Does anyone know about the enlisted to service academy program?

Question

I'm lookin @ being an 11B but I'd like to try for the enlisted to west point gig. does anyone know how that works?

Answer 1

This is OLD OLD information, as I looked into this when I first enlisted (in 1990)...

The Army has (or used to have) a West Point Prepatory Academy...it was located on Fort Monmouth way back then...maybe still is. Essentially, you applied for the program, and were accepted based on various external factors. It was a very intense program of military and academic subjects, as well as physical fitness. Upon completing the program, you were given the same consideration to West Point as someone who was nominated by their local congressman. My understanding was that most if not all students who completed the prepatory academy were given West Point appointments. The program itself, however, is very difficult to both get into and complete. When I was in AIT, I looked into this and got a recommendation of my training company commander, but didn't pursue it as I really wanted to try the enlisted MOS I came in for. I kind of regret it, as I had no idea what kind of salary, benefits, and potential life experiences officers have. It took me 17 years to make it into the officer ranks after I made this decision, and most of those great opportunities have passed me by.

Answer 2

Instead of going 11B and the academy, visit the Army ROTC website and check them out. They can help pay for college, you'll get your degree and commission in the Infantry or the branch you want at that point. In the end it's that you get your commission not where you get your commission in the Infantry. Although schools like VMI, Texas A & M and The Citadel can do the same as the Academy when networking.

If you are already enlisted you can do the Green to Gold program as well. The ROTC has money to burn right now.

Answer 3

I knew someone who did that back in '85 when I was in the Army. This person applied and was accepted to West Point as an enlisted soldier. He had to attend USAMAPS (I think that was what it was called), the preparatory school for a year before he actually started his freshman year at West Point.

Just like Robert N says below, I heard it was extremely difficult physically and mentally. The person I know who went quit after a couple of months due to the stress of it.

Answer 4

You have to score really well on the standard tests you are given on entry to the service to be considered.