I don't know if the military is for me

Is the military for me? If so, which academy?

  • USNA

    Votes: 2 16.7%
  • USAFA

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Military life isn't for you

    Votes: 10 83.3%

  • Total voters
    12
My DS wasn't sure about a "military" career, as well. A friend of mine was a graduate of USMMA (not a typo, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy) and suggested we look there. However, you should really do your homework. Here's a couple of positives: 1) no military obligation, 2) not even a real "seagoing" obligation (after graduation you have to support the transportation industry, but doesn't mean you have to do it at sea.) 3) one of the highest post-graduation salary potentials (all of the "maritime" colleges score high, in this regard.) Now, for some negatives: 1) you don't get a monthly paycheck like the other service academies, 2) there is some administrative issues between Dept of Transportation/MARAD and the academy that would be concerning for those thinking of applying. 3) limited degrees offered. With that said, my DS is currently a plebe (class of 2020) and loves it there...although most KP grads will tell you, "it's not a great place to be, but a great place to be from." Good luck.
 
Please do not apply to the Service Academies if you do not see yourself as a leader in the profession of arms.

There are plenty of awesome opportunities available, including commissioning options in all of the uniformed services, should you be looking for something outside of the profession of arms.

The service academies were founded to provide line officers whose primary focus is to lead our nation in times of war.

You sound like an extremely focused and self-aware young adult, qualities that are often lacking in this day and age. I wish I had that level of maturity the first time I sought information regarding our service academies.

I wish you nothing but the best in wisdom and counsel as you pursue your options.

S/F,
Grilled Cheese
Not exactly true. That may be the case for the "big 3" federal service academies (USMA, USNA, USAFA), but not necessarily the case for the USCGA or USMMA.
 
Not exactly true. That may be the case for the "big 3" federal service academies (USMA, USNA, USAFA), but not necessarily the case for the USCGA or USMMA.

I'd say USCGA falls into that category as well. You will train with guns and go to units with guns and you'll carry a gun (at least some of the time). In fact, you might be more likely to interact with someone while carrying that gun (note I didn't say also shoot them), than, say, the Navy or Air Force (I'm excluding pilots here).
 
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I never really looked too far into the Coast Guard Academy (I think I was so set on flying...may have blindsided myself) but it definitely seems more catered to my "goals/life" after college.
Not to beat a dead horse, but you should look into USMMA. If you're not sure about the military lifestyle, but might want to fly for a service, all the more reason to look at the smallest of service academies. I misspoke earlier, while there is no "active" military obligation (USNR obligation), you have the option to fulfill your obligation by going active military. It seems there are Navy/Marine aviation slots filled by graduating USMMA midshipmen every year. Again, I will use my DS as an example...he was dead set against going to a "military" service academy. After a few months at USMMA, he is thinking about a future as a military pilot. I have no idea what his mindset will be in 3 years, but he will have plenty of options. Good luck.
 
I'd say USCGA falls into that category as well. You will train with guns and go to units with guns and you'll carry a gun (at least some of the time). In fact, you might me more likely to interact with someone while carrying that gun (note I didn't say also shoot them), than, say, the Navy or Air Force (I'm excluding pilots here).
You're right about "carrying a gun." I took the previous post about "profession of arms" as military type engagements. USCGA have federal law enforcement duties that are unlike the USA, USN, and USAF. I guess I was thinking that most of the time, USCG are trying to arrest bad guys, not kill them.
 
You're right about "carrying a gun." I took the previous post about "profession of arms" as military type engagements. USCGA have federal law enforcement duties that are unlike the USA, USN, and USAF. I guess I was thinking that most of the time, USCG are trying to arrest bad guys, not kill them.

That's probably more accurate.

Most of the time there's this weird hybrid of doing federal law enforcement work (14USC89) while getting that military feeling (14USC1).
 
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