United States Military Academies

Serving in our military is a distinguished honor.  Below you will find a synopsis about what each academy has to offer from their website.  I encourage you to visit each academy’s website for further information.

UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
The Naval Academy was founded in 1845 in what is now historic Annapolis, MD. The Naval Academy gives young men and women the up-to-date academic and professional training needed to be effective naval and marine officers in their assignments after graduation.  Every day, as the undergraduate college of the naval service, the United States Naval Academy strives to accomplish its mission to develop midshipmen “morally, mentally, and physically.”

Moral and ethical development is a fundamental element of all aspects of the Naval Academy experience. As future officers in the Navy or Marine Corps, midshipmen will someday be responsible for the priceless lives of many men and women and multi-million dollar equipment.  Every midshipman's academic program begins with a core curriculum that includes courses in engineering, science, mathematics, humanities and social science. This is designed to provide a broad-based education that will qualify the midshipmen for practically any career field in the Navy or Marine Corps. The Academy also provides professional and leadership training. We don't just teach the students about life in the Navy and Marine Corps. The professional classroom studies are backed by many hours of practical experience in leadership and naval operations, including assignments with Navy and Marine Corps units. The Naval Academy athletic program receives a priority much different than at civilian schools. The primary goal of the physical education curriculum is fitness, which is so vital for midshipman health, personal appearance and well-being.

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY
Located in West Point, New York, the mission of the United States Military Academy is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation.

Since its founding two centuries ago, the Military Academy has accomplished its mission by developing cadets in four critical areas: intellectual, physical, military, and moral-ethical.  A challenging Academic Program provides a balanced education in the arts and sciences. All cadets receive a Bachelor of Science degree, which is designed specifically to meet the intellectual requirements of a commissioned officer in today's Army.  The Physical Program at West Point includes both physical education classes and competitive athletics. Every cadet participates in an intercollegiate, club or intramural level sport each semester. This rigorous physical program contributes to the mental and physical fitness that is required for service as an officer in the Army.  Cadets learn basic military skills, including leadership, through a demanding Military Program Cadets spend their third and fourth summers serving in active Army units around the world; attending advanced training courses such as airborne, air assault or northern warfare; or training the first and second year cadets as members of the leadership cadre.   Moral-ethical development occurs throughout the formal programs as well as a host of activities and experiences available at the Military Academy. The foundation of the ethical code at West Point is found in the Academy's motto, "Duty, Honor, Country."

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Found at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado, The United States Air Force Academy’s Core Values; Integrity first; Service before self; and Excellence in all we do, set the common standard for conduct across the Air Force. These values inspire the trust which provides the unbreakable bond that unifies the force. We must practice them ourselves and expect no less from those with whom we serve.  Our vision; to be recognized worldwide as the premier developer of aerospace officers... leaders with impeccable character and essential knowledge... prepared and motivated to lead our Air Force and nation.  Our mission is to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character and discipline; motivated to lead the world's greatest aerospace-force in service to the nation.

At the U.S. Air Force Academy, we’re in the business of building leaders. It’s a lofty goal that can only be achieved with the right tools – and few tools are more powerful than a well-rounded education.   The Academy is home to state-of-the-art facilities, 32 different academic majors and the highest standards. We strive for excellence in education every day, offering the quality curriculum that can only be found at the highest level.  Through hands-on experience and the guidance of their professors, our cadets are preparing for exciting careers as Air Force officers. While the demands are rigorous, the rewards are obvious. Every cadet can succeed. And most will excel.

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is unique among the service academies in that we educate the leaders of a humanitarian force. The United States Coast Guard is the oldest life-saving service in the world. As a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard, you will be leading a force of men and women who are continually called on to serve their community, country and fellow citizens.

Our mission goes well beyond academics. It is: To graduate young men and women with sound bodies, stout hearts and alert minds, with a liking for the sea and its lore, with that high sense of honor, loyalty and obedience which goes with trained initiative and leadership; well grounded in seamanship, the sciences and amenities, and strong in the resolve to be worthy of the traditions of commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard in the service of their country and humanity.

At our beautiful campus on the Thames River in New London, CT, the academy provides a four-year Bachelor of Science program with a full scholarship for each individual. We annually commission approximately 175 ensigns during graduation exercises in May. Following graduation, newly commissioned ensigns report for duty aboard cutters home ported nationwide. Graduates of the academy are obligated to serve five years.

UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
Located at Long Island’s Kings Point, New York, the purpose of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is to ensure people are available to the nation as shipboard officers and as leaders in the transportation field who will meet the challenges of the present and the future.  The nation's economic and security needs met by the U.S. merchant marine are compelling. Today, the United States imports approximately 85 percent of some 77 strategic commodities critical to America's industry and defense. Although we, as a nation, account for only six percent of the world population, we purchase nearly a third of the world's output of raw materials. Ninety-nine percent of these materials are transported by merchant vessels.

There's a certain kind of young man and woman who pursues an education at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. They are special young people, willing to commit themselves to the demands, stresses and obligations of Academy life. Their reason? They recognize that when they graduate, they will be a step ahead of their friends at traditional colleges.  Our Academy will teach you how to succeed in the maritime and transportation industries or the Armed Forces, while it prepares you to receive a Bachelor of Science degree, a merchant marine license, and an appointment as a commissioned officer on reserve or active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.  But most importantly, Kings Point, through its unique combination of academic, regimental and shipboard programs, will train you as a leader of quality, integrity and high ethical standards. The academic and professional credentials that you earn, and the leadership ability you acquire, will set you apart and above as you enter the career marketplace.