Life after you get in
Life at each academy, year by year
Pick an academy and a class year. Each page covers that year’s milestones, training, privileges and commitment, with official sources.
2019 USNA graduation hat toss. Photo: Army Sgt. Amber Smith via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain (U.S. government work).
AcademyYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4
USNANavy · Marines Year 1Plebe yearFourth classYear 2Youngster yearThird classYear 3Second class yearSecond classYear 4Firstie yearFirst class
USMAArmy Year 1Plebe yearFourth classYear 2Yearling yearThird classYear 3Cow yearSecond classYear 4Firstie yearFirst class
USAFAAir Force · Space Force Year 1Fourth-class yearFour-degree (freshman)Year 2Third-class yearThird class (sophomore)Year 3Second-class yearSecond class (junior)Year 4First-class yearFirstie (senior)
Each academy names its classes differently. Fourth class is the first year and first class is the last. Compare all five side by side · High school, grade by grade · Knowledge books and flashcards