[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Winni-Retired

Chip,

My son is a graduate of the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, so I have been where you are today. He expressed an interest in Annapolis the summer before the ninth grade. Your son being 14 is a great age to begin the process and understand the requirements for admission. There are many good books out there that explain the process and educational requirements for admission.

One input I would give you is that he does not need to be the class genius, what they are after is a well rounded person, involved in high school with sports, class officer, a great student and also involved outside the school .... such as food drives etc.

On the parental side, it is not a free ride. The goverment does pay for school and they are paid the salary of a Sgt E-5 while attending the Academy. The gov does charge them for food, computer, food, uniforms, etc out of the monthly pay, so they wind up with a pay of 100 per month as a fourth class (plebe) going up to 400 per month as a 1st class (senior). His free college cost us about 40,000, car, travel and health insurance, which the parents club suggest you keep them on since the midshipment might decide to leave the academy or is separated by the academy.

It is a very emotional ride as a parent watching your child graduate and take the oath of office as an officer. My son elected to take his as a U.S. Marine. Matter of fact both my son, now a 1st LT and my son-in-law, also a U.S. Marine, are currently deployed, in the war zone, putting their life on the line every day.

This is a great post, thank you so much for all the info! And a big thank you to you and your family for serving our country.