Dilemma: USNA or USAFA?

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Cactuswren

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Mar 25, 2021
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Hello all! I have been accepted to USAFA for class of '25, and have not yet heard from Navy. However, I am trying to prepare myself for the possibility that I might have to make a very difficult decision in the next few weeks if I'm also accepted to USNA. I wanted to get some experienced opinions, because this has been bouncing around in my head endlessly for a while now. My apologies for the crazy long post, I have a lot of thoughts on the issue.

My ultimate goal is to fly. For a long time, I wanted to fly fighters off carriers but have decided that honestly, as long as I'm in the air I'm happy (preferably fixed wing). I've longed to go to USNA for about 5 years now. It's become part of my identity, and I've visited many times, and each time I felt an unwavering sense of "this is where I'm meant to be." It's been my motivation throughout all of high school, and I feel like I'm betraying what I've been aiming for for years if I choose AF. I went to Summer STEM, a CVW, and (virtual) NASS. Bottom line, I love everything about USNA. Sounds like an easy decision, right? The issue is, I'm not so sure Navy as a branch is as good a fit for me as Air Force. I'm more air-minded and have been "raised" in Air Force leadership and operational style through Civil Air Patrol (I am a Spaatz cadet, for those who are familiar). The only time I've ever been to USAFA was for the windshield tour, and while I love Colorado Springs and that climate (nasty Annapolis humidity is one of the only issues I have with USNA), I didn't get that unmistakable feeling I got from USNA (granted, it was a windshield tour). I've also talked to people currently at USAFA, and there are some things I do and don't like (I'll spare you the pros and cons list) but overall I still prefer USNA. However, I'm really trying to make myself weigh the career afterwards heavier than the academy experience itself.

I very much want to travel and see the world, and am not overly concerned about being away for long periods of time. I know the air force treats you better when it comes to lodging, etc, but honestly, that isn't too much of a factor to me either. I would happily sleep on a wooden crate and eat MREs everyday if it means I'd get to wake up and enjoy my job. I want to stay away from a desk as long as possible, a sentiment that has increased especially after this online COVID year. I want to stay in the action, and I want to work with people. BUT, do I want to spend 6 months at a time on a ship? I'm not a humidity/beach person, and that's about how I imagine naval bases are. And again, I'm more air-minded than sea-minded. Air Force ideals have been pumped into me through years in CAP. I also understand that I'm far more likely to get a fixed-wing pilot slot out of USAFA than USNA, which again, is the ultimate goal. Overall, USNA as an academy is my #1, but the Air Force as a branch fits my future picture better than the Navy does. It would be great if I could cross-commission out of USNA to the AF, but I know I can't count on that- plus, it wouldn't sit right to receive all of that navy training to leave for the air force.

Right now I am leaning air force because of career opportunities, and am afraid that I'll get there and regret not going with my long-term dream of USNA.


Thank you so much in advance for reading and throwing me your two cents :)
 
Cactuswren said:
Hello all! I have been accepted to USAFA for class of '25, and have not yet heard from Navy. However, I am trying to prepare myself for the possibility that I might have to make a very difficult decision in the next few weeks if I'm also accepted to USNA. I wanted to get some experienced opinions, because this has been bouncing around in my head endlessly for a while now. My apologies for the crazy long post, I have a lot of thoughts on the issue.

My ultimate goal is to fly. For a long time, I wanted to fly fighters off carriers but have decided that honestly, as long as I'm in the air I'm happy (preferably fixed wing). I've longed to go to USNA for about 5 years now. It's become part of my identity, and I've visited many times, and each time I felt an unwavering sense of "this is where I'm meant to be." It's been my motivation throughout all of high school, and I feel like I'm betraying what I've been aiming for for years if I choose AF. I went to Summer STEM, a CVW, and (virtual) NASS. Bottom line, I love everything about USNA. Sounds like an easy decision, right? The issue is, I'm not so sure Navy as a branch is as good a fit for me as Air Force. I'm more air-minded and have been "raised" in Air Force leadership and operational style through Civil Air Patrol (I am a Spaatz cadet, for those who are familiar). The only time I've ever been to USAFA was for the windshield tour, and while I love Colorado Springs and that climate (nasty Annapolis humidity is one of the only issues I have with USNA), I didn't get that unmistakable feeling I got from USNA (granted, it was a windshield tour). I've also talked to people currently at USAFA, and there are some things I do and don't like (I'll spare you the pros and cons list) but overall I still prefer USNA. However, I'm really trying to make myself weigh the career afterwards heavier than the academy experience itself.

I very much want to travel and see the world, and am not overly concerned about being away for long periods of time. I know the air force treats you better when it comes to lodging, etc, but honestly, that isn't too much of a factor to me either. I would happily sleep on a wooden crate and eat MREs everyday if it means I'd get to wake up and enjoy my job. I want to stay away from a desk as long as possible, a sentiment that has increased especially after this online COVID year. I want to stay in the action, and I want to work with people. BUT, do I want to spend 6 months at a time on a ship? I'm not a humidity/beach person, and that's about how I imagine naval bases are. And again, I'm more air-minded than sea-minded. Air Force ideals have been pumped into me through years in CAP. I also understand that I'm far more likely to get a fixed-wing pilot slot out of USAFA than USNA, which again, is the ultimate goal. Overall, USNA as an academy is my #1, but the Air Force as a branch fits my future picture better than the Navy does. It would be great if I could cross-commission out of USNA to the AF, but I know I can't count on that- plus, it wouldn't sit right to receive all of that navy training to leave for the air force.

Right now I am leaning air force because of career opportunities, and am afraid that I'll get there and regret not going with my long-term dream of USNA.


