Question about transferring SA

usmahopeful

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2010
Messages
13
What's the policy about transferring from SA to SA? And if a cadet finishes his freshman year at West Point but wants to go to AFA, can he enter AFA as a sophomore or does he have to to go in with the freshman class? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thank you
 
There are no transfers.

If a cadet/mid'n wishes to leave their SA and enter another, then they must:

a. Resign their appointment at their SA
b. Request a nomination from their MoC
c. Go through the entire selection process again
d. Be fortunate enough to both receive a nomination and be appointed

And that last one, "D", is something I think will be similar to climbing Mount Everest without oxygen: possible, but really REALLY difficult.

Why?

Because if I were the nominating board chairman (which I am for my MoC), my first question is: WHY are you resigning from the SA? Why don't you complete the program you've entered? Why not then attempt a service transfer? Why would you resign your appointment at "XXX" which means you took a slot someone else would die to have, and then tossed it away to change your mind and attempt another SA?

Harsh questions? Perhaps, but I guarantee they'd be asked.

Long answer, I realize, but I think you need to know all this.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
I believe starting at any of the academies begins the 4 year process, so you would start your 4 years over if you transferred. (someone correct me if im wrong).

But why go AFA if your just planning to transfer after one year?
 
Yes, you would start the academy all over again and do all 4 years. Hell, you could be a Dougie Howser (If you don't know who this is, then I'm too old) and finish a master's degree by the time you're 20 years old; and if you went to the air force academy, you'd still have to do 4 years.

As for WHY a person would start one, only to transfer, there is usually one or two reasons.

1. They didn't get their first academy choice, and thought: "No problem. I'll accept this appointment and then simply transfer". Beeep wrong answer. See Flieger's answer.

2. They thought they really wanted a particular academy, then realized that it wasn't what they really wanted. Problem here is; academically, the academies are pretty much the same. There might be a different aura or attitude at each, but it's only 4 years. As Steve mentioned, you would be better off finishing the academy you're at, and then transferring to a different branch of the military. This isn't difficult.
 
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