USMA or USNA

S

sth04

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Mar 22, 2022
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For those who have made the choice between USMA and USNA, which did you pick and why?
 
Wow. That's a loaded question. I think it comes down to passion and initial career/experience aspirations. Obviously, if the sea or planes are your thing -- it's USNA. Tanks and helicopters -- USMA. But there are more nuanced things to consider. For instance PsyOps is primarily run out of Army, if that's of interest. Honestly, I would write down all things that interest you (and those things that don't) and see what best aligns. This is a significant decision and you need to "do you". Best wishes.
 
Our DS was in this situation until about 2-weeks ago. It took a lot of soul searching, research, candid discussions with mil contacts in both branches, two visits to WP (one overnight and one separate day visit), and an overnight visit to USNA. We are a retired career AF family, so kept our own opinions out of it and encouraged him to gather as much intel to aid in his decision. I read somewhere on this forum a comment that after all the soul searching, 'you'll be able to let one go easier than the other'. After our DS made his decision, we celebrated and then shared the news with family and friends. The next morning I asked him how he was feeling, if he had any lingering doubts, a pit in his stomach over whether he'd made the right decision, etc. He was able to solidly reply no. That was when we all knew for sure that he'd made the best decision for him. That was when we were able to share that we secretly were rooting for the branch choice he made. Notice that I didn't say the SA choice. The next 4-years are going to be a wonderful and turbulent 4-years of growth, but we feel that the following 5+ years should really weigh in the most when comparing your options.

I know that our DS became numb to hearing 'what a great predicament to be in' or 'either choice will be a good decision'. I really do believe what I read once-upon-a-time on this forum - best wishes as you weigh all sides and discover which one you're able to let go of easier, even if it's just a little bit.
 
You can flip a coin and live happily ever after either way. However think about what you wish to study…which school do you think does it better. What do you want to do when you are serving? If you want to fly jets or go to sea, then go to Navy. Otherwise if you want to lead, go to the premier leader development institute in the world. Go Army. Again you can go in your room, shut the door, flip a coin…call it heads for Army & then follow the path it takes you down. Best wishes. Let us know.
 
mullinfox said:
Our DS was in this situation until about 2-weeks ago. It took a lot of soul searching, research, candid discussions with mil contacts in both branches, two visits to WP (one overnight and one separate day visit), and an overnight visit to USNA. We are a retired career AF family, so kept our own opinions out of it and encouraged him to gather as much intel to aid in his decision. I read somewhere on this forum a comment that after all the soul searching, 'you'll be able to let one go easier than the other'. After our DS made his decision, we celebrated and then shared the news with family and friends. The next morning I asked him how he was feeling, if he had any lingering doubts, a pit in his stomach over whether he'd made the right decision, etc. He was able to solidly reply no. That was when we all knew for sure that he'd made the best decision for him. That was when we were able to share that we secretly were rooting for the branch choice he made. Notice that I didn't say the SA choice. The next 4-years are going to be a wonderful and turbulent 4-years of growth, but we feel that the following 5+ years should really weigh in the most when comparing your options.

I know that our DS became numb to hearing 'what a great predicament to be in' or 'either choice will be a good decision'. I really do believe what I read once-upon-a-time on this forum - best wishes as you weigh all sides and discover which one you're able to let go of easier, even if it's just a little bit.
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We went through the same thing w #3 who had to decide between USAFA & USMA. It had to be his choice so we backed out of it completely. He thought about the majors and what he wanted to do—& went Army w no regrets.
 
Our DS was in the same spot last year and is finishing up plebe year at USMA. Broadly it came down to a choice between STEM leadership and human leadership. And he finally said “ I like being in the woods more than boats”. For the OP- send me a message if you want to go deeper
 
Its a tough call. My DS is fortunate to have got accepted in USMA, USNA and USAFA. While he had many calls with admission officers and done tons of research, finally it was USMA for him. DS had a overnight visit to USMA and he really felt that is his place. His education priorities as well his personality is well aligned to USMA.

Agree with DrMom "if you want to lead, go to the premier leader development institute in the world. Go Army." second this thought.

As an adult DS has taken a decision and we are proud and supportive of his call. Go Army.

There are tons of thread available on this site, which give perspective from many angles.
 
Our DS had the same decision and ultimately, he made the decision based on what he really wanted to do after the Service Academy and what he really wanted to do in serving his country in the military for the 5-25 years after graduation. He's in the class of 2023 and hasn't regretted his decision. Good luck.
 
I faced this same decision last year at this same time. Ultimately I chose to attend West Point. Why? Character. I visited both academies and spoke with people in both branches some even who had taught and coached at the academies. I chose West Point because I decided not only would it be harder for me and push me more (ie the Thayer method and the layout of Beast vs. Plebe summer), but I decided this was a place that would ultimately grow me and help me become a better version of myself and ultimately a better officer. I do not regret my decision. I have been pushed to my limit many a times here and I am just a year in. Regardless of what you choose, be prepared to be humbled. I thought West Point even with as hard as it appeared would be easier than it is. I have had my pride handed right back to me. Be prepared to loose sleep: AY year is hard and you will spend many nights up until midnight or one in the morning doing homework, just to get back up at 5:30-6:30 to go to formation or morning practice. Finally do what is best for you to grow. If you want to talk more PM me and I can answer some more questions via phone call about how I made my decision.

Beat Navy!
 
Since you posted this in the USMA thread I can only assume which way you are leaning. A lot of good advise above. Pick the service not the academy follow your gut it will treat you well. Both are great and I do recognize I am surrounded here (I'm good with that) but ..........
GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!
 
Our 2024 DS faced this choice. He looked at majors, and then looked at the duty stations, jobs, airframes, and the types of service selections he would be potentially serving in.
For him, USNA was a better fit.
It's an enviable problem to have.
 
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