Posted on 04/26/2005 6:42:57 AM PDT by Hatteras
If I may, I would like to ask any Navy (current or vet) Freepers for some help.
My son, currently a high school junior has expressed interest in the Naval Academy and is currently working his way through the application process. I am looking for any advice, inside info, the good, the bad and the ugly, sources for nominations, etc... Any information or experience with the USNA that I can pass along would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Hatteras
Anything showing leadership potential helps. Sports participation is encouraged but being captain of your h.s. team is preferable. USMA is big into Eagle Scouts and admits lots of them.
To echo what others have said, your son really has to want to go for himself. I didn't pursue the opportunity after my nomination, because I wanted to fly and have bad eyes. I knew I would not have been a successful student, and I am a person that does not do well just to get by. I either want something bad enough and I get it, or I don't bother. Pretty amazing that I pursued a major/career in film eventually.
After I received the nomination, my trip to Annapolis was a real eye opener. There were just too many kids who did not belong there. The quintessential senator's son/daughter comes to mind. To those of you who made it through and stayed in the military for all the right reasons, have my respect. Having the government pay for your education is not a reason to go here or any other military academy.
Yes, I think the application process was a test. Even after my nomination, receiving a packet was like pulling teeth.
And a good time was had by all. I love Annapolis.
That's good to know. My son is 3.98 GPA (all honors classes) and a first sergeant/senior master sergeant (the highest rank allowed to sophomores) in a large AFJROTC unit. He's also an eagle scout (achieved when he was just shy of his 14th birthday).
But he doesn't play traditional sports. Instead he's on the AFJROTC competition drill team where he gets to sling a 17 pound demilitarized M1 Garand around like a baton. He has forearms like Popeye's, but the rest of his 6' frame is skinny, skinny, skinny. Our briefer at Annapolis said it would be better if he played varsity sports, but he would probably be okay if he demonstrates he can pass the PE test for admission.
I am a 1981 graduate of the Naval Academy. I served in nuclear submarines and retired from the Naval Reserves. The Naval Academy goal is to prepare individuals "mentally, morally and physically" for Naval service. I believe the experience prepares one well for the Naval service and all chosen endeavors. Feel free to ask any questions.
The Naval Academy uses a concept of "a whole man mutliple", probably it is now "a whole person multiple". The admissions department attempts to objectively rank individuals based on their demonstrated performance. Greater weight is given to experiences which demonstrate motivation and leadership. For instance, minimal credit is given for being the member of a club, however, substantial credit may be given for being the president of a club. Likewise, varsity athletes are given credit but the captain of a varsity sport is given more credit.
Send him to West Point. No better leadership institution in America.
"Every Annapolis grad I have ever met impressed me."
Ross Perot & Jimmy Carter. Navy personnel have traditionally been democrat. Always some exceptions.
I blame Perot for getting Clinton Elected in 92.
"Every Annapolis grad I have ever met impressed me."
Ross Perot & Jimmy Carter. Navy personnel have traditionally been democrat. Always some exceptions.
I blame Perot for getting Clinton Elected in 92.
Two words. Wesley Clark.
From even the greatest trees, a few bad apples must fall. ha ha.
Perot was probably not one of those however. I dont understand the thing with the election, but he was pretty much the man when he was at the academy. Apparently he did ok for himself after that too. Supposedly Carter did well in the Navy, just lost his mind after that.
I wouldnt say that most graduates are democrats. I sure didnt get a democrat feel when I was there. Actually both Clintoon and Algore really showed their butts when they came to visit. Clintoon had more security on us then I thought was necessary. He had us all metal detected/strip searched before we could go hear his dumb talk and snipers on the freaking roof tops. I kid you not.
President G.W. Bush came to speak to the familys of the Marines about to go over the border into Iraq when I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and there was not anywhere near that amount of security. I guess he trusts his military.
On lunch here at the USCG Academy... The USN prospective XO's and SOAC (Prospective OPS) classes we used to teach in the simulator facility always impressed on me with the statements, from those participants, that they felt that the Coast Guard would have been a better choice, having been exposed to both sides.
Of course I'm very biased, teaching here in the ship simulators facility and a CG retiree.
No appointments, straight numbers quals in the application process. However, there is some special "weighting" of the score to corrolate to what output officer the CG is looking for. (ie: engineers, electrical... bonus +1). Division III NCAA school. Graduate and extreme majority go to ships 1st tour. (Front lines, mister)
Wish I could be 18 again just to serve one more career.
My son is looking at Annapolis also. You should get the "Naval Academy Candidate Handbook." See link below.
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Barracks/2911/b/academynavy.html
Just wondering. Can you get a skipper's license while at the USCGA ?
Ping.
If an appointment to the preparatory school is offered, take it. Almost all of the prep school graduates get appointments to USNA.
In summary, get the candidate handbook, find a Blue and Gold Officer, join and lead after school and sports activities, be active in church, community and charity events and (obviously) maintain top grades on advanced courses.
Hated it while I was there, but would do it again in a heartbeat.
A6intruder...USNA 68. Carrier aviator, 875 traps, 3500 flight hours. Retired Captain.
You are referring to the two-week summer program? If so, I understand that the return rate is very low. Something like 8 in 10 do not pursue their academy goal. It seems to serve well in weeding out the uncommitted.
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