<p>College Dad,</p>
<p>There are five academies.</p>
<p>Along with USNA, USMA and USAFA, are the US Coast Guard Academy and the US Merchant Marine Academy.</p>
<p>Of all five service academies, only USMMA provides its graduates the option of taking an active duty commission in any of the services, or the option of taking a Reserve Commission and serving in the US Maritime industry.</p>
<p>Moreover, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is privileged among the nation’s five federal academies to be the only institution authorized to carry a battle standard as part of its color guard. The battle standard perpetuates the memory of the 142 Academy cadet/midshipmen who were casualties of World War II. </p>
<p>During times of war, members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard engage in combat, but the students at their respective service academies do not. However, the students of the USMMA receive an integral part of their training at sea, (an entire year) and in the Second World War often found their lives in peril as they sailed through enemy-controlled waters or unloaded precious cargo in overseas combat areas. In all, 142 such cadet/midshipmen never returned to home port. Kings Point Midshipman have served in every US conflict since then. Currently over 150 USMMA Midshipman have served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.</p>