The United States Naval Academy is a coeducational academy that is located at the Annapolis, Maryland. It is also known as USNA or Navy, which was established in 1845. It is the 2nd oldest United States Service academies and it was managed by George Bancroft since its establishment.
The total campus area of this academy is 338 acre. It is considered as a National Historic Landmark as it is a home to numerous historical buildings, sites and monuments. For new admissions, the candidate should directly apply to the academy.
Training is fully funded by the Navy under the obligation of active duty after graduation. Candidates are called as Midshipmen and are normally commissioned as Second Lieutenants or ensigns in the Navy. During spring, approximately 1300 plebes enter the academy and 1,000 candidates graduate every year.
The candidate should be nominated by a Senator or by a Congressman or Vice-Present or he should be a child of a recipient of a Medal of Honor. Every prospective candidate should pass the physical fitness and medical test before selection. A midshipman receives pay for books, uniforms and other supplies. Those who resign or are disqualified from academy within the first two years does not deserve any service obligation. After the completion of the training, the candidate has to serve active Navy duty, for at least two or four years.
Earlier, the course study was scheduled for 5 years, where 1st and 5th year were at the school and the other 3 years at the sea. Later, the duration was further extended by 2 more years; where 3 years would be spent at sea and 4 years at the school. Later it was again rescheduled to 4 years till Graduation.
The naval service is often called as fleet and the students-body is called as the Midshipmen. They wear service uniform, similar to the US Navy officers. They are further classified as forth, third, second and first class. Legally, midshipmen are a grade that ranks between Chief Warrant Officer and Warrant Officer. They are divided in battalions and regiments, where 5 companies comprise of a battalion. Experienced Marine and Navy officers are assigned as the battalion and company officers.
