MARVIN SHIELDS BATTALION
SERVICE ACADEMIES
We encourage eligible cadets to apply for programs offered by our nation's service academies. These programs are a great pathway for our cadets who are exploring the service academy option and for cadets looking for an extra challenge.
Being a Sea Cadet can help individuals become more competitive for certain programs. More than 12% of the Class of 2019 at the U.S. Naval Academy were former Sea Cadets. Every year many graduating high school seniors are accepted into ROTC or OCS programs around the country. We think some of this can be attributed to the unparalleled training experience received as a Sea Cadet.
1
U.S. Naval Academy
Located in historic 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.
2
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Located in historic 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.
3
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
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.
4
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
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.
5
U.S. Air Force Academy
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.
