Embedded Files
The military's overall purpose is to serve the American people, defend the nation, protect vital national interests and fulfill national military responsibilities. Before enlisting, going to a military academy, or joining a ROTC program, there is a lot to learn about the process and what it means to join the armed forces. If you decide to join one of these forces, please remember that you will be signing a legally binding agreement and you cannot change your mind.
HOW TO ENLIST:
Please contact Ms. Kelly Iocca, if you would like more information or would like to speak with a recruiter.
Service Academy Night Flyer 5.22.25.pdfWhat is the Military?
What is the Military?
In simple terms, the U.S. Armed Forces are made up of the six military branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and, most recently, Space Force. Each branch of the military has a unique mission within the overall mission of U.S. Security. As a service member, you will be trained to fight and for war.
The branches in detail:
Air Force and Air Force Reserve
Air National Guard
Army and Army Reserve
Army National Guard
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve
Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve
Navy and Navy Reserve
Space Force (created in 2019, and still developing)
There are three general categories of military people: active duty (full-time soldiers and sailors), reserve & guard forces (usually work a civilian job but can be called to full-time military duty), and veterans and retirees (past members of the military). And of course, there are the millions of family members and friends of military members, past and present.
Where are service members stationed?
The U.S. operates in more than 100 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Bahrain, Brazil, South Korea, Australia, Iraq and Japan.
Who is in Charge of the Military?
The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief, who is responsible for all final decisions. The Secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD) has control over the military and each branch -- except the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security.
What are the Military Academies and their Purpose?
What are the Military Academies and their Purpose?
A military academy or service academy is an educational institution which prepares candidates for service in the officer corps. The service academies offer the biggest scholarships in the nation. If you qualify and are accepted, your will get a four-year scholarship that includes free tuition, room and board, benefits and training. In the end, you will be commissioned as an officer in the Armed Forces. In exchange for education and training experience, you will have a service commitment. The service commitment is mandatory. Acceptance to the below academies is competitive. At minimum, you will need the following to apply:
High high school GPA
High standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
Athletics and extracurricular activities
Leadership experience and community involvement
A congressional letter of recommendation (not required by the Coast Guard Academy)
Almost all applicants are at the top 25% of their class.
Federal Service Academies, the colleges operated by the U.S. Federal Government, are:
United States Military Academy, West Point, New York
United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York
Merchant Marine Academies:
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Maine Maritime Academy
State University of New York Maritime College (part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system)
Texas A&M Maritime Academy (part of the Texas A&M University System)
Great Lakes Maritime Academy (a division of Northwestern Michigan College)
California State University Maritime Academy (part of the California State University system)
These merchant marine academies operate on a military college system. Part of the training that the cadets receive is naval and military in nature. Cadets may apply for Naval Reserve commissions upon obtaining their Merchant Marine Officer's licenses. Most if not all also offer some form of military commissioning program into the active duty US Navy, US Marine Corps, or US Coast Guard.
What is ROTC?
What is ROTC?
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a group of college- and university-based officer training programs for training commissioned officers of the United States Armed Forces.
Under ROTC, a student may receive a competitive, merit-based scholarship covering all or part of college tuition, textbooks and lab fees, in return for an active-duty service obligation after graduation (the commitment depends on the branch- can be three to 12 years minimum). ROTC students attend college like other students, but also receive basic military training and officer training for their chosen branch of service through the ROTC unit at or nearby the college. The students participate in regular drills during the school year and off-campus training opportunities during the summer.
While ROTC graduate officers serve in all branches of the U.S. military, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard do not have their own respective ROTC programs; rather, graduates of Naval ROTC programs have the option to serve as officers in the Marine Corps contingent on meeting Marine Corps requirements.
Scholarship Opportunity:
Enrolling in ROTC does not guarantee a scholarship. Students interested in joining an ROTC program must meet certain standards for academics and physical fitness. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must meet minimum GPA requirements and SAT or ACT scores established by each service branch and be a U.S. citizen.
THE 5 FEDERAL MILITARY ACADEMIES:
U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point
U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point
Service: U.S. Army
Location: West Point, New York
The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point is the oldest of the service academies and is steeped in tradition and history. At the USMA you will be taught leadership and tactics while pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in one of 35 majors. You can study everything from Chemical Engineering and Economics to International Affairs and Foreign Languages. After graduation, you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA)
U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA)
Service: U.S. Air Force
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
If your dream is to become a pilot, engineer, computer programmer, or scientist, then U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) may be the right choice for you. Located in picturesque Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Air Force Academy is home to the 4,000 cadets who make up the Cadet Wing. You can choose from among 27 majors, ranging from Aeronautical Engineering to Computer Science to Political Science. Upon graduating, you’ll receive a Bachelor of Science degree and be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
U.S. Naval Academy (USNA)
U.S. Naval Academy (USNA)
Service: U.S. Navy and Marine Corps
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
The U.S. Naval Academy is home to a Brigade of 4,000 Midshipmen. At the USNA, you can choose from more than 20 majors ranging from Aerospace Engineering to Oceanography to Robotic Engineering. As you can tell, the academic program is focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This allows the USNA to meet the current and future technical requirements of the Navy. You will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and be commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy or Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Service: U.S. Coast Guard
Location: New London, Connecticut
The Coast Guard Academy is home to 265 students who make up the Cadet Regiment. You can choose from more than nine majors ranging from Electrical Engineering to Cyber Systems to Marine and Environmental Science. Once you receive your Bachelor of Science degree, you will be commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Coast Guard.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
Service: U.S. Merchant Marines and reserve officer in any military branch
Location: King’s Point, New York
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a federal service academy (but not part of the military). You’ll go through a rigorous academic program that requires more credit hours for a baccalaureate degree than any other Federal Service Academy. You’ll also get a chance to spend a year at sea. You can choose from five programs that lead to a bachelor of science degree. When you graduate from the USMMA, you’ll have earned a U.S. Coast Guard license and a reserve officer’s commission in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Preparing for the ASVAB
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Battery) is a needed exam to enlist in any branch of the military. ASVAB scores determine the jobs available to enlistees and if a candidate can enlist.
The Nomination Process:
The Nomination Process:
Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from the following:
A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides
Both U.S. Senators from his or her state
The Vice-President of the United States
It is in your best interest to request a nomination from any source for which you are eligible.
If you are currently serving in the military, or are the son or daughter of a career military member or service-connected disabled veteran you may also seek a “service-connected” slot through your chain of command or directly from the Academy. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) members may also seek nominations through their chain of command. Additional information regarding these nomination types is available directly from the Academies.
Nominations are required for admittance to:
US Military Academy at West Point
US Air Force Academy
US Naval Academy
US Merchant Marine Academy
Linked Offices:
United States Vice President: Kamala Harris
NY Senator: Charles E. Schumer (D)
Send request for nomination by November 1
NY Senator: Kristen Gillibrand (D)
Send request for nomination by October 24
2nd Congressional District Rep, Andrew Garbarino (R): Military Academy request form
3rd Congressional District Rep, Tom Suozzi (D): Military Academy request form
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse