Do you need to enlist after graduating from the Naval Academy?

I'm thinking about applying to the Naval Academy, but I'm not 100% sure about the commitment after graduation. Do graduates need to enlist automatically, and if so, what kind of service is usually required?

Yes, there is a service commitment after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. All midshipmen who attend the Naval Academy do so on a full scholarship, with their tuition and other expenses being covered by the Navy. In return for this, upon graduation, midshipmen are expected to serve in the Navy or Marine Corps.

The standard service commitment is a minimum of five years of active duty service, but this can vary depending on the specific career path chosen. For instance, aviators typically have an 8-year service commitment post-graduation because of the extensive training they undergo. Similarly, Naval Academy graduates who go on to become Marine Corps Officers usually have a minimum service commitment of four years.

During this service commitment, graduates serve as commissioned officers and are given significant responsibility early in their careers, leading and managing personnel and resources. Career opportunities range from serving aboard ships or submarines, flying aircraft, or serving in the Marines with the possibility of ground, aviation, or law careers.

Remember that attending a service academy is not the only way to become an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps. You could also participate in Navy ROTC in college or attend Officer Candidate School after college, both of which include service commitments but provide a more typical college experience. Not everyone is up for the rigor and lifestyle of a service academy, and that's okay – there are many ways to serve.