Opinion: Encourage best and brightest in NC to consider service academy after high school

Even though it may still feel like the dog days of summer, fall is just around the corner and our community is definitely in back to school mode. Nobody is more acutely aware of this than the rising seniors in our high schools who are facing life changing decisions about which college to attend and/or career to pursue.

We are blessed to have many outstanding public and private colleges and universities in North Carolina, including some of the most elite schools in the country. Many of our best and brightest students will hope to be among the lucky few selected to attend.

But I would encourage talented college bound seniors to also consider a road less traveled — five state universities that are among the best in the country and include an automatic full scholarship covering all expenses. Which schools are these? Our nation’s five service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), Naval Academy (Annapolis), Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs), Merchant Marine Academy (Long Island) and Coast Guard Academy (New London).

What are the benefits of a service academy education? As a 1978 graduate of the Air Force Academy, I might be a bit biased, but here is my perspective.

First, the service academies are among the most selective in the country and have an exceptional academic reputation. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks each of the five academies as top tier schools. No academy has more than 5,000 students, resulting in small class sizes and very focused instruction.

Second, the academies are intensive leadership laboratories preparing cadets and midshipmen for positions of responsibility in the military and civilian world. Many of my classmates had successful military careers for sure, but just as many became “captains of industry” in the private sector, excelling as entrepreneurs or professionals in many disciplines.

Third, service academy graduates experience a very diverse university environment. By law, each entering class must reflect the geographic expanse of our nation and include young people from virtually every race, faith group and ethnicity, men and women alike.

Fourth, the academies are known for developing mental and physical toughness and resilience. The military training and challenges I faced as a cadet gave me the confidence that I could handle anything that came up later in my career. And even though I wasn’t an intercollegiate athlete, I had the opportunity to develop my physical skills on 12 different intramural sports teams.

Finally, every service academy graduate has a guaranteed job waiting for them — a commission as a 2nd lieutenant or ensign in the U.S. military.

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As an Air Force Academy graduate I reaped many more benefits over the course of my life. Among these was an incredibly diverse professional network that includes four-star generals, astronauts, CEOs, research scientists and engineers, physicians, elected politicians and even the legendary NBA coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich. I also gained a lifelong commitment to service, excellence and integrity that has never let me down.

Unfortunately, many bright high school seniors shy away from applying to a service academy because they’re not sure about making the military a career. While understandable, that’s not a good reason in my view. The active duty commitment after graduation is only five years. While about half my class made the Air Force a career, the other half went on to successful careers in the civilian world, including the aviation industry as airline pilots. I figured I’d be in the latter category, but every step of the way I found my Air Force career so rewarding that it was hard to give up. As a result, I served 34 years and retired as a major general with a generous pension and medical benefits for life!

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If you know of a smart, successful high school student who is up for a challenge, encourage him or her to apply for a service academy. Relevant application information is available on each academy’s website.  As part of the process, those who live in one of the 11 counties of Western North Carolina should seek a nomination from Congressman Chuck Edwards. (All except for the Coast Guard Academy require a Congressional nomination as part of the process). Go to edwards.house.gov for more information. Applications are due by early October. Please help spread the word to ensure our best and brightest consider this outstanding opportunity to serve their country.

Major General Rick Devereaux, USAF (Ret.), lives in Asheville and chairs the NC-11 Service Academy Advisory Committee.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: NC high school seniors could benefit from military service academy