About Eric Shangle Expertise I am able to answer any questions you have concerning the United States Naval Academy
(USNA). I graduated from USNA and have served as an officer in the US Navy. My experience
at the academy, as a student-athlete, and as a naval officer will help me answer your
questions.
Experience
Graduate of the Naval Academy.
Education/Credentials B.S. Ocean Engineering, US Naval Academy, 1997
M.A. Human Relations, University of Oklahoma, 2002
MBA, Naval Postgraduate School, 2005
Expert: Eric Shangle Date: 4/4/2007 Subject: US Naval Academy
Question QUESTION: Thanks in advance Eric for taking the time to answer a couple questions regarding the Naval Academy.
My son is a sophmore in H.S. He scored high on his PSAT and subsquently was invited to atttend Academy night. He is interested in becoming a Naval Aviator. Here goes the questions:
1)Does time at the Naval Academy count as time in service for retirement purposes and pay?
2)Is there anything I can do as a parent to help? Our son is taking Math and Science (pre-calc& calc in his Senior year,Chemistry 1&2). He runs track as a Sophmore on his High Scholl track team.He attends a Christian Private School so the emphasis on athletics is not foremost as some public schools.
3)Is there a prep for any type of oral questions asked during the appointment process with your local Senator or Congress person?
4)I served enlisted USMC.3years active,2years active reserves and 3 years inactive reserve.Would this service committment allow my son to apply for a Presidential Appointment?
ANSWER: Ron,
Thank you very much for asking these great questions. Doing the right thing to obtain Nominations and Appointments to the Naval Academy can be very confusing. There are no clear answers that say one item on an application will guarantee an Appointment. They academies (all of them) are truly looking for a well-rounded person who is capable of being transformed into a future leader. That being said, let me get to your questions.
1. Unfortunately the time served as a Midshipman do not count towards retirement. The time does count toward overall service, but it does not count towards retirement or pay. This is an issue for most academy grads. Being that we were active duty for four years and wore a uniform day and night, we feel that the years should count. The current rule do not agree with that. The time does NOT count.
2. The best thing you can do as a parent is manage the application process. There are many steps that your son will have to take in order to obtain an Appointment. Sit down with him and go over the ENTIRE application. Make sure you both know what is needed. That might give you a better idea of what you can do to help out. However, the pressure is truly on him to do well in school and other activities.
It sounds like he is involved with many activities. I would emphasize that the board is looking for things that differentiate him from other high school students. It's quite amazing to look at each class and see that most everyone was top 10% in their high school class. Almost everyone was a team captain in high school. The academies truly want the best of the best. But leadership is truly important. Emphasize opportunities where he can excel in leadership and/or management roles. This can sometimes be done through extracurricular activities at school (clubs, etc).
3. You question about prepping for your Senator and/or Congressman interview brings back memories. There is truly NOTHING you can do to prep. Each interview is done differently be different politicians. I have heard of some Congressmen doing them personally. I didn't have that experience. I interviewed with 2 separate politicians in my state. They each had boards set up. It was a grueling process. I don't have time to go into details. One interview went GREAT. The other didn't go so well. I was offended by the questions I was asked. It was obvious that they wanted a minority. I walked out. Needless to say, I did get my Nomination from the first interview. :-)
Overall, just try and have your son be honest. Talk about his strengths. Highlight why HE is the right choice.
I don't know if that answered your question or not. I could write an essay on these interviews. Since there is no standardization, it's tough to give advice.
4. I truly don't know the rule for Presidential Appointments. I can look them up for you, but it would be the same thing as you looking it up. If you want me to do the research for you, I certainly can. Just follow this reply up with a response. I will track down the answers.
Ron, I hope that this helped you out. My parents were a huge part of my application for the academy. I still have my application file that my parents saved.
I wish you the best of luck.
Please let me know if there is anything else that I can do.
Eric
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Eric,
Thank you so much for your informative advice. I was told that an 8 year Military requirement was needed for a Presidential appointment consideration. I don't think we will attempt to acquire Taylor's appointment through this means,however we wanted to keep it in mind if this is a option.I appreciate your willingness to look up the information,but I can do it.
I wanted to ask a question regarding a visit to the Academy to give my son a look-see to envision where he might be fortunate enough to go to school.We are open to any time... we live in Las Vegas, so we wanted to pick a time which would offer the most bang for our buck, is there a time you recommend as a time to visit? I know graduation is impressive, but I would think Annapolis would be much to crowded to would give the most favorable impression and accurate portrayal of Academy life?
Again, thank you for passing on your personal experiences, it is always more beneficial to get questions answered from someone who has been there-done that.
Ron
Answer Ron,
That is another outstanding question. Also, thank you for the kind comments and ratings.
I think that there are three times you might consider visiting Annapolis. Each of these times have specific advantages for you and your son. I don't know about costs, but I can say that it's going to be HUMID! You may be used to the heat in Vegas, but the humidity in Annapolis is a killer.
1. Spring. Visit the Academy in the springtime. You are correct that June Week (that is a traditional name...it happens in May) is a great time to visit. Commissioning week (aka June Week) is at the end of May. I would say that the end of April would be your best time to go if you like the Spring. The flowers are in bloom, the mids are getting excited about the summer, and there should be a lot of enthusiasm. I personally think that the Academy looks best in Spring and Fall. It's almost magical.
2. Summer. Summer is good to visit the Academy for one main reason. The plebes will be going through their plebe summer. This would give you a good idea of what it's like for the plebes during their 6-week indoctrination. It's grueling, but it's worth it. It's more than a rite of passage. It truly helps define who you are and become. Now, it's going to be ultra hot and humid. It will most likely be less expensive though. The mids won't be in classes, so the "yard" will feel a little empty. However, it's interesting to see a little of plebe summer ahead of time. I would say that you would want to go in early August for this. Plebe summer starts in early July. This will be a good time.
3. Fall. I think that going to the Academy during football season is amazing. It's like nothing you have ever seen or experienced. Make sure you stay there on a Friday. You have to see the Parade into the "Mother B" for noon meal formation. This is what it's all about. There is going to be a lot of spirit for the football game. There is also going to be a lot of enthusiasm because it's Friday. I think that watching a noon meal formation on a Friday before a football game is the best marketing tool for anyone. Again, I don't know what the prices would be for this time period, but I think it's a great time.
Overall, I don't think that there is any one time that will be bad. Well, I think that winter would be bad. You are not used to the Eastern Seaboards overcast skies. It might be a bit depressing and cold for you in the winter/cold months.
My personal favorite would be fall. Spring would be next. Summer last. Don't worry so much about the days. I would just try and plan your trip when there are either mids in school or plebes being drilled.
I hope that this helps you out. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Eric
