What is West Point like for school and what is West Point like for someone who is enlisted switching to commissioned?

2018-08-24T14:32:27-04:00

A couple days ago i received a email to recive a fullly paid for opportunity to stop my enlisted contract go to West Point and then commission as a 2LT. I am curious on others opinons that have gone to West Point or switched from the Enlisted side to Commissioned side. Any advice or opinion is appreciated

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2018 3:49 PM

2018-08-24T15:49:49-04:00

Opportunity of a lifetime! Go for it!

Response by TSgt David Holman made Aug 24 at 2018 4:21 PM

2018-08-24T16:21:05-04:00

West Point is one of, if not the most prestigious schools in the military. It also holds a lot of weight in the civilian sector, especially if you are going into a leadership role. Someone has gift wrapped your future and set it in front of you. Jump on this!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2018 4:27 PM

2018-08-24T16:27:58-04:00

Depends if you have a lot of drive to go to West Point. It is known that some of the best leaders come from that academy. A great benefit to you is that it is a full ride, but the 24-7 cadet lifestyle is not for everyone, which IMO is the reason why some get out after their obligation...or they know their skills/experience is more valuable outside.
Whatever decision you make....good luck bud!

Response by Ken Kraetzer made Aug 24 at 2018 4:47 PM

2018-08-24T16:47:14-04:00

A lot more tgan a switch from enlisted to officer, a tremendous educational opportunity, long path if you go to Prep then 47 months at West Point.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 24 at 2018 7:39 PM

2018-08-24T19:39:49-04:00

You’re the second one I’ve seen mention getting such an email...obviously, they’re doing screenings for there I gather, probably all the academies are, I’d think...when I’d been Army ROTC, my unit trained there, I hadn’t known ROTC faculty could nominate for their service academies, Army included...when I’d gone USAF, an airman got into USAFA in Colorado, so I did see it happen that once...also, look up the USMA prep school in Wikipedia, all three services have prep schools for their academies, USCGA and USMMA don’t, I think...if they’re letting you go, they wouldn’t solicit you if you weren’t meeting what they want...it’s a question of what major you’d want, however, having been enlisted, which I hadn’t been beforehand, will obv help you adjust immensely...by all means, if you want career, for God’s sake, go, by all means if they’ll let you do it, even if you have to go to the prep school first, honest...I knew many academy grads, my brother was USMMA Kong’s Point, I nearly went to SUNY Maritime College, I commissioned my brother when he finished...it’s also help to know what MOS you are now, and you interests, hobbies, objectives,motivations, and prior coursework and/or training to this point, however, your ship sails into port only a few times in one’s life...if this is yours, for God’s sake, get on board before it leaves port, I’d be most eager to hear more, OK?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 25 at 2018 1:09 AM

2018-08-25T01:09:00-04:00

Actually, I went to West Point; for a bit. I was a kid out of high school and just finished Beast Barracks when they decided they didn't like my eyes. Honorable Discharge, pulled a Draft Number of 2, joined the Navy as ENL and off to 'Nam. My limited experience had a good dose of terror in it. It's done by design in that, like Boot Camp, they are forcing frontal lobe activation so you can do adult things. Presumably, ENLs should have a higher success rate because you already had some shock and awe. The only one who can guarantee your success is yourself. You also are responsible for failing. I'd say the real thing is are you hungry enough to take this thing and make it your own? Will you embrace the uber suck? It will stick with you the rest of your life. It did me. I still remember the number of spark plugs in the mural at the chow hall, dammit....

Response by MAJ Tex Hall made Aug 29 at 2018 10:14 PM

2018-08-29T22:14:37-04:00

Every year MANY of the Prior Service slots go unfilled at USMA. Take that gold ring and run! Your minimal experience in the enlisted world will make you a much better leader down the road. You get your degree, have a job when you graduate, and still get to serve our country.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2018 4:41 PM

2018-09-25T16:41:23-04:00

Can't speak to West Point (USMA) but I did train and serve with some GREAT AMERICANS at FT Riley Kansas in 2007, then deployed to Iraq for a year 07/08. They really helped out an old Navy guy, in fact, I asked an Army USMA class of 1986 Officer to promote me to O-5 (CDR) at FT Riley. Met back up with him and many USMA '86 classmates at last years Army Navy game. Once again, the Army accepted me as a battle brother. As many have stated, you need to have the determination, commitment and physical/mental toughness to excel. The service academies are some of the best networking systems around, whether you make it a career or decide to resign your commission, the West Point Alumni Association is loaded with CEO's, CFO's, business owners, etc. I was enlisted E-1 to E-7 (Chief Petty Officer) before earning my commission and to paraphrase an often used saying, "the Mustang (up from the ranks) Officer knows something that no amount of training can instill, what goes on in the heart and mind of the enlisted man". Lastly, we did the same stupid stuff you did and know what to look for to keep the troops out of mischief. Best of luck to you.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 11 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-12-11T19:46:06-05:00

Did you do it?