What are the branches of service available to Naval Academy graduates?

I'm considering applying to the Naval Academy and want to know about the different branches of service alumni can join. Does enrolling guarantee a certain position or are there multiple paths within the Navy?

After graduating from the Naval Academy, you'll be commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps. Career paths can vary widely, and the choice between the Navy and Marines is left up to the individual midshipman based on available slots, their class standing (since selection is done in order of standing), and personal preference.

In the Navy, you can find yourself in roles such as a Surface Warfare Officer, Submarine Officer, or Naval Aviator. You could also pursue roles as a Naval Flight Officer, Special Warfare Officer (SEAL), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, or Naval Reactors Engineer. These are just examples, and there are also possibilities in various professional paths, like medical corps, legal corps, or chaplain corps, depending on additional education you undertake.

Alternatively, if you're interested in the Marine Corps, you could pursue a career as a Ground Officer, Pilot, or Air-Based Ground Officer.

All midshipmen will have an opportunity to explore each of these paths and others during their years at the academy, whether through summer training (Professional Training for Midshipmen) or other experiences.

Remember, each of these roles has different requirements (physical, academic, etc.) and midshipmen will go through a service-selection process in their senior year to determine their specific assignment within the Navy or Marine Corps after graduation.