Getting your player ready...
ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Applications have surged at the nation’s three top military academies as tough economic times coincide with stepped-up recruiting efforts.
The Army, Navy and Air Force schools are all trying to increase minority ranks in the officer corps. Meanwhile, colleges are reducing scholarships and other financial aid.
The U.S. Naval Academy has seen the biggest increase in applications—a 40 percent jump over last year.
Applications are up 10 percent at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the most the school has seen in five years. Spokesman John Van Winkle said the academy’s lengthy application process is geared more toward students who have wanted to attend for years.
