Academics at the Academy is certainly challenging to say to least, but one thing that keeps me motivated is my friends and staff members around me. One of the biggest advantages to coming to the Academy is that everyone is always willing to help and work with you till your problem is resolved. Tutors for all classes are posted throughout the Academy. There is also constant assurance that for any problem you may face there have been at least 10 other cadets before you that have faced the same problem, which has greatly helped me in the past. It is also quite rewarding to know that you get to attend classes from one of the top-rated public schools in the nation where the level of education you will be receiving is among no others. I find the classes here to be super interesting and the incorporation of a specific military class that teaches you things like how to navigate on a cutter defiantly gives you a break from the normal calculus and chemistry classes. Some of my favorite classes I have taken at the Academy include Introduction to Navigation, Introduction to Morals and Ethics, and Golf! The Academy ensures it provides equitable classes that will come in use when you are out in the fleet serving as an officer, which I find much assurance in whenever I feel lost. Academics at the Academy certainly are challenging but I assure you that you will not find the gratification of attending the Academy anywhere else!
Did you know 10 percent of the graduating class are selected for flight school? This year, 23 cadets were chosen. After graduation, they report to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and from there their journeys look like this:
- Complete basic flight training in Pensacola
- Learn to fly a Coast Guard aircraft at Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, Alabama
- Report to first air station as co-pilot
While at the Academy, cadets prepare for an aviation career by getting involved in activities like Aviation Career Week, the Flight Team, Aviation Club and by earning their pilots license.
First Class Cadet (1/c) Becca Emerson was selected for flight school. She prepared by engaging with the aviation community through cadet-led events, taking a ground school private pilot course, and applying for command positions.
“Putting myself out there and getting leadership experience was my biggest goal to set myself apart from others. Preparing for Billet Night, knowing I put in for flight school, was different than other afloat billets because this is a special assignment in which you undergo a more in-depth medical screening, write a separate application memorandum, and partake in an interview with flight school board members,” said Emerson.
1/c Kaylon Farley also got selected for flight school and has career aspiration to be the Commandant’s pilot.
“Flight school does not start when you apply during your 1/c year. Preparing for flight school starts with the choices you make every day at the Academy. Choices like turning in your homework assignments on time, wearing the right uniform, having the right attitude, setting the example, applying for leadership positions, and overall taking advantage of your Academy experience. It’s working for excellence when things are mundane, which is challenging, but as I look back on my time here, I’m so glad that I made those sacrifices,” said Farley.
The sky’s the limit with a Coast Guard aviation career.
