STUDENTS EXTOL ACADEMIA, MILITARY STYLE

Life at one of the nation's prestigious military academies is a rigorous test of academic and physical skill. But it is a test well worth meeting, say local students enrolled in two of the four U.S. academies.

Five Cape Girardeau and Jackson students are among those who have passed the crucial "plebe" (first) year and are making the grades with Uncle Sam as their dean. All received liberty to spend the holidays at home and agreed to share their viewpoint of academia military-style.

Clinton Tracy and Clayton Hahs of Cape Girardeau and Kent Tranter of Jackson are at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Two Cape Central High School graduates -- Matthew Jackson and Ryan Woods -- are at the nation's oldest military academy, the Army's West Point Military Academy in New York.

A typical academy day starts with a 6 a.m. wake-up call and can end anywhere from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. In between are meals, classes, military assignments, inspections and study time.

Tracy, who said he began thinking of a military career as a youngster, is happy with his life at Annapolis. His goal, he said, is to become a pilot. He is in his third year at Annapolis.

"I have no regrets," he said. "I'm looking forward to graduation in 1996 so I can start flying." This summer, Tracy will have the option of going on an aviation cruise or to Quantico for a Marine assignment.

Last summer he spent his time on a ship patrol which included visits to Cuba and Haiti.

Although Tracy is now eligible for some weekend passes, he said he had only 12 hours total "liberty" in his first year at the academy.

Jackson, like Tracy, started thinking about the military as youngster. "I made the decision to go for it in the eighth grade, "Jackson said. "I'm glad I did."

A sophomore at West Point, Jackson said he is looking forward to his junior year, when he will become a cadet corporal. He has matured a lot since his first year, he added.

"I was scared at first," he admitted. "But the academy is designed to make you mature fast."

This year, in addition to course work, Jackson is assigned to a plebe. "Next year I'll become a squad leader. Each year you grow in responsibility."

Jackson ultimately wants to obtain a law degree. He plans to apply for law school during his second year of active duty following graduation from West Point.

Hahs also selected the military as a career while still in junior high. "The best possible way to do it is through a service academy," he added.

Hahs said he researched the various academies but chose the Navy just as his father had.

"My father was in the Navy and I'm 100 percent Navy," Hahs said.

After four years at Annapolis, he will graduate with a degree in ocean engineering. He currently is a second-year student.

"I had second thoughts about things during the first year," said Hahs. "I questioned my decision, but I realized in the end that was the right decision."

For Woods, a sophomore at West Pont, the biggest adjustment was being so far from home and family.

He looks forward to vacation times away from the pressures of the academy. "Just when you think you can relax, there's no time for that until you're home for a break. There's always something. It's very taxing and very hard."

At West Point, students have multiple requirements to fulfill. They must attend classes, take physical and military tests and meet the demands of upper-class students.

Upperclassmen frequently check on freshmen to "make sure everything is perfect," Woods said. "Your room has to be perfect and spotless. They are meticulous."

Tranter is completing his third year at the Naval Academy.

As an upperclass student he gets some additional privileges. Last summer he was chosen to help with "plebe detail." Freshmen report to the academy during the summer, and Tranter supervised 12 incoming students.

"You're the first person they meet when they get here," he said. "You have to be a role model."

In choosing to attend the academy, Tranter relied on role models also. "I had two grandfathers in the Navy," he said. "It is a great education and I wanted to be an officer."

Tranter said the biggest change is suddenly being so far form family. "The phone bills get tremendous," he admitted.

Before graduation, Tranter's goal is to improve his class rank. "I want to get high enough in the class that I can pick what I want to do," he explained.

Top-ranking cadets can select their training assignments after graduation. Tranter will graduate in 1996 with a degree in political science.

Other area students who attending military academies include: Noel Curry and James Franklin, both of Oak Ridge, and Derrick Ham of Steel, all cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; Gina Chung of Farmington and L.G. Black of Charleston, both Annapolis cadets; and Anthony Arnold of Poplar Bluff, a cadet at the Merchant Marines Academy at Kingsport, N.Y.