Can You Pick Your Branch After the Naval Academy?

I've been considering applying to the Naval Academy, but I want to know more about how choosing branches works. After you graduate, are you able to pick your branch, like Navy or Marines, or is it assigned to you?

Upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, you do have the ability to choose your branch—either Navy or Marines—but it's not as simple as just making a selection. This decision is typically made at the beginning of your senior year, and is determined partially by your preference, but also significantly influenced by your class rank and the needs of the service.

In other words, while you get to voice your preference for either the Navy or the Marines, the top students in the class have the first pick of available commissioning slots in each service, and the distribution of students into each branch also considers the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps. For example, if the Navy urgently needs submarine officers, more slots may be allocated there.

At the same time, there are some constraints to consider. For example, if you are interested in becoming a Marine Corps officer, you must pass the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test and endure the physically grueling six-week "Leatherneck" summer training course after junior year.

So technically, while you get a say, it's not entirely up to you. You'll want to maintain a strong class rank and be flexible with your options to increase the chances of getting your preferred branch.