Hard Choice.. Help

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NavalOdyssey2016

5-Year Member
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Mar 28, 2012
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I have been in the difficult position of deciding between the West Point and USNA for quite some time now (LOAs September, WP Appointment in October, USNA Appointment Early November) and it is not getting any easier. It seems that every week I am leaning one way and change the following week after learning new information regarding one SA. When I began the application process I was Navy 100%, but after my visit to West Point I have fallen in love with USMA, yet Navy is still in the back of my mind.
Both my BGO and ALO have been extremely helpful but I feel that I will let one down regardless of my decision because of how hard each has worked in helping me to receive the appointments. The decision for me is so close that I jokingly say that I will just flip a coin; however it seems to actually be the best course of action. I have been told that when I flip the coin I will know which one I really prefer, I just don't think that will happen because I have no preference. I feel that I would be more academically successful at West Point and have a better opportunity for the branch that I want, or should I attend USNA where I have more choices for branches (service selection) that I would enjoy and just the fact that for some reason it is still in my mind even after the research that, for me, has made West Point a better choice for me.
Thank you for reading and any response you may have.
 
Well, what do you mean by "academically successful?" Also, what sort of career are you interested in?
 
Good questions. And your not going to let anyone down. They are big boys who respect the other service. The only person you need to consider in making this decision is you. You need to consider what you want to do after school in the military in making this decision. You can be academically successful at either so that's not a factor. Available majors may make a difference, but I don't think there is a big difference between the two in tgat regard. So what do you think you want to do as an officer?
 
If I just read your post correctlly, you fell in love with USMA but can't get USNA, your first choice, out of your mind. You feel USMA would be better academically and professionally but still, USNA still keeps popping up. Looks like to me you've already made up your mind.
Congrats and Cheers...
 
usma

The choice is about you! You have to live with it. Make a decision and don't look back. Everyone else around you will be just fine.
 
I am interested in infantry/ground which seems to be Army, but USNA does offer the Marine Corps option. Also by "academically successful" I do NOT expect to go and have a 4.0, however I personally felt that WP had more discipline when it came to academics and I feel that I would preform better in the West Point academic enviroment than the USNA one.
Though there is something about Navy that is keeping me from signing the West Point appointment, and it has nothing to do with the uniforms...
 
needhelp said:
I am interested in infantry/ground which seems to be Army, but USNA does offer the Marine Corps option. Also by "academically successful" I do NOT expect to go and have a 4.0, however I personally felt that WP had more discipline when it came to academics and I feel that I would preform better in the West Point academic enviroment than the USNA one.
Though there is something about Navy that is keeping me from signing the West Point appointment, and it has nothing to do with the uniforms...
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Your going to have to meet higher physical standards to become a Marine. Personally I'm partial to the Marines, but if you're not willing to prep to run 3 miles in 18 minutes, stick with Army. There's a lot more traditional infantry/ground opportunities in the army vs. what is traditionally an amphibious force.

However, I really think you need to get in touch with that "something about Navy". I think that's the real nub of the issue for you. It could just be that its where your heart is, but that would be sufficient for me to go Navy. But in any case you need to figure out what it is for you.
 
There will be a small twinge of personal pride that will be bruised by the BGO or ALO who "loses" you, but I suspect they have several other candidates who are highly qualified waiting in the wings to fill your spot. Make the decision that works best for you and give it your absolute best shot. Best wishes.
 
In my opinion

Whatever choose you make, it will be one of the best decision you'll make, not the hardest one. Comparing the ups and downs of both SA will not help you at all. Why? They are both great pathways to your success. What should you be thankful is that you are both chosen into 2 SA's while others others didn't have any nomination nor appointment. You are blessed.
 
Look at the career paths of both. Do you want to be a ground pounder and train with the most high tech weapons available for infantry and other ground forces? Go Army. Do you want to possibly fly jets and live on an aircraft carrier? Go Navy. You should NOT take this decision lightly, there is a huge difference between Army and Navy.
 
The choice is definitely yours to make. Your ALO/BGO will be fine and respect your decision. USMA and USNA are different and have their own traditions and character. The differences in schools has been written about greatly on here and I am sure you have read them all. I think you need to consider what you want to major in as a big area to focus on, but ultimately what you want to do when you graduate is more important. Navy does have a vast and wide choice of service selection career fiels which I think is great. Trust me nearly every Plebe starts day one wanting to fly F/A-18s or be a SEAL and we know that is not reality. Being an Army officer vs. a Marine Corps officer is totally different. As a former Marine Officer it was like night and day between the two. I do not want to say one was better than the other, but they are very different. The expectation and cultures are very different. If you want to discuss the nuances of the two PM me, more than happy to talk about them.
 