Thank you so much in advance for reading and throwing me your two cents :)
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I'm with you, though I'm honestly "hoping" USNA makes my decision easy...
 
Just an outsider, passing through....if you get the offer, go USNA, if not, you'll love USAFA. Whatever you decide, be confident that whatever decision you made was the best at the moment and don't second guess yourself. Sounds like either branch is getting a good officer!
 
22 December 2005
Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force
Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"

USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogeneous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black Shoes (surface warfare) and Bubble Heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your *** until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it.

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.

Banzai
 
Pride said:
22 December 2005
Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force
Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"

USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogeneous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black Shoes (surface warfare) and Bubble Heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your *** until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it.

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.

Banzai
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Thank you for your response! Would you mind expanding on what you mean by "homogeneous and macro" and "heterogeneous and micro?"
 
If you step back and look at this, you have to ask yourself what you want to do and what type of job do you want for the next 5-20 years. Your time at an SA is only 4 years while the branch of service you choose will be anywhere from 5-20+.

If you are really focused on fixed-wing aircraft, AF will give you more opportunities for that goal. They have a powered flight program on campus, a soaring program, and normally ~50% of your classmates will also have the same goals and want to be pilots.

If your heart is set on Navy; however, follow your heart and don't look back. You only live once and life is too short to second guess decisions. Go there and do well and go after one of their fixed-wing slots.

@Pride , I was looking for that post too. I copied it a year ago on another thread.
 
You seem to have Plan A well figured out: To fly. That’s a great and worthy goal. But now ask yourself this: What if you can’t fly? At that point, which branch offers you the career path you’d find the most satisfying?

As many will attest, stuff happens to derail cadets’/mids’ goals. Academics or illness or injury or some other unforeseen circumstances can keep you from becoming a pilot. But you’ll still be an officer with a job to do. So should a personal issue arise — or the needs of the Air Force/Navy prevail — in which branch will you be happiest being a non-pilot?
 
Cactuswren said:
Thank you for your response! Would you mind expanding on what you mean by "homogeneous and macro" and "heterogeneous and micro?"
Click to expand...
Homogeneous just means that the AF is about the same everywhere you look, as opposed to the Navy where your experience is largely dependent on your squadron. I think the macro micro parts were hinting toward the same idea, though I'm not sure.
 
Congratulations on your appointment to USAFA!

Also, keep in mind that the academies do have a program that allows you to attend another academy during the fall semester of your junior year. If you were to go to USAFA, this is something you could strive for so that you can get a USNA experience as well (vice versa). It is highly competitive, but I know a few cadets who have done this and absolutely loved it!

Best Wishes.
 
in_co_24 said:
Congratulations on your appointment to USAFA!

Also, keep in mind that the academies do have a program that allows you to attend another academy during the fall semester of your junior year. If you were to go to USAFA, this is something you could strive for so that you can get a USNA experience as well (vice versa). It is highly competitive, but I know a few cadets who have done this and absolutely loved it!

Best Wishes.
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I am familiar! I do plan on competing for one of those slots regardless of which route I go. Thanks for the response :)
 
@Cactuswren, the choice today is simple - you have one appointment. Should the scenario change and you have to make a choice, it sounds like you have thought through it to know your answer.

Clearly, everyone here at SAF has bias based on their own life experiences and observations. However, as a Spaatz achiever, I suspect you are an above average achiever and you would find yourself in the middle to top half of your class. At USAFA, it is rare for a student who wants to fly to not be selected for that career field. It happens, but again, if you are in the mid to top of your class, one would think the probability is even lower that you would fail to receive a pilot slot.

I don't know the USNA stats, but we know that the slots are more limited than at USAFA, and again, the competition pool would be tight - but you are in the mid to upper part of the class. Anyway you look at it, the statistical chances are less at USNA to get a pilot slot.

If you went to USNA and were not selected for Aviation, would you regret your choice of schools?

Is the short term of the 4-year college experience more important to you than the long-term 10+ year aviation career?

There are no wrong answers, and it will vary based on the individual making the choice. Today however, there is not much of a choice. Should a choice present itself, you are doing the right things now to think through the possibilities and hone in on what is really important to you. Congrats on your appointment and best of luck in achieving your goals.
 
As someone in the same situation (accepted to USAFA waiting on USNA) I relate to what you said about the feeling of belonging: I feel like USAFA is where I am meant to be. I also feel blessed that this feeling aligns with the academy and branch that I believe will be the best for my career. In the end I feel like the career is more important than the school in the long run, but you really have to just go with what you think is best. Would be great to have you in our class if you go USAFA.
 
You have a potentially tough choice, but the good news is that both of those are good choices.
Both will provide some amazing training and opportunities.

I would lean toward service over commissioning source as a longer-term value. That said, sometimes your gut feeling is important.
When I was appointed, I didn't know if I could make it, but I absolutely knew I would regret not trying. That made my decision pretty easy.
 
It sounds like you love the Naval Academy but not the service that follows. It's not about where you spend 4 years learning, but about the service you could potentially spend 10, 20, or more years in. If you love the service, you will appreciate the academy experience regardless because you know where you're going. So make a decision based off the long-term prospects, not just where you'll be soon.

(Although would you really want to spend your 4 years on 338 acres either in the humidity or snow a few feet above sea level rather than on 18,400 acres 7,000 feet up with easy access to skiing, the Rockies, and the beauty of the American West? ;))
 
Pride said:
22 December 2005
Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force
Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"

USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogeneous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black Shoes (surface warfare) and Bubble Heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your *** until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it.

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.

Banzai
Click to expand...
Well stated, thank you.
 
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