Back to school. MAG-31 Marine accepted to Naval Academy

The skill traits forged and encouraged in the Corps along with the opportunities available to Marines open new doors to those who seek them.

Cpl. Megan Hines, an intelligence analyst with Marine Aircraft Group 31, opened a new door when she applied for and was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. The Academy’s 170 appointment slots are avail­able to regular and reserve sailors and Marines through a rigorous application process.

“When I set my sights on the Academy, there was no reluctance. It was either all or nothing,” said Hines. “Few accomplish what many aspire to achieve, so the possibility of rejection didn’t scare me.”

Hines joins the class of 2019 this fall, checking into the academy, June 25. The Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, according to their website.

They seek top-performing, energetic Marines and sailors who demonstrate strong leadership.

“Since I was a senior in high school, I have desired to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces as an officer. It was just a matter of methodical plan­ning and timely execution to create a viable path to that goal,” said Hines.

Officers in the United States Marine Corps set the example for other Marines and lead with confidence, decisiveness and good judgment. More than just leaders, these Marines manage, supervise, and train their subordinates. They are ultimately responsible for meeting the mis­sion of the Marine Corps.

“The achievement of freedom and its preser­vation requires dedicated men and women to answer the call,” said Hines in a statement sent to the Naval Academy. “I am a United States Ma­rine; I have answered the call once before and I wish to answer the call once again by gaining a commission as an officer in the naval service.”

The Academy offers a host of courses in a highly competitive environment, including naval science, engineering, navigation, and weapons systems. These are supplemented with courses in leadership, ethics and military law. Students are also required to take physical education.

The 170 year old school provides its students with education and training to brighten their own future.

“The unknown is bound to cause some nerves, but worrying is for the faint of heart,” said Hines. “The end result is at the forefront of my thoughts.”