Hello! I am really interested in the USNA Parachute Team and would love to know if anyone has any information on qualifications you need to have and how to join. Also, is this a year-round program or can you do other sports such as swimming? I am currently a sophomore and really want to attend as part of the class of 2026!
Parachute Team
- Thread starter Marie221
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Welcome as a member of just a few minutes!
One of the first things on your USNA To Do list is to read every page, link and hamburger menu item at USNA.edu, taking notes on timelines, action steps and general information. That is your primary source, and you are in the right time-frame to start your in-depth research.
You’ll find that all midshipmen are required to be involved in a sport at the varsity, club or intramural level at the mandatory time for their sport in the afternoon. Some may be involved in other activities in lieu of a sport, which are specifically noted. There are all kinds of extra-curricular activities which a midshipman may voluntarily get involved in, as their academic and sport workload permits.
Google is your friend - try a search for “Naval Academy ECAs.” Many ECAs also have Facebook pages.
“Year-round” - well, you will find in your research that there is a distinct two-semester academic year, where your routine is academics, sports, any ECAs you have time for. Then the summer is a mix of mandatory and elective summer training blocks, and some vacation (leave time). ECAs, very generally, don’t meet formally over the summer because the Brigade is scattered.
Add to your primary source research list the SA nomination pages for your Senators and your Representative. Get smart on that process, and keep an eye out for f2f or virtual information sessions.
Here on SAF, read the Stickies at the very top of the Nominations and DoDMERB Forums to start your education there.
It’s also a good time to research ALL the SAs, so you are well-informed about them and those career paths, and think about whether they are also something to pursue. Ditto college ROTC programs and scholarship options as an alternate to a SA. If your goal is to become a military officer, explore all paths.
Get smart on the CFA, the fitness assessment. You’ll have to figure out how hard that will be for you. Nothing wrong with working in elements of that early on, so when it’s time to knock that out, you’ll be confident.
Finally, the quest for a SA offer of an appointment is a test in itself of your perseverance, executive planning ability, attention to detail, commitment, patience, initiative and ability to direct yourself through a long, complex process.
This is a looooong answer to a short question, but there’s a lot of stuff to conquer before you have the fun of thinking about the parachute team. I get why it’s fun, though, and with luck, someone will pop up with a comment for you.
If this seems like a lot, just remember you eat an elephant one bite at a time. You are smart to start now.
If you DM me I know a Mid with first hand knowledge that is happy to answer questions about USNAPT
Just to note... you mentioned swimming. USNA has a great swimming program. If you are being recruited and on that level to swim, something like parachute team honestly probably won’t happen. One, any D1 sport takes an enormous amount of time. Your free time will be severely limited. The ability to practice with someone like the parachute team just won’t happen with something like swimming. Maybe you can in some capacity, but it will be very very limited. Two, although it’s highly controlled and all risks are minimized as much as possible, it is risky. Coaches aren’t going to love the idea of you jumping out of planes during the season. There are lots of great Clubs and ECAs at USNA, but you will only get to do a few. D1 and club sports take up a lot of time. Some other ECAs like D&B, choir, a few others also take up a big amount of time. It’s great you are exploring these options and seeing what USNA has. As mentioned, focus on the getting in part. Apply for Summer Seminar when eligible and good luck!
Spot on feedback as usual
Thank you so much! That was very helpful. Speaking of swimming/sports, do you know when you should begin the recruiting process and what it is like? I am currently trying to contact the USNA Swim coaches.
If you go to the Navy Sports website there is a form you can fill out. Some sports have some target times also they provide to give some guidance on those who would fall in the recruiter category. Recommend you do your homework and if they post any there, fill out the form and if they are interested they will reach out.
Thank you!
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- Sep 27, 2008
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This is what you are looking for:
This is Div I. You may want to research times for the swim team to see if you are competitive.