Enlist and then to USNA?

[Memphis9489]

I would say enlist and do basic during the summer. then go to school in the fall and do NROTC. This is better because now you have two more ways of getting a nomination.

I couldn't disagree more!

If you have what it takes to get in directly out of high school - do it!

The advantages of being prior enlisted are minimal. Let's face it, standing at attention, marching, and handling a rifle are pretty darn easy. Enlisted boot camp is quite different from Plebe Summer. Within a couple weeks, you can't tell the difference between a plebe with prior enlisted experience and one without. The same goes for NAPS, in my opinion.

I'm going to go out on a limb here: I'll bet the academic drop out rate (as a percentage) is higher amongst prior enlisted than those without prior enlisted experience. They've been away from academics for an entire year! ("Incoming!")

 

[Drew_22]

Hello all,
I'm currently a high school senior midway through the application process for USNA. I know that I want to go there, but am wondering whether it might be smarter to enlist first. I've been talking to some priors, and they've said that having served made them much more prepared for the Academy physically and mentally than kids just coming out of high school. How difficult is it for an enlisted serviceman to gain entrance to the Academy? Is it a viable option for someone wishing to attend USNA?
Thank you in advance!

I wouldn't. I have been thinking about this also, but Service Academies only accepts a certain number of enlisted military personel per class I believe. So it would probably improve your chances if you waited. That is atleast what I know.

 

[Soon2B~IS3~]

Yes, there are only a certain amount of enlisted spots, about 170. This is the projected breakdown of enlisted members accepted to the class of 2013.

MILITARY BACKGROUND

TOTAL FORMER ENLISTED:*

Navy 32
Marine Corps 11
Total 43

*This figure includes 19 who entered directly from the Navy (15) and the Marine Corps (4). Additionally, 24 prior enlisted attended a year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School (17 from the Navy and 7 from the Marine Corps). This figure also includes 8 Marines and 1 Sailor who served in Iraq/Afghanistan.

43 of 170 spots filled. This means the enlisted are not getting in or they're not interested. I'd be willing to assess if you're 18-19 and enlisted in the Navy you're not interested in putting yourself through an institution such as USNA.

"The advantages of being prior enlisted are minimal. Let's face it, standing at attention, marching, and handling a rifle are pretty darn easy. Enlisted boot camp is quite different from Plebe Summer. Within a couple weeks, you can't tell the difference between a plebe with prior enlisted experience and one without. The same goes for NAPS, in my opinion."

Yes Naval RTC is a JOKE but i've served with prior enlisted officers and those that were not and in my opinion there is a difference. I'm talking AFTER the academy though. Granted these former enlisted officers were not academy grads but eventually went through OCS.

Or maybe Intel Officers are just special...