What is the military obligation after graduating from the Naval Academy?

I'm considering applying to the U.S. Naval Academy, but I'm curious about what kind of military commitment is required after graduation. How many years do graduates typically serve, and in what capacities?

Students who graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. The standard service commitment for Naval Academy graduates is five years, but the specific length can vary depending on the career path.

For instance, those who go into the Navy as surface warfare officers have a minimum service commitment of five years. Pilots, on the other hand, commit to eight years after they receive their wings - which could be a year or two after graduation due to the length of the training program. Naval flight officers have a commitment of six years after earning their wings.

Marine Corps options also have varying commitments. For example, a ground contract Marine has a minimum service obligation of four years, while Marine pilots have six to eight years of mandatory service after completing flight school.

While serving, graduates can be deployed in a wide variety of environments and capacities, from surface ships and submarines to aircraft squadrons or Marine combat units. Additionally, some officers might go on to further educational opportunities such as graduate school or specialized training programs.

It's also important to mention that these are minimum service requirements. Many officers choose to make a career out of the Navy or Marine Corps and serve beyond their initial commitment. So, while there is a definite service obligation, there are also myriad opportunities to explore.