From the Big Sky to the Big Sea: Montana Natives Excel At U.S. Naval Academy

Montana natives Roarke Baldwin and Scott Shaffer knew the United States Naval Academy http://www.usna.edu///homepage.php had more to offer than just a solid education when they first applied for admission. Now, only months away from graduating and being commissioned as officers in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, these midshipmen are confident they are ready to serve their country.

By Cari Furman, U.S. Naval Academy

(Many thanks to Mel Walters, Stevensville MT, 406-777-2421
Check out: http://www.mainstreetstevensville.com for passing this along. Russ)

“I came for a campus visit…liked the town [of Annapolis] and the fact that it was on the east coast,” stated Midshipman 1st class (senior) Shaffer of Belgrade, Mont. “I knew there would be many opportunities for me here.”

Prospective students of the Naval Academy must go through a rigorous application process to be considered. The academy’s official Web site recommends that interested applicants apply as early as their junior year of high school in order to complete all of the required steps.

“Before you apply, make sure this is something you really want to do,” offered Midshipman 1st class Baldwin of Stevensville, Mont. “The application process is long, but worth it if you’re serious about coming.”

The Naval Academy offers countless benefits in and out of the classroom.

“The teacher-to-student relationship here is amazing,” explained Shaffer. “The academic experience is really great. There are a lot of possibilities academically because the academy is so well known.”

Outside the classroom, the Academy offers the unique opportunity to travel all over the world. Unlike other schools, midshipmen are required to participate in summer training programs every year. The Naval Academy considers these equivalent of professional internships.

This past summer Baldwin had the chance to travel overseas to Poland for three weeks to engage in a Holocaust study with applications to military ethics. After this trip, he chose to spend a week of leave in Germany before flying to Japan for another three weeks of travel.

“I got to participate in high-value things that tourists don’t get to do,” Baldwin explained. “After I returned home from Japan, I got to spend two weeks flying helicopters in Cherry Point, N.C., before returning to school. These are the kinds of opportunities we have here that other people don’t have.”

Midshipmen at the Naval Academy are also given many opportunities to serve as leaders among their peers. Baldwin currently serves as the 6th Company commander, in charge of over 152 other midshipmen, while Shaffer serves as the Brigade honor advisor to nearly 4,400 midshipmen.

“It’s an honor to serve in this position, but I’m going to have grey hairs after this,” Baldwin joked. “I’m glad I could learn these hard leadership roles now so that I’m prepared for the future.”

“It’s awesome how much responsibility the administration gives you in terms of leading and being in charge,” added Shaffer. “There’s so much opportunity to fulfill leadership roles and motivate your classmates.”

Making the adjustment from high school to a service academy can bring many obstacles, but Shaffer explains how the Naval Academy supports each student in the transition.

“You might have a few speed bumps along the way, but just as in all things, you learn to adapt,” he explained. “This school is looking to produce officers in the military…they’re focused on making sure that every single person is developed morally, mentally, and physically, so they’ll help you in any way you need it.”

“Once I started I never really had any doubts about coming here,” added Baldwin. “I’ve never had any regrets.”

The future is very bright for these two young men. While each one has already selected their top choices for military service upon graduation, they will not receive their final assignment until November. Regardless of what this assignment may be, Baldwin and Shaffer both agree that the Academy has done everything to meet and surpass their expectations.

“The Academy definitely gave me all the tools I need to succeed,” stated Shaffer confidently. “I think it’s the best choice I’ve ever made.”