United States Military Academy vs United States Naval Academy (USNA)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary missions of the United States Military Academy (West Point) and the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis)?

  The United States Military Academy at West Point's primary mission is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army. The United States Naval Academy's mission is to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order that they may be prepared to assume the responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government as leaders in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

• What branches of the military do graduates of West Point and Annapolis commission into?

  West Point graduates commission as officers in the United States Army. Annapolis graduates commission as officers in either the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. Midshipmen select their service assignment based on class rank, performance, and the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps.

• Where are West Point and Annapolis located?

  West Point is located in West Point, New York, approximately 50 miles north of New York City, situated on the Hudson River. Annapolis is located in Annapolis, Maryland, on the Severn River, near the Chesapeake Bay, about 30 miles east of Washington, D.C., and 30 miles southeast of Baltimore.

• What is the length of service commitment required after graduating from West Point and Annapolis?

  Graduates of both West Point and Annapolis incur a minimum of five years of active duty service upon graduation. Depending on the commissioning option and any advanced training (e.g., flight school), the service commitment can be longer.

• What are the academic focuses at West Point and Annapolis?

  Both academies offer a rigorous academic curriculum. West Point emphasizes a broad-based education with a focus on leadership development and military science, offering a variety of majors within engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences. Annapolis also provides a strong foundation in STEM fields, particularly naval architecture, oceanography, and aerospace engineering, alongside humanities and social sciences, tailored to the needs of naval officers.

• What is the daily life like for cadets at West Point versus midshipmen at Annapolis?

  Both academies adhere to a structured daily routine that includes academics, military training, physical fitness, and extracurricular activities. West Point's daily life emphasizes land-based military skills and leadership development within an Army context. Annapolis focuses on naval traditions, seamanship, and maritime skills, preparing midshipmen for life at sea and in naval aviation or the Marine Corps.

• What are some of the traditions unique to West Point and Annapolis?

  West Point has traditions like the 'Long Gray Line,' referring to the lineage of West Point graduates, and the Cadet Prayer. Annapolis traditions include the Herndon Climb, where plebes attempt to scale a greased monument, and the 'Beat Army' spirit leading up to the annual Army-Navy football game. The Army-Navy game is a significant tradition for both academies, representing a fierce but respectful rivalry.

• What types of extracurricular activities are available at West Point and Annapolis?

  Both academies offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports (varsity and intramural), clubs, and organizations. West Point has clubs focused on military skills, such as the Ranger Club and the Sandhurst Competition team. Annapolis offers activities related to naval service, such as the sailing team, the submarine club, and the Marine Corps Society.

• How does the application process differ between West Point and Annapolis?

  The application processes are similar, requiring strong academic records, leadership potential, and physical fitness. Both require a nomination, typically from a U.S. Senator, Representative, or the Vice President. The academies also have their own application forms and requirements, including essays and interviews. Candidates should research the specific requirements for each academy on their respective websites.

• What are the physical fitness requirements for West Point and Annapolis?

  Both academies have rigorous physical fitness standards. Candidates must pass a Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) that includes exercises like pull-ups (or flexed arm hang for women), shuttle run, sit-ups, push-ups, and a one-mile run. The specific scoring and requirements may vary slightly between the academies, so it's important to consult their official websites.

• How do the costs of attending West Point and Annapolis compare?

  Attendance at both West Point and Annapolis is tuition-free. Cadets and Midshipmen are considered to be on active duty and receive a salary, which covers the cost of room, board, uniforms, and medical care. This is a significant benefit compared to traditional colleges and universities.

• What are the career paths available after graduating from West Point and Annapolis?

  West Point graduates pursue careers as officers in various branches of the U.S. Army, such as infantry, armor, aviation, or engineering. Annapolis graduates become officers in the U.S. Navy, serving on ships, submarines, or in naval aviation, or as officers in the U.S. Marine Corps, leading Marines in ground combat or aviation roles. Both academies provide a foundation for leadership and service in diverse fields.

• How do the honor codes compare between West Point and Annapolis?

  Both West Point and Annapolis have strict honor codes that emphasize integrity and ethical conduct. The West Point Honor Code states that a cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do. The Naval Academy Honor Concept states that midshipmen are persons of integrity: they do not lie, cheat, or steal. These codes are central to the development of officers of character.