USAFA or USMA?

F

flowers33

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Jun 22, 2022
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Hi everyone,

Although I posted this already on the USAFA forum, I would like to ask for insight and experiences of those who know a lot about USMA as well. I am grateful for the opportunity to be accepted by both USMA and USAFA, but I am conflicted as to which academy to attend. I'd really like to get insight of what it's like post-grad as well.

The major that I want to have, Foreign Area Studies, and the career that I want to pursue in the long run, Intelligence Officer then Foreign Area Officer, are attainable if I go to either academy. West Point was my first choice since junior year of high school (and I've visited campus before) but I'm not sure if I would prefer the Air Force experience more. I'm unable to visit Colorado and I don't have many people to ask specifically about the USAFA experience. A few peers have only said that USAFA would comparatively be slightly less physically demanding (compared with USMA), that Air Force comparatively tends to be more academically focused (even though both academies will be academically challenging), and I would have access to "better" resources/have a "better" quality of life in Air Force bases. However, USMA is filled with history, traditions, and more strictness, which I favor.

Please share any insight of your experiences; it's really appreciated. When it comes down to it, I know that I want to serve and that's #1. I know that both academies will DEFINITELY be challenging in all aspects. I just don't know which path would be in my best interests both in the short and long run.
 
My kid who wanted the same and had to make the same decision went with USMA. The academic program and career opportunites are distinctly better at USMA over USAFA and in the Army over the Air Force (think FAOs).

He spent time reviewing the webpages for each school's program and reflecting on career opportunities.

Indeed, if you want to fly jets or fixed wing aircraft--please go to USAFA, they need you, the Air Force and country need you; however, if that is not what you want to do, then it is a clear choice to go to USMA for what you wish to study.
 
After reading the entire thread in the USAFA forum, I doubt you’ll find significantly different advice here. The best and most consistent counsel remains the same: Choose the branch, not the school. The academy is but four years in a potentially much longer career — a relative blip in the grand scheme.

Think also about what you’d do if you don’t get your dream MOS. Which branch would offer you the best alternative opportunities. Finally, whose mission most aligns with your goals and aspirations. Answer those and the school should reveal itself rather readily.
 
The advice to focus on what happens after graduation is spot on. You will be at an SA for 4 years, but what happens after graduation will be at least 5 years and possibly much longer.

As a USMA grad I don't have a lot of detail on the USAFA experience, but here are a few observations:
  • Academics - both are academically oriented. As long as each has the major you want, there is little difference.
  • Lifestyle at SA - USAFA is much more relaxed than USMA. I have never heard an exchange cadet from either SA say different.
  • Location of SA - subjective, depending on what you like. Personally I would give USAFA a strong edge. Colorado Springs is very nice and not far from Denver. USMA is beautiful with pretty easy access to NYC, but Highland Falls is just too small compared to Colorado Springs.
  • Locations of Bases/Posts - Both have equally crappy locations stateside with a few nice ones. International I would give edge to USAFA, but don't know about how easy/difficult it is to get those locations. USMA - Availability and competition for posts varies greatly by branch allocation year to year. Generally - Italy very competitive; Hawaii, Colorado Springs, Germany moderately competitive.
  • After graduation assignment - don't know about USAFA except that life is pretty good for pilots. If you go to USMA, be prepared to do first tour in Infantry, Armor, or Field Artillery. Many who get other branches are detailed to those combat arms branches for their first tour. Can vary greatly by branch, but roughly one third to one half of those getting non-combat arms branches get detailed to combat arms.
  • History and Tradition - USAFA established 1954. USMA established 1802.
 
This decision is so important as well confusing for who do not know what to expect. Most important points are covered above.
My DS had to make this decision last year. He was accepted by USMA/USAFA and USNA too. It was exciting as well stressful. He wanted to be pilot. As per stats, very small % get those slots also he would have to correct his vision. So USAFA became little distant choice. USNA was only in picture for Cyber program. A overnight visit to USMA and talking few seniors helped him pick USMA ( Cyber program is also equally good and chioce to become a pilot too) . He really loved culture and it matched his personality. He still says its was a best decision in his life.

I would suggest overnight visit to these academies may help you to decide. Talk to people in the academy. This iwll surely will help

All the best for your decision
 
I will shamelessly plug that the USMA Department of Social Science has an extremely reputable and well-resourced academic program, especially within International Relations. The Modern War Institute and Combating Terrorism Center are two state-of-the-art research centers hosted at the Academy that allow for outstanding professional development, AIAD/internship opportunities, and research/publishing opportunities.

The Army is fundamentally more of a people force by its nature--aside from being a FAO, other Army roles like Civil Affairs, SF, USACE, being a PL rotated to Europe working with our partners, etc work in the international community. My instructors in every branch have worked with partner nations in foreign countries. Most Air Force missions are strategic-level, which is awesome, but it is not the same IMO.
 
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