USNA OR USAFA???

FreshSquid23

FreshSquid23

Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2019
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I just want to make this post as a disclaimer that the intention is by no means to brag but in seeking advice in making a well informed decision. Up until just this last weekend, my plans were pretty concrete that I was going to be attending USNA this following year. That all changed when finally I heard back from Air Force who decided to give me an offer of appointment very late in the game.

I started off this journey, because I wanted to attend the United States Air Force Academy when I was in fourth grade. As I went through high school I decided that my best bet would be to shoot my shot at all the Academies. I Understand the process is very selective and I never thought that I would be in the position to have to choose where I would go. Over the summer I was not excepted to th understand the process is very selective and I never thought that I would be in the position to have to choose where I would go. Over the summer I was not accepted to USAFA’s I Summer Seminar but I was afforded the opportunity to attend the USNA Summer Seminar. While at Navy I had a blast and experience of a lifetime. I love the culture, the people, the facilities in the deep rooted history was in the Academy. That being said I also recognize that this decision should be made looking at what is down the road. What careers line in front of me. I want to fly but I know that I can do that at both academies.; However if I am not afforded the chance to fly that is where I am unsure of what I would like to do. My father is in the Air Force and finds comfort in A service he knows much about and USAFA also closer making it easier to see family.
I would really appreciate if anybody has an any advice on making this decision and information whether that is any background on the pros and cons of Navy and Air Force careers, culture, academy experience, and what they love about their school, lifestyle, etc
would be deeply appreciated!
Thank you for reading all the way through and god bless. I cannot understate how blessed I truly am and couldn’t have done this without opportunities afforded by teachers, coaches, and the support of family and friends!
 
Mod note:
Because your post is focused on choosing an academy based on careers if you don't receive a pilot slot, I am moving this thread to the "Life After the Academy" forum. Here you should get more exposure and responses (from alums of both SA's).
 
AROTC-dad said:
Mod note:
Because your post is focused on choosing an academy based on careers if you don't receive a pilot slot, I am moving this thread to the "Life After the Academy" forum. Here you should get more exposure and responses (from alums of both SA's).
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Thank you! I wasn’t sure where to put it!
 
Here are my 2 cents:

Ask yourself:
  • If I don't receive a pilot slot, would I rather be at sea or on land?
  • How strongly do I feel about my dad's legacy as an AF officer?
  • How many non-flying jobs in the Navy are attractive to me?
  • How about the Air Force?
  • Which number is higher?
The answers to these questions should help you decide.
The four years at Annapolis or Colorado Springs will FLY by (pardon the pun). Think more long term and go with the SERVICE that interests you rather than the Academy.

If none of this helps, take one of my two cents, and flip the coin. You will win EITHER WAY! ;)

Congratulations and good luck.
 
While it is written in a semi-joking manner, there is a lot of truth in this letter by Bob Norris.

Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"
USAF Snapshot:The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.
Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black shoes (surface warfare) and bubble heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your *** until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it. The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore.
Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.
Banzai
PS Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.
Click to expand...
 
Nemo567 said:
While it is written in a semi-joking manner, there is a lot of truth in this letter by Bob Norris.
Click to expand...

First off I would like to thank you all for reading through my horrible grammar. I used text to speech because I knew that I was going to be writing a lot so thank you for sifting through that!
The truth is that I feel the Navy provides much more jobs than the Air Force that tend to interest me. Side note: working at a missle silo terrifies me! What also worries me is the saying in the Air Force that “your either a pilot or your not”. A quick look at the Air Force chain of command makes that very evident. My dream is to be a pilot but the truth is, life doesn’t always work out in our favor and I want to make a smart decision. Second, the east coast is something I have never experienced and sounds very enticing along with the history of Annapolis and it’s traditions. My father is offering me a chance to visit USAFA this weekend and I am very blessed for this opportunity however I also worry that I don’t want to just “pick the apple right in front of me” that is freshest in my mind. I am wondering if I should make my choice based upon the visits to both schools I have had over the last two years.My father tells me that he does not care where I go but, one can tell the excitement in his voice from USAFA. At the end of the day I want to do what is best for me and I feel that even through writing this, it has helped me more develop my opinion. I want to travel the world and belong to something greater than me and both definitely offer that. I guess regardless. BEAT ARMY! Thank you all for your insight and any more would be appreciated!
 
A1Janitor said:
1. Fourth grade dream - USAFA.
2. Father is Air Force.
3. Family is close by to USAFA.

The pride of a father is tough to ignore.
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I tried to multi quote however the app makes it very hard to do so with a limited amount of scrolling space when typing! Please read my response! Thank you!
 
AROTC-dad said:
Here are my 2 cents:

Ask yourself:
  • If I don't receive a pilot slot, would I rather be at sea or on land?
  • How strongly do I feel about my dad's legacy as an AF officer?
  • How many non-flying jobs in the Navy are attractive to me?
  • How about the Air Force?
  • Which number is higher?
The answers to these questions should help you decide.
The four years at Annapolis or Colorado Springs will FLY by (pardon the pun). Think more long term and go with the SERVICE that interests you rather than the Academy.

If none of this helps, take one of my two cents, and flip the coin. You will win EITHER WAY! ;)

Congratulations and good luck.
Click to expand...

I tried to quote you as well! I don’t quite know the answer yet however what ever happens I can’t wait!
 
A1Janitor said:
The pride of a father is tough to ignore.
Click to expand...

Alternatively, do you want to set your own course ?

A couple thoughts:

1) My BGO explained the advantage of Navy in the choice of service selections, ie. if you can't fly in the Navy, there are many other Line service selection opportunities. Air Force has non-flying positions, but those are really staff jobs.

2) Navy and Air Force are two different cultures. I did my Nav training at an Air Force base, and I kind of viewed the two worlds as follows:
With Navy, if it isn't expressly prohbited, go for it. With Air Force, they don't do anything unless its expressly permitted.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
A1Janitor said:
The pride of a father is tough to ignore.
Click to expand...

Alternatively, do you want to set your own course ?

A couple thoughts:

1) My BGO explained the advantage of Navy in the choice of service selections, ie. if you can't fly in the Navy, there are many other Line service selection opportunities. Air Force has non-flying positions, but those are really staff jobs.

2) Navy and Air Force are two different cultures. I did my Nav training at an Air Force base, and I kind of viewed the two worlds as follows:
With Navy, if it isn't expressly prohbited, go for it. With Air Force, they don't do anything unless its expressly permitted.
Click to expand...

LOL I got an AF vibe so I went with it.

My son told me where he was going. USNA was the only SA he wanted after studying them all ... he bounced his thoughts off me about other options like U of Michigan, Duke, and some Ivy’s. Ultimately only applied to USNA and one backup.

No matter what my son chose - I was very proud of him. :)
 
I think he chose that name when he received the USNA appointment.

This is a toughie...lots to think about, lost of folks to seek advice from.

Just avoid Jervis.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
FreshSquid23 said:
Devil Doc said:
@FreshSquid23 with that screen name, I believe your choice is obvious.
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I recently made the account after I got my first offer of appointment and couldn’t think of anything super original haha! I’ve always read other threads but I wanted to be able to make some too! I’m so torn.
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Just messing with you. I like your display of humility by thanking those who helped in your success. You’ll win with either choice.
 
If you like to do things in the water, on the water, below the water’s surface, above the water, for extended periods of time out of sight of land/family/communications, but also getting in some awesome port calls around the world, that is a core element of most career paths in the Navy. Even the Marines get to spend a fair chunk of time “on the boat,” as they like to say to Navy brethren who serve in ships.

The Air Force, different culture, equally proud and fierce, a fine family to join.
 
Tex232 said:
I’d agree. AF is very politically correct, by the book, etc. Navy guys tend to be more of a maverick.
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I like the maverick approach and that’s the type of leadership I’ve felt I’ve always lead by. I also feel (and others may disagree, what do I know im an 18 year old kid) that the honor concept and peer counseling system are a better approach than the holds-no-bars honor code at USAFA when dealing with a bunch of people just becoming adults. I believe in Integrity as the cornerstone of character-and I also believe that we all falter at times and sometimes we need someone to gut-check us in life. As the maverick approach goes along with this, I believe that if it works and doesn’t hurt anyone and is insightful than run with it! I don’t always know best!
 
FreshSquid23 said:
Tex232 said:
I’d agree. AF is very politically correct, by the book, etc. Navy guys tend to be more of a maverick.
Click to expand...

I like the maverick approach and that’s the type of leadership I’ve felt I’ve always lead by. I also feel (and others may disagree, what do I know im an 18 year old kid) that the honor concept and peer counseling system are a better approach than the holds-no-bars honor code at USAFA when dealing with a bunch of people just becoming adults. I believe in Integrity as the cornerstone of character-and I also believe that we all falter at times and sometimes we need someone to gut-check us in life. As the maverick approach goes along with this, I believe that if it works and doesn’t hurt anyone and is insightful than run with it! I don’t always know best!
Click to expand...
As others have said, if you don’t fly in the AF, you will likely fly a desk. By no means does joining the Navy mean you won’t sit behind a desk at some point in your career, but there are quite a few more opportunities for a junior officer to lead lots of people early on AND work with highly technical equipment.
 
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