Have you ever asked yourself why you want to attend a service academy? If you do not have a clear idea just yet, this is a good chance to brainstorm and discover your intentions. I can guarantee that one of the first questions that you will be asked during a congressional nomination interview is “Why do you want to go to the US (branch of service) Academy?” So, in no particular order, here is a list of reasons to apply to a service academy.
1. A top quality education for free
If you are in it for the bachelor’s degree, each of the service academies offer some of the most competitive undergraduate programs in the United States. The academies are especially renowned for their excellent science and engineering programs. And the best part? You do not pay a dime for an academy degree that is highly demanded in the job market.
2. No one else is doing it
With the highly negative media attention on the war in Iraq, joining the military is not a popular thing to do right now. Show that you are unfazed by selfishness or popular opinion by putting our country and its people before your own interests.
3. You come from a military family
Your great-grandfather fought in the Civil War, your grandfather is a Vietnam War veteran, your father is a colonel in the Army, your uncle is serving in Iraq… You’ve already been set up to choose the path of duty and honor since your childhood. If you’re going to go military, you may as well graduate from one of the service academies to become a well-respected officer.
4. 9/11 Terrorism
“You mess with me, you mess with my country.” Candidates who are currently applying now experience the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks during their early adolescence. To react defensively to such a blatant attack on our country is reasonable for us patriots. Make sure our country is well defended so that something like 9/11 never happens again.
5. Challenge yourself
Do you know the extent of your mental and physical limits? Do you have the courage to push yourself to demand the best out of your performance? If this sounds like your attitude, going to a service academy will be a constant sequence of personal challenges that you will have to overcome. And in the end? You will be able to overcome anything in life with the experiences you take with you after graduation from a service academy.
6. Fly planes, drive tanks, command ships
Experience America’s military might and power from the hot seat. You are in command. Only the best of the best get to handle our military’s costly machinery, and if this has been your childhood dream, the service academies will set you on the right path.
7. Travel the world
As an officer in the US Armed Forces, you will have opportunities to travel and be stationed all over the world. If you like to travel overseas and experience different cultures, let the military pay for your trip expenses.
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February 28th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
None of these are the right reason to attend. These are all selfish reasons that will land you in transient barracks, on your way home, very quickly. Attendance needs to be driven by a true desire to become a leader of character serving under the constitution. Don’t go because it’s free. Don’t go because people will think you are amazing. Don’t go because you want a medal of honor. Don’t go because you want to convert the world to your way of thinking. Don’t go because you want free opportunities. This single post demonstrates the lack of understanding the author of this website has about being a cadet and being in the armed forces.