Most students only go to college after high school, senior Monica Ogent has decided to do both college and the United States Navy. Monica considered each branch of the armed forces before deciding on the Navy.  

    “The Air Force jobs seemed more administrative, not what I was looking for, so I was between Army and Navy. The Navy offers more of an intellectual challenge, while also being more women-friendly,” said Ogent.

    Many of Ogents family members have served in the Air Force, Marines and Army, but Ogent will be the first of her family in the Navy. Although many of her family members had been in the military in the past Ogent was not sure if it was for her.

    “I actually didn’t seriously consider it for myself until my junior year. I didn’t think I would be brave or tough enough to. Once I decided, and did more research, and then there was no changing my mind,” said Ogent.

    In the armed forces enlisted members go to boot camp, and the duration of the training depends on each branch. For instance Boot camp in the Navy and Coast Guard is eight weeks, Airforce is eight and a half weeks, Army is ten weeks, and Marines is thirteen weeks.

    Ogent does have a few worries about bootcamp.

    “I would not see my family for months at a time, also everyday’s agenda would be packed full,” said Ogent.

    Ogent is not as worried about Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) in college.

    “I’d be very similar to every other college student, just have summer trainings, naval science courses, and an active duty commitment waiting for me after graduation,” said Ogent.  

    Ogent is not taking the enlisted route but is taking the officer route through the NROTC. She has applied to the Naval Academy located in Annapolis, Maryland,
    “If I am admitted into the academy, I will go through ‘Plebe Summer’, which is an intense 6-week physical and mental training during the summer before classes begin,” said Ogent. “I hear it’s hell,”

    Ogent was chosen by a local recruiter of our region and two others to automatically receive a “yes” on her scholarship application to be reviewed in Florida this summer. The scholarship offers $180,000, summer training cruises and other benefits.

    “It is extremely competitive, and is national, so you compete with applicants from across the country.” said Ogent.  

    Ogent’s family has influenced her in a positive way by being supportive of her decision. Ogent plans to not only strive to be a Navy officer and fulfill her commitment but continue in the Navy as her career.
    Unlike the United States many nations worldwide cannot vote in a election. The same nations do not have the freedom to express their ideas.

    “I think about those in countries around the world that could not do this without their well being getting threatened, and realize how fortunate I am to live in the United States of America,” said Ogent.