You can not go wrong with this decision. Just make it and move on. Please realize and thank God for this decision. There are hundreds of people waiting for the choice you turn down. Congratulations!!
 
Since USAFA isn't a choice, I can't help you. But I can tell you that as soon as my DD made her decision and accepted an appointment, virtually all the stress in our family disappeared. She is now enjoying her senior year, looking forward to Prom, etc.
 
Recommend to talking to anyone you can about Army/Navy careers and doing more research. What do you want to do when you grow up/in the military. Do you want to be in charge to a platoon (30 to 50 soldiers), fly F-18, work with a nuclear reactor, be a paratrooper, and etc. A tendency I see among some candidates is seeking some sort of guarnteed outcome. What SAs will do for you a fair chance to get what you want.

Had a candidate I worked with that wanted to be an astronaut. He was convinced that as a Naval officer his chances will be better. Also had a former Naval officer telling him as such. I told him do his research.

It surprises me to as smart as some of you are, rather doing reserach and verifying facts, some kids will just believe whatever someone tells you.
 
Well, our DS kind of had the same impressions. There's a lot to like about West Point and honestly, the alumni in our area are very, very encouraging and helpful. However, having dinner with Annapolis alumni wasn't bad either; Staubach, astronauts and Seals. It really does come down to what do you want to do with the "rest" of your life. If you want to manage people and projects then maybe Army is a little better suited. If your pursuits are more individualized like a pilot or science oriented then maybe Navy is a little better suited. Our kid wants to be a pilot, chances are better in the Navy; case closed.

Of course my dad spent 20+ years in the Marines so that was an influence I'm sure. In his day, he went enlisted Marines b/c he wanted to see some action. For me, he suggested "join the Air Force their uniforms are nicer and they have better housing". I stayed a civilian but the point is everyone has different motivators and you have to decide what's important to you "LONG TERM". You will be done with the academy (either) by 22yo +/- and believe me, that is still very, very young. The academies are just the door to the branch of service you will be going into...look behind that door b/c you might spend the next 20 years + there.
 
needhelp said:
Also by "academically successful" I do NOT expect to go and have a 4.0, however I personally felt that WP had more discipline when it came to academics and I feel that I would preform better in the West Point academic enviroment than the USNA one.
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I am not certain what you mean by more discipline when it comes to academics :thumbdown: Both are fantastic schools (with very similar academic programs) with many different opportunities. Choose which service you want to join, no based off of the 4 years of school.
 
It sounds as if your heart and gut say USNA, but your head says USMA. If you were my son/daugher, I would suggest first that you forget about the BGO and ALO's feelings. They won't have to live with your decision every day for the next four years as will you. Second, how do you know you will perform better at USMA? If you were fortunate to receive LOAs to both, you have the ability to excel at both. Whether you do or not depends on you personally, no matter which school you choose. Although some college ranking surveys place USMA ahead of USNA academically, you are really slicing the salami very thinly (too thinly, in my view) if your head is telling you USMA based on rankings, surveys, public opinion, statistics, peer opinion, etc. The differences academically among the three academies is very slight. All three provide outstanding (and equivalent, again in my view) educations and potential for future success. Third, are you able to visit USNA one more time before making your decision? A follow-up visit after you have seen USMA might very well tell you whether to follow your heart or head. A second visit may tell you whether you "belong" in Annapolis or West Point. Fourth, keep in mind that while you know today what you want to do four years from now, you might change your mind. There is nothing wrong with that. You will have many experiences and meet many people over the next four years that you cannot even imagine today. All will have an effect on you and what you want to do when you graduate. Finally, you can do all the research you want, compare as many statistics as are available, and talk to as many people as will listen, but in the end you have to be happy on a very basic level with your selection, and this frequently will depend on intangibles (which sound like the things that keep bringing you back to USNA). Choosing one academy over another is not as easy as making two columns, awarding points for which one has the better English Department, etc. and then comparing their scores. I will go out on a limb and say if your heart and gut are telling you USNA, then go to USNA. In any case, once you choose (no matter which one it is) remind yourself that this truly was an instance where there was no wrong choice.
 
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