By Claire Smith
A very prestigious, appealing, yet not as popular post-high school route is enlisting in one of the Federal Service Academies. The Federal Service Academies include institutes such as the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Predominantly located on the eastern side of the United States, these academies offer various benefits to those who are accepted into the program.
Unlike most colleges in America, those who are accepted into the academies are granted free tuition alongside room, books, and board. On top of covered college expenses, students’ dental and medical care are covered, alongside receiving a monthly “allowance” to cover additional costs of living. Additionally, the Federal Service Academies consistently place among the top colleges for average salary after college. This placement is no surprise given the rigor of the classes at these academies, comparable to those offered at Ivy League schools. However, there is a catch to these benefits. Accepted students, called cadets, must serve for at least five years of active duty and three years on reserve for those at the Military Academy and Air Force Academy. Active duty being working for the military full-time, and being able to be deployed at any time. The duration of required service is under debate right now, as many congress leaders believe the requirement should be raised. Many believe it should be raised therefore taxpayers’ money is spent most efficiently, given taxpayers are what fund these academies.
Furthermore, the process to apply to the Federal Service Academies looks a little different than the application process at a state college such as NC state or UNC. Those applying must be ages 17-23 with a U.S. citizenship, unmarried, and not pregnant. According to Militarybenefitsinfo.com, “Candidates are required to have letters of recommendations, strong transcripts, strong SAT or ACT scores, pass a Department of Defense Military Examination Review Board (DODMERB) physical examination, and pass a fitness test.” These requirements are rigorous and require a lot of time and effort, therefore it is important those applying are passionate about what they wanna do. There are specific tests provided to test fitness levels but they are all of similar activities, typically testing your running, strength, and balance. Moreover, students who are accepted must be good leaders who are obedient and disciplined. Many accepted students have had leadership roles in the past, because admission boards look for well-rounded students. Overall, those who apply must be well-rounded and strong physically and mentally to get accepted into the Federal Service Academies, as the application process looks very different from typical college applications.
After being admitted, cadets typically begin moving in late June/early July. Once moved in, the cadets undergo a routine that is out of the ordinary for most college students in America. For example this is a glimpse at the day of a cadet at a Naval Academy:
5:30 a.m. Arise for personal fitness workout (optional)
6:30 a.m. Reveille (all hands out of bed)
6:30 - 7:00 a.m. Special instruction period for plebes
7:00 a.m. Morning meal formation
7:15 a.m. Morning meal
7:55 - 11:45 a.m. Four class periods, 50 minutes each
12:05 p.m. Noon meal formation
12:10 p.m. Noon meal
12:50 - 1:20 p.m. Company training time
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Fifth and sixth class periods
3:45 - 6:00 p.m. Varsity and intramural athletics, extracurricular and personal activities; drill and parades twice weekly in the fall and spring
6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Evening Meal
8:00 - 11:00 p.m. Study period
Midnight. Taps for all midshipmen
It is apparent from the schedule above that this schedule is not the normal college schedule, but that does not mean it is any worse than the schedule of a student at a state college. Despite the differences in student life, such as required participation in varsity sports, there is still the typical classwork and studying incorporated into cadets’ lives. Therefore, from an academic standpoint one can say the academies and typical state schools all strive to further the studies of its students. However from the perspective of a student’s lifestyle, there are a few differences.
Overall, the service academies are a great option for those who see themselves serving in their future. In addition to its benefits financially, the school teaches its cadets how to be good people and serve those around them. The service academies are a great choice for post-high school paths and should not be looked over in the college application process.
References:
Education, Liberal. “America's Service Academies, Your Service Academies.” Association of American Colleges & Universities, 10 Mar. 2017, www.aacu.org/publications-research/periodicals/americas-service-academies-your-service-academies.
“Life at the Academy.” The U.S. Naval Academy, www.usna.edu/BlueAndGoldBook/life.php.
コメント