Applications surge at U.S. military academies

Amid the midst of an economic downturn, the three U.S. military academies have seen a sharp upturn in the number of applications for admission. But military officials say, there may be more to it than just a bad economy.

The lure of free college and a secure job have people applying to West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy in large numbers, reports the Associated Press.

As of this week, the U.S. Naval Academy was out in front with a 40 percent increase in applications compared with last year. Annapolis received about 15,300 applications for about 1,230 positions — the highest number of applications the academy has received since 1988.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., also have seen increases. Applications are up 10 percent for the class of 2013 at the Air Force Academy, from 9,001 to 9,890 for 1,350 positions.

West Point received 11,106 applications for the class of 2013, up from 10,132 the year before, or a 9 percent increase, said Col. Deborah McDonald, director of admissions.

The rise is in correlation with the United States' economic downturn and an increase in military recruiting efforts. Graduates of U.S. military academies usually obtain higher ranks upon entry into the service. Military officials stress it's the opportunities, not necessarily the bad economy, that have more people applying. For example, Stephen Gast, a Maryland student who will graduate from the Air Force Academy in 2013 said he just wants to fly. "I've always seen that as the best place to get a pilot's slot when I graduated," Gast told the AP. Increased recruiting efforts could also play a role. The U.S. Naval Academy's summer seminar allows high-school rising seniors to attend camp at the academy for six days. There have been three times as many applications for the summer camp than spots available. All three schools have stepped up efforts to recruit younger students and to diversify. This includes talking to eighth and ninth graders and recruiting more in inner-city neighborhoods like Brooklyn, New York. This year is not just a spike either. The academies are already reporting an increase in applications for fall of next year.