So I think my best bet is to keep my options open and roll with the Army my first year and see how I feel about my decision in school.
I've been lurking and hoping you would come to this conclusion - you have the proverbial "bird in hand" - a 3 year scholarship. Sounds like you're also a seasoned athlete and as a former wrestler myself, I appreciate your interest in that team/ community feel. My recommendations would be to:
1. Love the one you're with - commit to the Army for your freshman year. Go all in.
2. No issue in keeping an open dialogue with the Navy team, but honestly 99% of your energy should be in excelling at school and in the Army in your first semester. Do that and you'll only be in a stronger/ now proven at the college level position - I'd table most discussions with Navy until you you can sit down with them in January from your position of having earned a 4.0 and top battalion performance in the Army - which at Norwich won't be easy - but it is do-able.
2. Show up ready to max out your PFT scores when you arrive. Norwich has some "gung ho" cadets - you will not be alone in being prepared, but still a great way to separate yourself.
3. Do some research on how to rise to the top 10% on the OML at Norwich - Excel in academics, PT, great attitude, on-time/prepared. What else? Organize a volunteer activity in helping the veterans home in the area? Volunteer at recruitment nights? IDK - ask specific question and find out and be aggressive in making a plan.
4. related to number 3, additionally, open a dialogue with the AROTC ROO at Norwich to ask simply how you can exceed their expectations. Ask if there is a path for them to consider upping your scholarship to a 3.5 year (from a 3 year).
5. Choose your courses carefully for your first semester, and don't overload. Better to start out college with a 4.0 than a 3.2 with the toughest courses. It's a big adjustment.
6. Learn more about the Army special forces community - very impressive community, tough (persons). And if you're looking for a like-minded "family" of warriors, well, again find a way to get to know them and I think you may have a home. As long as you can handle the pain, the grind, etc.
7. Do more research on what the mission of the Army is - my Dad was Army, and they engage long-term with communities globally. They build relationships, and a small team of rangers/ a small unit can have an incredible effect on the people in the area they serve. From what you describe, and the strong impression that you want to make a difference and serve with a like minded core team, I think being a Ranger just might be a great fit for you. Put a 70 pound pack on, and walk a marathon for a few days in a row, and sleep on the dirt in your backyard - that'll be a good test (ah, my attempt at humor)!
Seriously, best of luck to you young man. You come across as thoughtful, and I appreciate that you want to understand the mission and want a great team around you - that's great. Good luck/ hope this helps.
