In the United States Military, there are five service academies that provide cadets and midshipmen with experiences and opportunities that no other college can offer. These prestigious academies include The United States Military Academy, The United States Naval Academy, The United States Air Force Academy, The United States Merchant Marine Academy, and The United States Coast Guard Academy. Tuition at the academies is free, but attendees must serve five years in their academies’ military branch after graduation. When Cadets and Midshipmen graduate, they become officers in their military branch. 

The service academies have an extensive application process. The applicant must have a strong base in math and science. It is recommended that applicants take the ACT and SAT early and multiple times. There is also a Candidate Fitness Assessment during the process.  All the academics have the same physical fitness test that includes these events: the basketball throw, pull-ups (men & women) or flexed-arm hang (women), shuttle run, modified sit-ups, push-ups, and the one-mile run.  All of the academies (except the Coast Guard Academy) require students to receive an official nomination to get in. This nomination can come from a Senator, Congressman or Congresswoman, the Vice President, or the President. To receive this nomination, applicants go through an interview. The application process also includes various paperwork, such as medical history. Once the application is submitted candidates must wait patiently to receive an appointment. 

Before cadets and midshipmen start their academic year at the academy, they must go through basic training, which is different for each academy. Men at the academy must shave their heads. Women must keep their hair up, and it shouldn’t hang lower than the collar. Cadets and midshipmen are not officially part of the academy until they have completed basic training. During basic training, cadets and midshipmen get their cell phones taken and can only write letters to their loved ones.  At all the academies, cadets and midshipmen are only permitted to leave the base when they have permission. 

The United States Military Academy:

• • Location: West Point, New York
  • Acceptance rate: 12% acceptance rate 
  • Graduation rate: Four-year graduation rate 84%
  • How long the basic training is and what the training is known as: The basic training at West Point is known as CBT (cadet basic training) or Beast Barracks. It is six weeks long.  
  • Class size: About 1,300 cadets enter the academy each July. Around 1,000 cadets graduate in a class.
  • Sports: There are 25 Division I sports teams at West Point. There are also many intramural sports teams. 

• Notable graduates: 

• Dwight D. Eisenhower (34th President of the United States) 
• Ulysses S. Grant (Union general in the Civil War)
• Buzz Aldrin (astronaut and second man to walk on the moon)

• Service Requirement: Five years in the Army; Three years in the Reserves

The United States Naval Academy:

• • Location: Annapolis, Maryland 
  • Acceptance rate: 10.8% acceptance rate 
  • Graduation rate: After four years in the Navy, 90% graduate, and 92% graduate after six.
  • How long the basic training is and what the training is known as: The basic training is known as Plebe Summer. It is seven weeks long. 
  • Class size: 1,200 plebes enter the academy each summer for Plebe Summer. About 1,000 midshipmen graduate and are commissioned.
  • Sports: There are 36 Division I sports teams at the Naval Academy. There are also many intramural sports teams. 

• Notable graduates: 

• Jimmy Carter (39th President of the United States)
• Roger Staubach (NFL quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys)
• David Robinson (NBA center for the San Antonio Spurs)

• Service Requirement: Five years or longer in the service

The United States Air Force Academy:

• • Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado 
  • Acceptance rate: 16.2% acceptance rate 
  • Graduation rate: 87% (six-year) 86% (four-year)
  • How long the basic training is and what the training is known as: The basic training is known as BCT (Basic Cadet training). It is six weeks long. 
  • Class size: In the class of 2024, 1,164 cadets were inducted into the academy and 974 graduated. 
  • Sports: There are 27 different men’s and women’s Division I NCAA teams at the Air Force Academy. 

• Notable graduates: 

• Gregg Popovich (NBA Head Coach of the San Antonio Spurs) 
• Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III (a retired airline pilot best known for his actions as captain of US Airways Flight 1549)

• Service Requirement: Five years in the Air Force

 The United States Merchant Marine Academy:

• Location: Kings Point, New York 
• Acceptance rate: 27.3% acceptance rate
• Graduation rate: 83% graduation rate 
• How long the basic training is and what the training is known as: It is two weeks long. 
• Class size: Around 226 students graduate from the Merchant Marine Academy. 
• Sports: There are 27 varsity teams at the Division III level and intramural sports. 

• Notable graduates: 

• Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad Poor Dad) 
• Carrol O’Connor (actor)

• Service Requirement: At least 5 years

The United States Coast Guard Academy:

• • Location: New London, Connecticut 
  • Acceptance rate: 16% acceptance rate 
  • Graduation rate: four-year 85% graduation rate; 86% six-year graduation rate 
  • How long the basic training is and what the training is known as: The basic training is known as Swab Summer. It is seven weeks long. 
  • Class size: Around 300 cadets enter the academy each summer and about 250 graduate.
  • Sports: 12 men’s, 10 women’s, and one co-ed varsity team; six chartered club sports. 

• Notable graduates: 

• Don Wilson (martial artist, film actor, and former professional kickboxer)
• G. William Miller (65th United States secretary of the treasury)

• Service Requirement: five years in the Coast Guard

There are many Parkland High School graduates that continue their education at the service academies and make an incredible impact. In Parkland’s class of 2024, two students went to a servies academy. Louis Insara is one of them and he is currently at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Josh Wynn graduated from Parkland High School in 2022 and is currently a junior at the United States Air Force Academy.

