Decisions...

gdesena

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So, I now have appointments to USNA and USAFA, but I still haven't decided where I want to go.

Does anyone know how long I have to accept or decline an offer of appointment? I haven't received the official packet yet, so I don't know if the dates are in there.

I'm going out to Annapolis for a CVW in February, and I would like to attend Orientation at USAFA in April before I make a final decision.

Also, if anyone has any advice/reasons for attending (or not attending) either, I would love to hear all about it. I'm currently leaning Navy, but it's still in the air.

Thanks,
Geoff
 
What a great problem

What a great dilemma, which SA to attend. Follow your heart and listen to your gut. May 1 or April 31 is the last date I believe to let them know your intentions. I would tell them as soon as you make your decision since others will be waiting for the opportunity to fill your unwanted slot. Best of Luck with your decision and congratulations.
 
Go to USAFA! That's one more slot for us Navy guys/girls...

Only kidding of course :thumb:

One major thing I would take into consideration is the environment. I have lived in both Annapolis and Colorado, and I can tell you the feel of the Academies are quite different. Think of it this way... Would you rather be right next to the mountains or the bay? Water sports or adventure sports? Mountain climate (absolutely unpredictable), or more moderate weather? If you have any questions about having lived in both places just PM me. Good luck with your decision!!! What an awesome dilemma to have...

TJ
 
Don't forget to research the different options upon graduation. You will spend more time in the Fleet or Air Force than you will at either academy.
 
Mindy G,
Thanks, I will definitely have my mind made up by then, and I'll let them know as soon as I do. I have already declined LOA's from USMA and USMMA since I know there are a lot of candidates who want that spot more than I do.

Eagle64,
I hadn't really thought about that. I have lived in CO all my life, and while I still believe it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth, I would love to live by the ocean. I've also been thinking about the environment socially. USAFA seems to be very removed, and when I was there last, things seemed kind of depressing. I'll really get to see if there's a difference in February.

USNA13Hopeful,
I've definitely taken that into account, and there are bonuses on either side. I would love to live on a ship, especially a floating city like an aircraft carrier, but I'm not sure I would like to be at sea for so long. I heard that sailors are sea for as long as 18months at a time. Does anyone know how long Navy aviators are gone? I know Air Force pilots are only deployed for like 3 months at a time.

Thanks for all the feedback!
Geoff
 
Help with decision

Congrats, first of all. I guess you could compare the academy holiday cards, and base your academy selection on the card you like the best. Hmm?

Come to think of it, my son didn't get a card from USNA, only USAFA. Uh-oh. Perhaps it's time to change my screen name!:shake::yllol::shake:
 
haha, don't worry. I only got one from Air Force too.
 
Have you seen the officers quarters on a Frigate? Lets put it this way, the Captain's Stateroom is about 8'x8'
 
Gdesena, deployment time for naval aviators really depends on what type of plane you end up flying. The typical squadron spends about six months deployed. However, certain types of naval aircraft don't deploy on the carrier, so your lifestyle while deployed will really be dictated by what you fly.

Of course, not all time deployed is spent aboard. Every carrier strike group makes port calls during deployment.

If you want a good idea of what carrier life is like, I would suggest watching the PBS series carrier. Pay special attention to the pilots/flight officers that are interviewed.

As far as USAFA vs. USNA, I'm slightly biased, but I would definitely lean towards USNA, just because of the vast amount of career opportunities.

Worst case scenario: say something happens during your academy career that disqualifies you from flying. What else would you consider doing? In my opinion, the Naval Academy offers you a much wider variety of career choices (ie, Marines, Surface, Special Warfare, Submarines, etc..)

Bottom line: Pick what feels right for you. You're the one who has to make it through, and it'll make it that much easier if you're where you really want to be.
 
Thanks cfam386. I checked out that Carrier series from PBS. It's awesome! If I was just basing my decision on that, I don't think there would be any doubt that I would be going Navy.

For anyone interested in what goes on a carrier, check out the Carrier series from PBS. You can watch all ten episodes online.
 
well done gdesena!

One thing to think through is what you see YOURSELF doing 5 years from now. Choosing USAFA will put you in places that are completely different than USNA/USMC. What kinds of deployments do you want to serve in?

Think about the kinds of equipment you want to study. Yes, all are engineering oriented but do steam engines on ships excite you? Does studying airplane mechanics put you to sleep? Do you HATE the thought of being in a water or air environment?

USNA and USAFA produces trained military officers ---of that you can be assured. But what meshes best with you? That's a decision you have to make.

And to be honest....your first weeks/months there you will ask yourself: "What the h*ell am I doing here!" no matter what school you select.

One factor my mid has pointed out is that USNA has a 50% civilian teacher ratio, unlike USAFA and USMMA which have significantly higher military teacher numbers. This is another educational experience that may or may not influcence you...

Congratulations on your Appointments and let us know what you choose.

a proud MIDSHIPMAN mom of a young lady heading to Amman, Jordan for the entire next semester....Arabic immersion for an Arabic major at USNA heading USMC in 2010!!!
 
Thanks for the input Peskemom!

I have definitely been thinking about that, and that's why I'm leaning Navy right now. I'd really like to fly carrier based aircraft, and I'd much rather be at sea than somewhere in the desert.

I know a large portion of USNA graduates go into aviation, but I was just wondering what the opportunities are for grad's wanting to go to flight school? At USAFA, zoomies are pretty much guaranteed a spot.
 
Thanks for the input Peskemom!

I have definitely been thinking about that, and that's why I'm leaning Navy right now. I'd really like to fly carrier based aircraft, and I'd much rather be at sea than somewhere in the desert.

I know a large portion of USNA graduates go into aviation, but I was just wondering what the opportunities are for grad's wanting to go to flight school? At USAFA, zoomies are pretty much guaranteed a spot.

But Marines have the best uniforms... :shake: just had to throw that in there... :)

such different services, such different lifestyles.. a big decision...
and actually I heard (not sure how true it is) that the USMMA always has extra slots for USN flight school after graduation.

In the Navy you dont have to fly for promotion, the saying in the AF is there are not many promotions below 10,000 feet (my hubby is retired AF, so no insult intended, just lots of different things to think about)

Congrats on all your appointments!!!!
 
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