KP2020Dad
DS - USMMA '20
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2015
- Messages
- 169
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.