<p>ggspin- Excellent info already given. I wanted to let you know about my son’s decisions, as he is currently a first classman. He has wanted to fly Navy jets since he was about 12—we spent some time yearly on a Marine Corps airbase since his uncle was a Harrier pilot. Found out about USMMA during the application process to USNA, so applied there too. Sounded like a much better chance to go into Navy flight! Well, he’s changed his mind about 20 times about what to do after graduation in the 4 years he’s been there. We didn’t know ANYTHING about the Merchant Marines when he first applied, but he thought it would be kinda cool to go to sea and into different ports. He did his internship with a Navy flight squadron and actually went up in a F18. He loved it, but has decided that the military life isn’t for him after spending 4 years in it and is going to sail after graduation (currently getting application packets together). He enjoyed sailing, will enjoy the money, and plans to eventually do something else but hasn’t decided what yet so he’ll fulfill his service obligation while he decides.</p>
<p>The thing about USMMA is that there are SO many options that we were unaware of in the beginning, and they give you the chance to explore these options between Sea Year and internships. I know my son is glad he’s there (especially since it’s almost over!)</p>