I know it is rather unorthodox; however, I'm curious if it is possible. I have received appointments to USMA and USMMA but have wanted to attend and have been working for an appointment to USNA for over a decade now. I'm well aware that I could turn down my offers and go NROTC, enlist, take a gap year, cross commission, etc. but I am afraid to give up these opportunities as they may never come around again. Would it be possible to reapply to USNA from another service academy and obtain a nomination via service connection or MOC?
Unorthodox Reapplication after TWE
- Thread starter mrmk
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Enlisting, taking a gap year, or cross-commissioning are VERY risky paths to USNA. As in, they probably wouldn’t happen. Enlisting has additional risks (serving out your enlistment).
I would highly suggest accepting your viable options. Revisiting why you applied to USMMA/USMA in the first place. USMMA has the option of selecting Navy after 4 short years. If Navy is your long term goal, there ya go.
A sure thing, is just that.
I would highly suggest accepting your viable options. Revisiting why you applied to USMMA/USMA in the first place. USMMA has the option of selecting Navy after 4 short years. If Navy is your long term goal, there ya go.
A sure thing, is just that.
Someone has reapplied to navy/air force from my service academy the last two years and they have never been accepted. If you're thinking about reapplying to Navy while attending Kings Point please forget about it. Kings Point is a cut throat institution. Only be at a service academy if you want to be at that specific service academy. High schoolers get way too caught up in the recruiting and the marketing of the academies.
Additionally, if you attend Kings Point you become an ensign in four years and are still a ring knocker that is arguably better at their job, why would you intentionally take an extra year with zero guarantee if you would be an ensign in four years? Doesn't make sense to me. Just a thought from a current KP student that is tired of seeing their school as a backup option.
Additionally, if you attend Kings Point you become an ensign in four years and are still a ring knocker that is arguably better at their job, why would you intentionally take an extra year with zero guarantee if you would be an ensign in four years? Doesn't make sense to me. Just a thought from a current KP student that is tired of seeing their school as a backup option.
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This question comes up every year.
Yes, it is possible to attend one SA and apply to another. The re-application process is the same, in terms of applying for all noms for which you are eligible.
Though it does happen, it is highly unlikely to gain an appointment that way. Extremely.
Sort out your priorities. Identify the long pole in your tent.
Do you want to serve as a Navy officer? Are you okay with USMMA and can see yourself there? You have a path in hand.
Determined to take another shot at USNA? Demonstrate commitment to the Navy path by excelling in plebe-like courses and bring a stellar NROTC midshipman. You’d be moving along the path to a Navy commission in a professional training program. If you decide to re-apply to USNA, you can also apply for the ROTC nom, along with other noms.
Enlisting has been much discussed here as a path, but things have to work out exactly right. Many times they don’t.
USMA - congratulations on the appointment offer. Do you want to be an Army officer? Do you want to get there via the Army path? Then you are blessed with a way to do that. Attending with intentions to apply elsewhere, before even reporting, does not present you in the best light. You’ll have to find just the right words to address that in interviews and essays.
Decide what you want. Appreciatively let go the things that don’t get you there and move on.
Yes, it is possible to attend one SA and apply to another. The re-application process is the same, in terms of applying for all noms for which you are eligible.
Though it does happen, it is highly unlikely to gain an appointment that way. Extremely.
Sort out your priorities. Identify the long pole in your tent.
Do you want to serve as a Navy officer? Are you okay with USMMA and can see yourself there? You have a path in hand.
Determined to take another shot at USNA? Demonstrate commitment to the Navy path by excelling in plebe-like courses and bring a stellar NROTC midshipman. You’d be moving along the path to a Navy commission in a professional training program. If you decide to re-apply to USNA, you can also apply for the ROTC nom, along with other noms.
Enlisting has been much discussed here as a path, but things have to work out exactly right. Many times they don’t.
USMA - congratulations on the appointment offer. Do you want to be an Army officer? Do you want to get there via the Army path? Then you are blessed with a way to do that. Attending with intentions to apply elsewhere, before even reporting, does not present you in the best light. You’ll have to find just the right words to address that in interviews and essays.
Decide what you want. Appreciatively let go the things that don’t get you there and move on.
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KP is most definitely not a back-up, well said. The variety of options available to grads is one of its most impressive aspects.
Great response!
NROTC is an excellent option as well! I didn't think of it as a " backup" at all. You'll still become an ensign after 4 years of NROTC, just like USNA.
Plus, you get another nom source from NROTC if you're still set on USNA your first year of college.
Plus, you get another nom source from NROTC if you're still set on USNA your first year of college.
Possible? Perhaps. But, this seems to be an incredibly rare circumstance. Indeed, it is likely so rare that it would probably be unwise to take this path if you are intent on reapplying to USNA.
If being an Officer in the Navy after attending USNA is your priority, the NROTC route and reapplying to USNA from that position is what probably makes the most sense.
Your fear of giving up your existing appointments seems well founded. USMMA already provides a solid path to the Navy. And, if the Army is appealing, you won’t go wrong with USMA.
Tough decisions. Think them through and take advice from people you trust the most. Good luck.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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USMMA is no joke. Their academic requirements in terms of credits needed to graduate is the highest of all the SAs if I remember correctly. In addition, those who attend manage that credit load while also doing a major project while at sea for a year.
No second choice, no backup or undervalued academy. Actually the one with the most flexibility in terms of branch of service choice (based on the needs of each branch each year).
They typically even have unfilled pilot slots each cycle.
No second choice, no backup or undervalued academy. Actually the one with the most flexibility in terms of branch of service choice (based on the needs of each branch each year).
They typically even have unfilled pilot slots each cycle.
IronmanDaremo
What, me worry?
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If you applied to more than one Academy, then you should have wanted any one that was offered. Yes, people have first choices, but they should also want the other ones they went for in the process. If not, then it was a waste of your time to try for them.
In high school, I applied to the USNA, USCGA, and USAFA, knowing that I was a serious long shot for all of them. Only one I remotely had a shot at was the USCGA where I was given "alternate" status. I did not get an appointment. I would have happily taken any of them if offered.
Once out of high school and in the military as an enlisted, I only applied for the USNA, because that was where I really wanted to go (at the time).
You will have a great opportunity with the USMMA or West Point. Dedicate yourself to one, and you will excel. In the end, service to your country can be accomplished in many different ways.
In high school, I applied to the USNA, USCGA, and USAFA, knowing that I was a serious long shot for all of them. Only one I remotely had a shot at was the USCGA where I was given "alternate" status. I did not get an appointment. I would have happily taken any of them if offered.
Once out of high school and in the military as an enlisted, I only applied for the USNA, because that was where I really wanted to go (at the time).
You will have a great opportunity with the USMMA or West Point. Dedicate yourself to one, and you will excel. In the end, service to your country can be accomplished in many different ways.
Waste tons of tax money for training and care at an extremely prestigious institution that you aren't even planning on using, then switch over to another pretty much equal school and spend an extra 4 years there? Doesn't sound optimal.
IMHO, reconsider the amazing opportunities offered to you at USMA/USMMA
IMHO, reconsider the amazing opportunities offered to you at USMA/USMMA
I agree with @IronmanDaremo - if all you wanted was USNA, why did you waste your time and everyone else’s applying to (and getting nominations for) other SAs? Applying to NROTC makes obvious sense but… you kind of set yourself up for this.
Thank you all for your help. In no way have I thought of KP as a backup. I am committed to serving regardless of the branch. Choosing between the three is incredibly hard as they are all great options. I am incredibly lucky to have the chance to choose between USMA, USMMA, and NROTC. I plan to make a decision soon. Thank you all again, cheers.