Q&A with Louis Insara and Josh Wynn

Q: Choosing to go to a military academy is an uncommon path. Why did you decide to go to a military academy? Why did you specifically choose the Merchant Marine Academy? 

Louis’s A: I decided to attend a service academy because I felt like I needed to do something in my life that would truly fulfill me. I wanted to be part of the ultimate group of winners and had a desire to be with people who could push me towards being excellent 100% of the time. Specifically, I chose USMMA because it offers the most choices after graduation. Midshipmen are able to sail in the United States Merchant Marine with a fantastic salary, or they can serve in ANY BRANCH of the military that they wish. Furthermore, USMMA is the only academy where midshipmen actually get experience in the field as we spend a WHOLE YEAR out at sea working for different companies all over the world, all before graduation!

Josh’s A: I chose to go to a military academy to serve my country like my family before me. I wanted to have a greater purpose in life and attend a school with people dedicated to leadership, academics, and athletics. I have already built lifetime friendships with my classmates, and I believe they will go on to do great things for our country. I specifically chose the Air Force Academy because I was interested in flying and the unique opportunities while at the Air Force Academy and as an officer. One of these opportunities is that I am doing a Semester Exchange (like a semester abroad) at the United States Naval Academy to make connections with future naval officers.

Q: What are you majoring in at the academy? What are your plans after the academy?

Louis’s A: I am going to be a Logistics and Security Major, which means that I will be practicing the skills necessary to work as an officer on the bridge of a ship. This spans across multiple subjects like cargo loading operations and proper operation/navigation of different vessels. At the moment, I don’t really know what I want to do yet after graduation. I have taken an interest in sailing though as there are opportunities to see the world and make amazing salaries (120+ post-grad).

Josh’s A: I am majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I plan to go to Graduate School upon graduation and become a Pilot concluding my master’s degree.

Q: What has the academy taught you so far?

Louis’s A: So far, the academy has taught me the importance of time management, attention to detail, and accountability. As a freshman, your schedule is loaded with courses and different Regimental activities, but they all teach you how to coordinate with others and properly manage your time.

Josh’s A: At the academy, you start as a follower freshman year. As a sophomore, you take on more responsibility and are a supervisor of the freshman. As a junior and senior, you lead the bottom classes of the Academy. I have learned to be confident and competent in stressful situations, develop communication skills, and how to push my physical and mental limits.

Q: In what ways did Parkland prepare you for the academy?

Louis’s A: Parkland prepared me for USMMA through the amount of courses it offers. Because of my involvement in higher-level courses, I came into USMMA with a much better foundation than many, particularly in math and science. I’ve seen many kids here struggling because they did not have the caliber of teachers that Parkland offers, particularly ones like Dr. Yudt and Mrs. Smith!

Josh’s A: Parkland prepared me in all three aspects required at an Academy. First, there are many opportunities to take AP and honors courses to challenge oneself academically. Parkland has a wide variety of sports teams to join, which will prepare you for the physical demands of the academy. Lastly, there are many clubs for leadership opportunities at Parkland.

Q: What would you want Parkland students to know about the academy? 

Louis’s A: I think that any student wanting to attend USMMA should understand how awesome an opportunity is. As a midshipmen, you’re able to have a 300K+ scholarship completely paid for and as long as you work hard, you’ll be among the most hireable human beings on the planet. Also, USMMA is the only academy to offer the Sea Year, where midshipmen actually go out to see on either military or commercial vessels, all over the world, and gain real experience in the field they are about to pursue. This makes King’s Point Midshipmen much more prepared for life after graduation than any other academy. Lastly, I’d say that King’s Point has one of the best communities you could ask for. It isn’t every day that you’re walking on campus with future Navy SEALS, captains in the Merchant Marine, and company CEOs. We fill every industry with hardworking, experienced officers who know how to lead, which is exactly what makes our academy so elite!

Josh’s A: Parkland students should know that an Academy will not be easy. It will be a challenge, but that is what makes the graduates and future officers of the military exceptional. All aspects of academics, athletics, and leadership, will be tested every day with tons of resources and support to develop you to be an officer.

Q: What advice would you give to a student wanting to attend an academy?

Louis’s A: To any student wanting to attend the academy, I’d advise them to go for it with all they have. This place is the best possible opportunity you could ask for. In addition, I’d encourage them to take a tour or do a day visit where they can truly see what life is like here. Lastly, and most importantly, I’d advise anyone who’s interested to truly consider if they, not their parents or friends, want to be here. This place is challenging yet extremely rewarding, and if you are somebody willing to face that challenge, you have what it takes to excel at USMMA.

Josh’s A: First, research admission requirements through Air Force Academy Admissions. I would advise Parkland students to be well-rounded applicants. Take AP/honors courses to show you are striving to challenge yourself and take the SAT as many times to get a competitive score. Join a sports team or athletic club. Gain leadership experience: club leader, Eagle Scout, sports captain, working positions, etc. Start applications to the academy and congressional nomination. Research the process of applying, what the academy is like, and if this is something you want to do. Lastly, find your “why”. Why do you want to go to a certain academy, why do you want to serve, what job do you want in your service?