For the lurkers following this discussion, don’t worry about the OP’s comment about long-term career goals not aligning with the Army or West Point. That is just one perspective.
A military career, even just a few years, regardless of commissioning source, is a superb platform to launch into any number of life’s arenas. The skills gained in military services are invaluable, but are not for everyone or even for everyone long-term.
Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected ways. As that quote roughly goes, “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.”
My DH went to USNA, became a pilot, was sure he would do the minimum years, get out and fly for the airlines. He stayed a full career, had 4 commands, then went on to a career in banking, and now raises and trains Appaloosas, and rides in show competitions.
I have friends who:
Started as surface warfare officer, is now a large animal vet. She went to vet school in her 40’s.
Started as Marine ground officer, worked as an “ABC agent,” now owns his own brew pub and is the brewmaster.
A SEAL who now has a landscape design business.
John McCain just wanted to fly - and look where his life took him.
Me - swore I was going to do my initial obligation and get out, go to school for MD-PhD and do research, stayed full Navy career and am now a corporate business leader, plan to have a 3rd career working at a veteran non-profit. Maybe the last career will be to give walking tours at USNA...
I would venture to say the posters on here who are wearing the uniform or who have worn it, have similar stories of how their lives unfolded in unexpected ways, regardless of what they thought they would be doing at age 17-18. It’s the same whether or not you ever wear the uniform - life unfolds in unexpected ways.
My point is - if you think you might want to do or be X one day, it’s entirely possible that you can do that after time as a military officer. You are not teetering at grave’s edge in your later twenties if you get out after initial obligation. You may even find yourself itself doing Z, as so many doors and opportunities will be open.
Finally, the SAs always take in more people than they know will graduate. Cadets and mids will attrite along the way for both voluntary and involuntary reasons. The OP accepted an appointment in good faith, and discovered it was not a good fit. The system wisely allows these folks to walk away the first two years. The SA took who they wanted with a range of target class size.
