If I want to go into the military should I go to West Point?

West Point is a good choice if the Army is your preferred service. The other Service Academies are also options but I suggest you look at ROTC programs at the colleges of your choice. If you qualify for a Service Academy, you will also likely qualify for most any college you like. The difference is, at the Academies, you will eat, sleep and breath military all day, every day. I have served with countless Academy graduates and many feel that they missed out on a complete college experience.
ROTC at a regular college will provide you with the same outcome which is a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant/Ensign in the service of your choice. With a commission from ROTC, I had all the same opportunities, promotions, choices and experiences during my 31-year military career as my Academy friends and I feel like my college experience had a great balance between military training and normal college life.

As a retired Army officer, all the comments above provide a good insight into what being in the military is all about. I have found you get out of the military what you put in. I went the ROTC way but if I had the chance to go to one of the academies I would have taken it without question, you will get one of the best educations available and experiences most of your friends will never have. So if your up to a task, go for it.

Good Luck

Wyatt,

Exciting times! I hope you're finding good information to help form your decision. The outcome from graduating from any of the academies is the same, a bachelors degree, and a commission as an officer. I myself attended ROTC at a State University where they offer a professional aviation program, and took an officer position in the National Guard where I was able to select my branch (aviation in my case) and was part of the unit before commissioning. This also allowed me to pursue my civilian career while still serving.

The benefits are all in service and leadership at the end of the day. As some others have said here, it is a very rewarding path if it truly is your calling in life.

Academy pros: Ivy League education with minimal if any financial burden.

Academy cons: Very stringent and will not provide the "college life" you will hear about from friends. You have to be commited to the idea!

University pros: ROTC is offered, some scholarships available but will not cover all. You can be a bit more specific in degree programs in some cases depending on what you wish to study. You can commission in the National Guard/Reserve if your life plans change and you decide (by your Jr year) that active duty is no longer your goal.

University cons: It can be expensive, especially if you go out of State or to a Private Institution.

All are great choices, it simply depends on your career goals, environmental preference, and to some extent financial situation.

If you do attend an Acadamy, please don't let it go to your head. Being an officer is about leading and serving others, and that comes from the heart, not from a book. Without selflessness and humility the education will not mean a darn thing!

Good luck my friend!
Jim

All of the five military academies (West Point-Army/Annapolis-Navy/Colorado Springs-Air Force/Coast Guard Academy/Merchant Marine Academy) are life changing experiences. I am a West Point graduate who was commissioned directly into the U.S. Air Force . The academies offer an excellent education in smaller class sizes, a demanding physical growth program, and a personal program of ethical immersion. The academic department consists mainly of professional military officers and a smaller number of college professors. At each academy you will be thrust into your specific military training, mainly during summer programs but also throughout the academic year. Cadets and Midshipmen now have opportunities for study abroad during the academic year, visits to some of the other academies, and even some specialized programs. There are numerous clubs, sports, and other chances to increase your experience. I suggest you think carefully about which academy you desire to attend. I suggest that you begin your academy contact in your sophomore year of high school. Obtain catalogs from each academy to give you a full presentation of their programs. Appointments are presented by U.S. Senators and U. S.Representatives and also by the U.S. President. Find out if there are any graduates and/or current attendees at the academies in your community. Talk to as many persons who have had these life changing experiences - get your information directly from the horse's mouth. Most larger cities probably have local societies of each academy (i.e. West Point Society of Atlanta). If you succeed in attending AND graduating from any one of the academies you will lead a life (forever) of a very small per cent of the U.S. population. You will always be considered as "someone very special" in whatever you do throughout your entire life. Academy graduates are recognized as having developed a unique and very strong commitment serving others (both in and out of the military). You will discover that more is expected of you by other people and that expectation lasts throughout your life. Good luck and start you adventure now by contacting the academies.

Wyatt,

As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, I have to say that it depends. What type of job are you hoping to pursue in the military? Are you sure you want to do it in the Army? Have you considered the other branches? Are you looking to lead Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and or Soldiers? Graduating from one of the service academies guarantees a commission as an officer, and that responsibility should not be taken lightly. As cliche as it might sound, you will have situations where your decisions literally mean life and death for your subordinates.

While the challenges are significant, the rewards are also fantastic. There is no better feeling than seeing one of your Sailors (in my case) recognized and rewarded for their accomplishments!

I totally agree with the advice given so far. I an a graduate of the U.S Merchant Marine Academy and it absolutely changed my life. Give the 5 choices mention earlier you have many options. The Air Force Academy certainly makes sense if you love aviation. The Naval Academy and Merchant Marine Academy likewise for shipping.

Don't do it just for the benefits, what do you like and what your like to be an expert in?