<p>Yes all 5 years are active duty and you are active duty while at the Academy. I don’t know a lot of the particulars about going SWO (I want to become a Marine), but I do know that it is the only service selection that does not require a special school, ie after graduation you have leave and then report to your ship.</p>
<p>I remember talking to one SWO when I was visiting the Academy that reported to her ship after graduation and 3 days later was in the Gulf performing guided missile strikes in support of OEF.</p>
<p>I thought I read somewhere that SWO got to pick the type of ship they first serve on and duty station, but don’t quote me on that.</p>
<p>Hopefully someone more knowledgable than I will reply.</p>