up with some pros and cons of both. I realized that the biggest factor is this: I live like an hour or so from Tech. So, I could basically come home any time (not so in Annapolis). I know that even with ROTC, I'd still have a lot more freedom at Tech (but I guess to appreciate freedom, you have to see what it's like without it)- so that part doesn't really bother me. Really, I'm just scared of leaving home I guess. I would love to overcome this challenge but both have so much to offer. I guess I couldn't go wrong either way right? Any tips or suggestions... words of advice? Anything?!? :sadwavey:
 
First, congrats. Your choices are pretty much night and day. Navy vs. USAF. Regular college vs. USNA. I was NROTC. Consider the dramatic cultural differences between the Navy and USAF. USAF is professional but Navy tends to attract the "cooler" guys. Navy means ships and subs for the most part. USAF means cushy bases. If you want the regular college experience, then avoid the academy. I've had many USNA grads say "wait, you got the same commission as me and you still got to party and take cool classes?" USNA is great but it's intense. You only get off-campus a few times your first year. You may get homesick either way, which happens to almost all freshmen. After a couple of months, you probably will get past that so I wouldn't make that your deciding factor. Focus on the differences in services and college experiences. Good luck.
 
Congratulations! I agree with the c2m3m, there are two main things to consider...which service and which source of commission. The Academy is a unique place and a great experience and a great honor, but it's demanding, challenging, very intense both physically and academically. ROTC will give you a more normal college experience. As services, the Navy and the Air Force are very different. What do you want to do with your degree, what do you picture yourself doing in five years? Do you want to be a pilot? Do you want to get an engineering degree?

I wouldn't let the homesickness issue sway you though...if you go to USNA, you won't have time to worry about it. And a lot of kids who go to college close to home rarely go home anyway, once they get away from home and immerse themselves in the college experience.

Whatever you decide, let us know and good luck to you. Take advantage of these great opportunities and become a great leader. Thank you for your service! :thumb:
 
Bulldog-

An appointment to USNA is a great honor. It is true that it's not for everyone though. Have you had a chance to visit the academy ? For some even a visit there can help make the decision. Also wondering, did you also apply for NROTC and just have not heard from them as of yet? Interesting choices with AFROTC and Naval Academy :) Centhea is right about staying on campus and not going home much. I think if my daughter's school was within walking distance of home we wouldn't see her much more than we do now and she is 3 1/2 hrs away. It's an independence thing.
Let us know. :smile:

kgrmom
 
I spent a year in NROTC before going to USNA, so here's my take:
No matter what path you choose, you'll love it. As others have said here, the decisive factor should be what you want to do with your commission. The great thing about USNA is the variety of career options afforded to graduates, and the fact that you're not locked into a path until late in Firstie year. Life as a Mid can be pretty rough at times, but if you relish being 'in the suck' and the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming those times, it can be really rewarding.

Coming to USNA from real college and NROTC, I hated it. Now, I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world. In case you're wondering, I left NROTC because I felt my chances of getting SEALs would be better...and now I'm going to spend the second half of my 1/C summer with SEAL Team Two.

They both have their pros and cons, but the difference between AF and Navy is night and day, so you should really be asking yourself what you want to do as an officer.

And remember...if it's pilot you want, AF pilots iron their flight suits....and they wear scarves.
 
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