Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Taking a leave from a military academy

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/3/2010


Question
If I go to a military academy would I be able to leave for 2 years when I'm 19 to serve a mission for my church and then resume classes where I left off. Or should I wait until after my mission to apply to an academy?

Answer
OK I'll assume you're of the Mormon Faith since that is the most common one that espouses missions. I can say that at USMA they do make some concession for mission, usually after you've completed 2 years there but before your 3rd. This being at 3 years you owe the military service but after 2 you still dont.  Most people that I've known who did this didn't have too much of an issue getting back in, but technically it is a reapplication for admission.  

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Aaron Shifferly

Expertise

I am currently an active duty Army Captain in the Military Police Field. I have been enlisted (Military Intelligence) and attended The United States Military Academy at West Point. I can answer questions related to the Army, posting, jobs, lifestyle, workings... pretty much anything you can throw at me with the exception of very specific recruting or medical questions. I have no expertise in what it takes to get in the military other than the fact that I, myself, joined at one point in time.

Experience

I have experience in both deployed and garrision environments as a Military Police Officer.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Arabic and French from United States Military Academy at West Point.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.