<p>Kate - congrats to your son and your family!</p>
<p>When I tell people my son is at West Point and get that blank stare or the questions (“I thought he was in college?”), I used to get irritated but now I see it as a chance to educate people about the service academies. They probably walk away wishing they hadn’t asked. 
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<p>For my short explanation I usually explain it similarly to what you said…“he is in college but it is also the Army, when he graduates he will have a college degree and be commissioned as an officer in the Army.”</p>
<p>If you haven’t joined the local Air Force Academy Parent’s Club yet, I would recommend it. I find great comfort in talking with fellow academy parents. They “get it” without having to explain.</p>