The U.S. Naval Academy offers its midshipmen many life changing experiences, from the rigors of Plebe Summer, to the USNA Sea Trials at the end of that year, to the Summer Training opportunities after each academic year. These milestones are important steps along the way to becoming an effective and skilled naval officer. One of the options that is not as well known is the Service Academy Exchange Program (SAEP), wherein midshipmen may study for an entire semester at other service academies, at other schools abroad or even in graduate school programs. As you might imagine, competition for these limited spots is fierce, and a midshipman can only participate in one during his or her four years at the Academy, spending one semester maximum away from USNA.
What Is the Service Academy Exchange Program?
The SAEP is an especially exciting option for midshipmen. Through this program, midshipmen can become their counterparts at one of their sister federal service agencies: the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) or U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), and “switch places” with the cadets from these schools for one semester. There are strict requirements to this program, which is designed to foster camaraderie among the institutions and provide cross-training opportunities for its participants. Most importantly, midshipmen must complete coursework aligned with their USNA curriculum which the USNA has approved. There is a Table of Course Equivalents that helps midshipmen and their advisers select the appropriate courses at the other academies.
Based on scheduling, not all midshipmen can make the program work, since they may have to take a summer school course from USNA if they’re not attending USNA in the fall and the class is only offered then. Additionally, those participating in a varsity sport that conflicts with majors that follow strict schedules may find it difficult to reach their requirements through another school’s schedules.
Why Swap?
The program is popular because midshipmen and the academies find it enriching on a number of levels. First, they say it’s fun! Midshipmen get a brief break from the demanding schedules of their own school so they can participate in the demanding (but new) schedules in an entirely new venue with new people, classes and expectations. In this way, it greatly expands their perspective.
Here’s a great example of what happens when midshipmen get together with exchange students: they’re part of a viral video sensation like ‘Naptown Funk.” Or they get to participate in a “Prisoner Exchange” at the Army-Navy game, an old tradition where exchange mids/cadets return to their home academies just before kick-off.
Related: Naptown Funk: A Viral Video.
The program has an essential purpose, which is to help cross-train midshipmen. Many times USNA brings back best practices from these experiences and gets new ideas to test. They also enjoy fresh eyes on their programs from the other schools. Since graduates from all academies are ultimately preparing to work in a productive joint service culture, the exchange is critical to future relationships. It helps build strong friendships with those at the sister academies and even offers opportunities that USNA might not offer. In one instance, midshipmen who attend the USAFA can take airmanship, the equivalent to their seamanship. They flock to the freefall class, where they can earn their jump wings. It’s a popular draw.
Experience the Exchange
The SAEP is a win-win-win-win for all four schools, who benefit from stronger relationships among their academies, an exchange of new ideas and the insights that come from fresh experiences. Want to see what it’s like? You can be an exchange student of sorts as well. Come take a USNA tour and get behind the scenes of what it means to be a midshipman here. When you visit the Yard, dine in our restaurants and also shop in our stores, you’re also helping the midshipmen by funding extracurricular activities like cultural arts, music, theater and club sports. You’ll provide them with opportunities to expand their horizons in many directions. Come spend some time on the Yard and enjoy a swapping good time!
