Does the U.S. Naval Academy require military service after graduation?

I'm considering applying to the Naval Academy, but I'm unsure about the commitment after graduation. Does attending mean mandatory service in the military afterward, and if so, what does that entail?

Yes, if you are accepted and decide to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, you'll be required to commit to serving in the military after graduation. Upon acceptance, students (also known as midshipmen) must sign an agreement to serve for a total of five years in the military after they graduate.

The U.S. Naval Academy is a service academy, meaning its purpose is to prepare students to become officers in the U.S. Military. So, the education you'll receive will be tailored towards preparing you for this role, including studying military science and undergoing training.

The service commitment begins upon graduation and commissioning as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy or a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. It involves active-duty obligations, where you could be placed in areas like aviation, submarines, surface combat, or other specialized units depending on the needs of the Navy and your personal qualifications.

After the mandatory service period, if you decide you want to leave the military, you're free to do so. However, many graduates choose to continue their career in the military, or they leverage the leadership skills and experiences from their service to pursue careers in the civilian sector.

It's also important to keep in mind that being admitted to the Naval Academy is a significant accomplishment! The academy is a highly selective institution that provides a rigorous education and plenty of character-building experiences. Consider visiting the campus and speaking to current students or alumni to get a better understanding of what life at the academy entails and what potential career paths could look like.