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10 of the Best Military Schools in the US

Teaching not only knowledge, but discipline, honor, integrity, and purpose, these are the top ten best military schools in the US.

By Adrian ScottPublished 6 years ago 6 min read
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Each of these schools being unique in nature, they all provide the education needed for their cadets to succeed in their future endeavors with the military. Teaching teamwork, disciple, goal achievement, integrity, and honor, these military schools are structured establishments meant to push those enrolled both physically and mentally.

From the US Naval Academy to West Point, these are the top ten best military schools in the US.

US Naval Academy

To start off the list of the best military schools in the US, the US Naval Academy takes our number one spot. A four-year coeducational federal service academy, the USNA is located in Annapolis, Maryland. Being the second oldest service academy out of the five United States academies, the USNA educates officers into the Marine Corps and the Navy.

A 338-acre campus, the grounds of the academy were formerly Fort Severn, and is known as a National Historic Landmark. Every officer in training, or midshipmen's, tuition of a Bachelor of Science degree is funded by the Navy, in exchange of active duty service. Each year, around 1,000 midshipmen will graduate from the USNA, being some of the highest paid graduates in the country.

West Point

The United States Military Academy, or West Point, is one of the best military schools in the US. Otherwise known as the USMA, Army, Army West Point, The Academy, or The Point, the academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy. Located in West Point, New York, the grounds were originally established as a military fort overlooking the Hudson River.

A scenic environment, it is 50 miles north of New York City. The program grants a Bachelor of Science degree for those enrolled to complete an active duty service as an Army soldier. The majority of graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants. The school offers over 45 majors and has a very popular application percentage. However, the admission is only a little over 12 percent, a very competitive application process.

Texas A&M University

One of the six senior military colleges in the nation, Texas A&M University was established in 1871. Located in College Station, Texas, the university is the sixth largest in America. The current enrollment is well over 50,000 students.

Offering an incredible opportunity for cadets, the university has produced over 225 flag and general officers for the armed forces, having members of the school involved in American conflict since 1875. Cadets are given the opportunity to choose the profession with a hands-on process, whether this is in military or civilian success.

US Air Force Academy

The US Air Force Academy is next on our list of the best military schools in the US. A military academy for officer cadets of the Air Force, the school is located in El Paso County, Colorado. One of the five US service academies, and the youngest of the group, its first class was only 59 years ago. Receiving a Bachelor of Science degree after completing the four-year program, graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants.

With a stated mission of: "To educate, train, and inspire men and women to become leaders of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation."the school is extremely competitive in admissions. Each year, the incoming class is around 1,200, 1,100 of those graduating. The program includes a rigorous military training regimen and academic course load.

Norwich University

Established in 1819, Norwich University is the oldest among the six senior military colleges. A private university in Northfield, Vermont, it was first founded as the American Literary Scientifica and Military Academy. The birthplace of Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Norwich enrolls approximately 3,500 students.

A mixture of both civilian and cadet students, the school's motto is "I will try." A traditional military styled environment, the university has a high academic standard and hosts six academic divisions and 29 majors. The school has produced over 130 generals for the armed forces.

Virginia Military Institute

Located in Lexington, Virginia, the Virginia Military Institute is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. As one of the best military schools in the US, VMI only enrolls cadets. Awarding baccalaureate degrees, the institute is an incredibly physical and academically demanding environment.

Referred to as being the West Point of the South, all VMI enrolled cadets must participate in the ROTC program of the United States Armed Forces. Virginia Military Institute's motto is "in peace a glorious asset, in war a tower of strength."

The Citadel

The Citadel, or The Military College of South Carolina, is a comprehensive state-supported college. Established in 1842, the college is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and is one of the six senior military colleges of America.

The academy is divided into five schools, with 18 academic departments. Offering 22 majors and 28 minors, the college is open to providing both civilian and cadet degrees. The military route provides a bachelor's degree, and the civilian is amongst eight undergraduate and 24 graduate programs. Their motto is "Duty, Honor, Respect."

US Merchant Marine Academy

Located in King Point, New York, the US Merchant Marine Academy trains officers for the United States Merchant Marines, as well as the transportation industry and branches of the military.

Those enrolled are referred to as midshipmen, and are trained in navigation, marine engineering, maritime law, personnel management, ship's administration, customs, international law, and much more. The academy was first established in 1942 and is one of the five United States service academies.

The US Merchant Marine Academy's motto is "Deeds not words."

US Coast Guard Academy

With a motto of "Scientiæ Cedit Mare" which is Latin for "The sea yields to knowledge," the US Coast Guard Academy is one of the best military schools in the US. The smallest academy out of the five federal service academies, the USCGA provides education and training for Coast Guard officers.

Fully funded by the Coast Guard, each student is an officer-in-training or cadet. With an obligation of five years of active duty service post-graduation, this time will alter if chosen to attend graduate or flight school. Two hundred cadets graduate each year, and are commissioned as ensigns.

Valley Forge Military Academy and College

To complete our list of the best military schools in the US, the Valley Forge Military Academy and College is a boarding school in preparation to join the military.

Located in Wayne, Pennsylvania, it is often referred to as the Military College of Pennsylvania. With an administration almost completely composed of current or retired military, the academy prides themselves in their graduates who pursue careers in the armed services. Each student is a member of the Corps of Cadets.

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About the Creator

Adrian Scott

Horror-movie fan and wanna-be chef looking to travel the world.

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