Difference in USAFA, USNA, and USMA

usna1985 said:
USMA takes marching seriously. USNA pretends to. USAFA doesn't even pretend.:yllol:
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I have been wondering this for a while but have been embarrassed to ask. So what exactly is the deal with marching? Why is it a big deal? what is the purpose currently. And why all the parades at the academies?
 
Great question. Others will add much, I'm confident. But let me simply say that marching is important for soldiers. The evidence of the difference is never anymore clear than watching "march ons" for the Army-Navy game. Navy guys try, but their ranks and files just don't compare to the Long Gray Liners. But sailors don't march much.:rolleyes: Zoomies even less.:thumbdown:

As for the parades? That has little or nothing to do with the art and science of marching per se.:confused:
 
There are many reasons for drill, some of them are pretty outdated and others will sort of make sense. The USMC Drill Manual addresses drill and the reasons why: move units from one place to another (we do alot of road marching, not necessarily moving in drill type formations), provide simple formations that other formations can be built from, discipline and immediate response to orders, instill confidence in Junior Officers and NCOs, and reinforcing weapons handling. The Manual also addresses the reason for formations, which is much more common in daily military life than drill. Bottom line is drill has a long and storied tradition for many centuries. As tactics have evolved drill is a ceremonial activity now, but used heavily in early training stages to develop precision, immediate obedience to orders, and esprit de corps.

Yes, West Point marches much better than Navy. Well unless you were in my company Firstie year. We had a GySgt who made all the Firsties stand in the hall every morning and after lunch practicing manual of arms. Essentially he punished the top leadership for lack of attention to detail in drill. He saw it as our job as Firsties to enforce the standard. He was right, it was our job and after a two weeks of that we won every parade. Marching isn't much fun, but then again it isn't that bad either. West Point is much better at marching and AF is horrible. Navy is ok. Some companies are better than others.
 
There's some really good feedback and comparison of the four military academies here, so I thought I'd go ahead and throw in my $.02 based off my own observations and those of my friends who did exchange this semester.

USMA academics come easier, you can close your door during the workday and sleep. Lots more autonomy. They say the campus is beautiful during the fall. Summer training is very outdoorsy and ground pounder based. Liberty policy isn't that good because they're in a rural area and have to go to the City for more interesting things to do.

USAFA IS the most laid back of the four. My friends who are there this semester had a blast, and most of them got to either learn to fly a plane or earn their jump wings. You can own a car, drink on base when you're done with classes, and wear civies! It's a bit of a drive to C springs though. For mechanical/civil engineers this was a pretty tough semester for them, so I can't say too much outside of that on their academics.

USNA is big, and they have a very good relationship with the town of Annapolis. Liberty policy isn't that good for 4/c and 3/c since they have to wear the uniform out, but classes seem pretty easy. Like everyone said, there's lots of different opportunities for what field you want to serve in. (downside is you've gotta deal with SWO's if you go afloat :wink: ).

USCGA is definitely the most strict, but I do think we're legitimately excited about what we're going to be doing. We can't stream video/multimedia during the workday, and we have monthly uniform/room inspections. Drill's every Friday during the spring. Smallest out of the four, so you get to know people really well (some of the exchangers who came here this past semester feel like they know us better than their own classmates). Can't close your door until 1600 to sleep. Academics are hard, but semesters are shorter do to our schedule (I'm getting 3 1/2 weeks of leave, when my friends on exchange haven't even left yet). Summers are amazing and rewarding. Lots of good places to go after graduation, and can always apply for flight school after the first tour if you don't get it the first time around. If your interested in ships, you could become a Commanding Officer after 2 years from graduation.
 
:thumb:GREAT GOUGE, SamAca10! :thumb:

Not only are your comments insightful and valuable for candidates and other interested readers, you've really grasped the idea of comparing/contrasting with some very key, important issues. :worship:

Welcome any additional post-grad differences you might lend. :welcome:
 
Grad/Dad said:
3) Fourth Class system - West Point is without a doubt the hardest with USAFA being the easiest. One example: WP allows Plebes only 2 off post passes the first year but then again, where are they going to go, McDonald's in Highland Falls??? At the other two, you can get off post and decompress for a 12 hours nearly every weekend during the academic year.
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I don't know about that (currently). My buddy who went to Army said that they were allowed to look around and be relaxed as plebes while my buddy at Air Force had it pretty difficult. USAFA sounds like it has the hardest 4/c year but the easiest time after that.
 
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