[Ronin]

The Navy definitely has a “blue-blood” aristocracy element where reputations are hereditary. The son of an Admiral is automatically launched on a career track that will eventually take him to his own flag, providing he doesn’t screw up too badly.

Not all follow the rules, though. My boot camp company had the son of an Admiral who refused all family pressure to apply for the academy or even consider NROTC. After one particularly hectic family fight he decided to do the Navy his own way — and enlisted.

Always wondered what happened to him.

[ThePythonicCow]

The Navy definitely has a “blue-blood” aristocracy

Good point. And while such a tradition is easy to criticize in today's social climate, it is likely one that serves us well. We've been blessed with an incredibly fine Navy for the last two centuries.

[Thrownatbirth]

Always wondered what happened to him

He probably went to USNA Prep School (NAPS) for the SecNav appointment and went on to Boat School the next year. That supposedly "cleanses" the flag rank kids from charges political influence.

NAPS used to be called the Seaman-to-Admiral program. We had so many drop-outs, we called it the Seaman-to-Civilian program. It was hard enough that Plebe summer was only a mild annoyance.