What Is the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and What Does It Prepare Midshipmen For?
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is the undergraduate college of the U.S. naval service, located in Annapolis, Maryland. It prepares young men and women to become professional officers of "competence, character, and compassion" in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Students there are midshipmen on active duty in the U.S. Navy; they attend for four years, graduate with bachelor of science degrees, and are commissioned as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Graduates serve at least five years in the Navy or Marine Corps.
Annapolis and USNA: What's the Connection?
Annapolis is the home of the Naval Academy — the two names are often used interchangeably in reference to the school. When you see "Annapolis" in the context of Navy athletics, admissions, or officer training, it generally points to USNA itself rather than the city as a separate institution.
What USNA Prepares Midshipmen For
The Academy's stated mission is:
"To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government."
In practical terms, that means preparation across several dimensions:
- Moral and ethical development — grounded in the Academy's Honor Concept and Midshipman Ethos
- Academic training — leading to a bachelor of science degree
- Physical development — including Plebe Summer, daily schedules, and athletics
- Leadership responsibility — life in the Brigade, extracurricular activities, and structured leadership roles
The goal is not just a degree but a commission and a career path as a naval officer.
The Commitment After Graduation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| During enrollment | Midshipmen are on active duty in the U.S. Navy |
| After four years | Graduate with a bachelor of science degree |
| Commission | Ensign in the U.S. Navy or second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps |
| Service obligation | At least five years in the Navy or Marine Corps |
Applying to USNA
Applications for the Class of 2031 are open, according to the Academy's site. The application window is a recurring event — the site lists "Applications Open" as an event beginning April 1.
For prospective students, the Academy's site also points to related pages on:
- Plebe Summer
- Student life and general information
- Life in the Brigade
- Athletics
- 2/C Parents Weekend
If you're considering USNA, the key takeaway is that admission leads to active-duty status as a midshipman, a four-year bachelor of science program, a commission, and a minimum five-year service commitment — so the decision is both an educational and a military one.