What is a Military Academy?

A military academy or service academy (in American English) is an educational institution that prepares candidates for service in the officer corps of the army, the navy, marine corps, air force, or coast guard. You become an officer in the U.S. military by graduating from one of the U.S. service academies. The academies are colleges that train future commissioned officers. Currently, the United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Airforce Academy are ranked by Forbes as some of the top educational institutions in the country.

Benefits and Commitment of a Military Academy

• Tuition, room, and board are free.

• You get paid while you are attending.

• You must serve for several years in the military after you graduate unless you go to the Merchant Marine Academy—then you have other options.

What are the qualifications and application process for each Academy?

1.  United States Military Academy, West Point, New York

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2.  United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

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3.  United States Airforce Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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4.  United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut