A Service Academy is a prestigious institution in the United States that trains students to become officers in the military. There are five main academies: the United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. These academies provide a rigorous education combined with military training, preparing cadets for leadership roles in their respective branches. Admission to a Service Academy is highly competitive and typically requires a nomination from a member of Congress. Students receive a full scholarship, but they commit to serving in the military for a specified number of years after graduation. The academies emphasize discipline, physical fitness, and academic excellence, fostering a strong sense of duty and service among their graduates.