Do All Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy Go to Sea After Graduation?
tMany students graduating from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) do receive sea duty as part of their commissioning as naval officers. However, it's crucial to understand the nuances involved.
tOverview of Midshipman Training
tDuring their time at the Academy, Midshipmen undergo a comprehensive training program designed to prepare them for officer duties. A significant component of this training involves sea duty, as it is an integral part of molding them into capable naval officers. This includes on-the-water experience which is essential for those intending to serve on ships and submarines.
tPost-Graduation Assignment for Midshipmen
tUpon graduation, Midshipmen are no longer referred to as 'Midshipmen'. They become commissioned ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marines. Their first duty assignment is largely determined by their military occupational specialty (MOS), areas of expertise, and physical fitness requirements.
tExceptions to Sea Duty
tNot all Midshipmen will be assigned to sea duty immediately after graduation. There are actually two notable exceptions:
t ttPatrol Plane Pilots: These officers are land-based, meaning they do not require sea duty for their first duty assignment. Their roles involve operating and maintaining aircraft designed to operate from land bases. ttPhysical Fitness Requirements: Some Midshipmen may be deemed physically unfit for unrestricted sea duty due to specific medical or physical conditions. In such cases, they may be assigned to other roles that do not require sea duty. t tFor example, Lieutenant David Robinson, a renowned former basketball player, was too tall to serve in the aviation, submarine, or surface ship branches and thus took a commission as a civil engineering officer (Seabee corps). Civil engineering is a crucial field, and it provides essential support to naval operations.
tOpenness to Different Roles
tPost-graduation, all officer positions are open to USNA graduates, providing flexibility. While the majority of graduates will serve in the fleet, about 25 to 30 graduates choose to join the Marine Corps, and others might be directed to flight school or nuclear reactor training courses for future roles on carriers or submarines. This variety ensures that the best candidates are placed in positions that suit their skills and interests.
tConclusion
tIn summary, while the vast majority of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy do receive sea duty as part of their commissioning, there are specific circumstances where this is not the case, such as those serving as patrol plane pilots or due to physical fitness limitations.
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