USNA

[JohnJr1601]

Hey, I was wondering what I should do. My family is friends with An Admiral in the U.S. Navy, and I really want to go to the Naval Academy. During my interview should I mention that I am friends with him should I put it on my application, and should I ask him if he has any advice on getting into the Naval Academy (to show him that I am interested)? I will take any advice and help that I can get. Thanks!

 

[Capt MJ]

I suspect the Admiral would be the first to tell you you want to get into USNA based on your own merits, not with whom your family is friends. He has to stay well-distanced from the actual process.

You can certainly take advantage of the relationship as you would with knowing anyone else on active duty, if there is an occasion to ask thoughtful questions for insight and advice. Why did he apply? What does he value most about his USNA experience? What traits does he think helped him succeed there and in his career? Those kinds of things can help you articulate your own position.

As to mentioning him in interviews and applications, that's up to you. Think about why you would be doing it, and if it adds value to your presentation of your achievements, skills and motivation.

 

[time2]

Getting an appointment isn't about who you know or being well-connected. Name-dropping that your family is friends with an admiral might actually work against you if you try to use that during your NOM interview.

 

[JohnJr1601]

Getting an appointment isn't about who you know or being well-connected. Name-dropping that your family is friends with an admiral might actually work against you if you try to use that during your NOM interview.

I suspect the Admiral would be the first to tell you you want to get into USNA based on your own merits, not with whom your family is friends. He has to stay well-distanced from the actual process.

You can certainly take advantage of the relationship as you would with knowing anyone else on active duty, if there is an occasion to ask thoughtful questions for insight and advice. Why did he apply? What does he value most about his USNA experience? What traits does he think helped him succeed there and in his career? Those kinds of things can help you articulate your own position.

As to mentioning him in interviews and applications, that's up to you. Think about why you would be doing it, and if it adds value to your presentation of your achievements, skills and motivation.

Thanks for the advice, I was considering all of those factors, and I would want him to think that we were just family friends so he could help me get what I want. I wouldn't risk a friendship for my own wants.

 

[JohnJr1601]

Getting an appointment isn't about who you know or being well-connected. Name-dropping that your family is friends with an admiral might actually work against you if you try to use that during your NOM interview.

Thanks for the advice, I was considering all of those factors, and I would want him to think that we were just family friends so he could help me get what I want. I wouldn't risk a friendship for my own wants.

 

[flieger83]

If the admiral "truly" knows YOU...and I mean really, down deep, KNOWS you...then he could write a letter of recommendation (a personal one) for you. But if he's "just a family acquaintance" that doesn't really "know" you...I'd leave it out of the equation.

I've seen many letters from generals and admirals when I sat on my MOC's nomination board. Most were the same: "I recommend...blah blah blah..." which told us that mom or dad worked for this person and that was all. The two that stand out though...one from a four-star general in the USAF (his was hand-written) and one from a navy rear admiral upper half (two star) were almost identical: "I highly recommend "Jan" for nomination to the XX academy! I have known "Jan" since I stood in at his/her baptism/since he/she was born...I've know his/her mom/dad since we served together in XXX and YYY and ZZZ and we've served together many times since. Our children are close friends, our families are close friends, I've personally observed "Jan" as he/she has grown through childhood in to the young man/woman that asks for your nomination. I can personally speak to their character, etc...etc...etc..." These were deeply personal letters from someone that truly knew the candidate.

That kind of letter is gold; at least it was to our committee, I can't speak to others.

So unless your relationship is that close...

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[Full Steam]

If knowing someone in the Navy had a big impact on why you want to join, that might be worth mentioning. For example, if you know the family because you mowed their lawn while the admiral was deployed and that made you curious about the Navy and excited about the prospect of serving.

Just being friends with a high ranking officer is not something that helps you get in. It may work against you to mention it, if it comes off as if you are expecting strings to be pulled instead of being selected based on your merits.