ARMY

“As young West Point cadets, our motto was ‘duty, honor, country.’ But it was in the field, from the rice paddies of Southeast Asia to the sands of the Middle East, that I learned that motto’s fullest meaning. There I saw gallant young Americans of every race, creed and background fight, and sometimes die, for ‘duty, honor, and their country.’” This quote, spoken by Norman Schwarzkopf, a United States Army General who served for 35 years, talks about Army’s motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.” The motto was founded along with the school in 1802.

Every year, about 15,000 people apply to the West Point United States Military Academy in New York. On average, students who are accepted to West Point have a 3.89 GPA, a 1410 SAT, and a 33 on the ACT, according to the Army West Point Admission page on their website.

Army West Point is an educational institution that prepares candidates for officer corps. When the 1,500 enrolled students aren’t studying in school through the 13 academic departments, each student must participate in a competitive sport throughout each academic year. Between men and women, the Army Black Knights participate in 23 Division I sports.

But, to be accepted to Army West Point, it’s an extreme honor. Students are reserved as the most promising students in the world. West Point doesn’t only look at great grades and great standardized test scores when considering a student, they look to see if they are a leader who can take up the most daring physical challenges to achieve greatness.

AIR FORCE

The Air Force academy seeks individuals who possess exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. Along with that potential, you must be at least 17 years old, a US citizen, and unmarried with no dependents. Before being admitted into the academy, you have to get a nomination from someone in each of the five categories; Congressional, Vice President, Military Affiliated, US Territory, and International. A completed pre-cadet questionnaire is required as well. It can be completed as early as March 1, but, it’s due by December 31st. As a part of the application process you will participate in a character assessment, where there will be an admissions officer interview, teacher evaluations, a writing sample, personal data, and a drug and alcohol abuse certification.

In order to enroll into a Military Academy, one must have a very prolific application. Infact, only 17.1% of students who apply to the USAFA are accepted.  Of the students accepted in 2016, the average SAT score was 1375, and 88% had a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher.

Along with the rigorous academic qualifications, students looking for acceptance into the USAFA must pass a fitness test to gain admission into the institution. This fitness test assesses physical endurance, strength and coordination.  

The officer administering the test is looking for men to run a mile in less six minutes and thirty seconds, do twelve pullups, sixty-two push-ups, eighty-one sit-ups and a shuttle run in less than 8.1 seconds. These alone are strenuous tests, but, the USAFA is at an elevation of 7,250 feet, which easily diminishes the body’s endurance. Therefore, training for this test it is vital to focus on cardiovascular endurance due to Colorado’s elements.

Attending the USAFA also has some unique features that most colleges don’t.  According to the USAFA website  “There is no financial cost to attend the Academy. But there is a hefty price tag….you will be required to serve at least five years in the Air Force.” A graduate of the US Air Force Academy saves well over $500,000 in education, training and housing expenses, but pays it back later in life in the form of work.

NAVY

The United States Naval Academy offers a premier education with plenty of extracurricular activities and many career options. The Naval Academy is the second ranked public school in the country while having a top five undergraduate engineering program and STEM College. The Naval Academy provides students an elite but rigorous education in order to prepare them for the tough road that lies ahead.   

The Naval Academy also participates in intercollegiate sports, participating in 33 varsity sports on the Division I level. They play in the Patriot League, and their athleticism helps contribute to how they train and achieve the physical requirements at task.

Agreeing to join the Naval Academy comes with free tuition, but, a five-year commitment after commissioning. However, if a person fails to meet the commitment, they are responsible for paying the tuition cost back to the Academy. A person has the choice to continue as a member of the Navy, or join the Marines: the Navy’s land troops. The Naval Academy’s program statement is: “Developing midshipmen morally, mentally and physically contributes to producing outstanding naval officers of competence, character, and compassion – men and women privileged to lead sailors and Marines who have also volunteered to serve our country.” This statement translates into the options for careers in the Navy.

After graduation Midshipmen are promoted to the rank of O-1 (Ensign or Second Lieutenant), and on average, receive around $60,000 annually. Many career fields such as nuclear training and Surface Warfare, which involves submarines and ships, can receive special pay and bonuses up to $17,500 annually. If a person chooses to remain in the Navy, they have the option to rise within the ranks and defend this country.