<p>I agree with the above. Ask yourself what the real reason for wanting to go the academy is. Ask yourself if you ultimate goal is to be a combat leader for five years. There are many more things to add to the equation with the operation tempo due to GWOT. At this time and I do not forsee it changing much for a while, you will be deployed a lot. This is not the peacetime Marine Corps/Navy of the late 90s and pre 9/11. Multiple 12 months deployments are common. </p>
<p>People want to go to the academy for many reason. I have heard everything from wanting to be a leader to wanting to go because the uniforms are cool. You have to want to go to be a combat leader, a leader of Marines/Sailors, and everything else should come second. Going to the academy is a sacrifice. You will be sacrificing the “college experience” and a normal family life for at least five years after graduations. I however assure you that if you do choose to go the academy, you will make friends there that will be closer and more loyal than any frat brother you could find. In my opinion I could have no greater honor than leading America’s sons and daughters into combat.</p>
<p>These are just some things you must consider before applying and more importantly before accepting a comission in the armed forces.</p>