The United States Academies
An Outline of Schools to Prepare Students for Military Service
Aug 6, 2009
Military Academies were created to train individuals for leadership positions within the five service areas of Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, and Navy. Additionally, students receive free tuition, room and board, book fees, and all other fees associated with attending the Academy. Students also receive an education in a chosen career field.
United States Military Academy
Also know as West Point, this academy prepares students for leadership service in the Army and is located about an hour away from New York City. West Point concentrates on three areas: academics, military programming and physical fitness. Students can choose among majors in the areas of engineering, computer science, sciences, behavioral sciences, mathematics, foreign area studies, history, and political sciences. Military programming ensures leadership training through military sciences.
Cadets, or students, participate in a strenuous physical fitness program while at West Point. The program consists of three elements: instructional (combat and defensive training), fitness testing (push-ups, sit-ups, run/bike/swim, and obstacle courses) and sport participation (within the academy or through the NCAA).
United States Naval Academy
Often referred to as Annapolis, the Naval Academy prepares students for service in the Navy and Marines and is located in Annapolis, Maryland. Programming focuses on three areas: moral, academic, and fitness education. Moral education is integrated within the four years at Annapolis. Midshipmen, or students, practice the values of honesty, human dignity, and respect for others.
Academically, midshipmen can take advantage of education in engineering, humanities/social sciences, mathematics and science, or professional development/leadership. The fitness area requires students to participate in a sporting activity in varsity, club, or intramural areas.
United States Air Force Academy
Also referred to as Air Force, this academy prepares students for service in the Air Force and is located in Colorado. The foundation of the programming centers on character development, academics, and physical fitness.
Students at the Air Force are referred to as cadets. Throughout their time at the Academy, they receive character development, which is instilled in every aspect of their daily lives. This includes selflessness, responsibility, respect for others, integrity, self-discipline, and spirituality.
Cadets can choose from multiple majors including aeronautics, aviation, behavioral science, sciences, engineering, history, law, political science, economics, and more. When not attending classes or training, students must participate in mandatory fitness classes and competitive sports.
United States Coast Guard Academy
Located in New London, Connecticut, the Coast Guard Academy prepares students for leadership service in the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard protects the United States’ coastal areas. Cadets are prepared academically, physically, and ethically while at the Academy.
While at the Coast Guard Academy, cadets can study among eight majors: civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, naval architecture and marine engineering, government, management, marine and environmental science, and operations research and computer analysis. Cadets must also take physical fitness classes that prepare them for fitness testing. Students can also participate in college related athletics.
United States Merchant Marine Academy
The lesser known Academy is the Merchant Marine Academy. Located in King’s Point, New York, this Academy prepares students for leadership service in the Merchant Marines. The main purpose of this branch is to transport goods to and from the United States, as well as shipping military supplies during times of war.
Students can study one of the following majors: marine transportation, maritime operations and technology, logistics and intermodal transportation, marine engineering, marine engineering systems, marine engineering and shipyard management, and dual license.
The United States Academies are an essential part of today’s military function. The Academies provide the military branches with leaders and knowledgeable persons in their specialty fields. High school students who would like to pursue a military education will find a top education in any of the five Academies. Admission to the Academics is competitive; however, once admitted, students receive a full ride.
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