| United States Naval Academy |
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The United States Naval Academy trains and commissions marine officers to the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Academy is commonly referred to as The Academy, Canoe U or The Boat School. Its campus is situated in Annapolis, Maryland, at the convergence of the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay. The Academy was established on 10 October 1845.
The students of the Academy are addressed by their designated rank, Midshipman. After graduation, a majority of the Midshipmen are inducted at the rank of Ensign in Navy or Second Lieutenant in Marine Corps and are compulsorily required to serve for at five years. Foreign midshipmen are inducted into the forces of their own countries. The midshipmen are also permitted to request for induction in the Coast Guard, Air Force or Army, if they fulfill that service's eligibility requirements. Admissions requirements For admission to the Academy, a candidate's age should be between seventeen and twenty three years upon entry, he or she should not be married or have children, and should possess good moral character. The process comprises of a college application, personality assessment and personal references. A candidate seeking admission must also go through a physical aptitude test (known as the Candidate Fitness Assessment) and a thorough physical examination that includes a separate visual perception assessment. The physical aptitude test is generally conducted by a high school physical education instructor. Rank structure The student Midshipmen are categorized into fourth, third, second or first classes depending on the year they are attending at the academy. Fourth Class Midshipmen are also called plebes. Since the first year is meant for the switching from a civilian life into that of a future naval officer, plebes are required to follow several strict rules not required of their seniors, and have extra duties and responsibilities that vanish as they get promotes to the Third Class. Third Class Midshipmen are given more respect due to their seniority. They are addressed as "Youngsters". Due to their senior rank, they are given a few privileges, such as watching television, napping and listening music. Second Class Midshipmen have the responsibility of training fourth class Midshipmen. They are required to directly report to the first class Midshipmen and can issue orders to fulfill their responsibilities. They are also permitted to drive cars and move in the Academy's campus in civilian dresses. First Class Midshipmen have the most liberties in the entire Brigade, and also the most testing responsibilities. They required to lead the Brigade and also to attend compulsory athletic activities and academic classes. They are referred to as "Firsties". They are permitted to park cars on the campus, and can avail of more leaves than other classes. This rank structure helps provide adequate training and necessary leadership experience to the future naval officers. Related Articles
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