The United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) admits approximately 1,000 cadets each year and annually prepares 4,400 for military service and careers in the United States Army. All are commissioned as second lieutenants upon graduation. Located 50 miles from New York City and overlooking the Hudson River, the USMA offers a low professor to cadet ratio (1:8) and more than 40 majors. Famous graduates include Generals Dwight Eisenhower, George Patton, Norman Schwarzkopf and David Petraeus.
Located in Maryland's capital, and just 33 miles from Washington, DC, the United States Naval Academy (USNA) has prepared midshipman for naval careers since 1845. The Brigade of Midshipman consists of approximately 4,000 students, who upon graduation are commissioned as either second lieutenants in the Marine Corps or ensigns in the U.S. Navy. Famous graduates include former President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, and Arizona's Sen. John McCain.
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) trains approximately 4,000 cadets each year for military careers in aviation and airmanship. Compared to the USMA and the USNA, the Air Force Academy is a relatively new institution; the first class of cadets graduated in 1959. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. The USAFA is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is home to the 10th Air Base Wing. Notable graduates include Chesley Sullenberger, the U.S. Airways pilot who safely landed a plane on the Hudson River in 2009; and NFL coach Joe Lombardi (Vince Lombardi's grandson).
Each military college provides a fully-funded university education. The length of the officer's active service obligation reflects the taxpayers' investment in providing an elite education for these select few. In general, upon graduation, the officer must remain on active duty for a minimum of five years. This service term can be increased depending on the students career path. Those who require additional training, such as pilots, may have to accept a longer time commitment.