Twin Ports Grad Sharing Naval Academy Experience

Talks to students about his desire to serve his country, as well as the opportunities.

Rising global tension has put a spotlight on armed forces around the world. Some of those currently training to serve were among college students who were home for the Thanksgiving weekend.

Kai Braaten grew up in the Twin Ports and is now a Midshipman Third Class at the United States Naval Academy. He said a primary goal for him was the opportunity for public service, and he hopes to one day be a Navy or Marine Corp pilot.

He was at Denfeld High School Monday to answer student questions and said he does not think people are aware of the opportunities in the military. Over the summer he had a first-hand look at some of the options.

“The Naval Academy’s kind of premier training for students going into their second year. Which is an experience into all the major communities that the Navy has to offer,” Braaten said.

“So, there’s one week with the Marine Corps, one week with Naval Aviation, one week with submarines, and one week with the surface fleet. Each of those give midshipmen experience to interview officers, ask questions, and tour all the ships that they might be going into upon graduation,” said Braaten.

Braaten was interested in flying at a young age and has his pilot’s license, but he said he really didn’t know much about military schools. He thinks other young people might be in a similar situation and unaware.

While serving his country was a priority, he said there are practical considerations as well.

“Some of the perks that the Academy likes to offer are free college, and you get a guaranteed job afterwards,” said Braaten. “But what really drew me into it was the service. I wanted to serve my country ever since I was young. And I only discovered the Academy in my sophomore year of high school, but as soon as I heard about them, I was interested,” Braaten said.

When he applied, you might say Braaten had bipartisan support–sponsored by Congressman Pete Stauber, a Republican, and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a DFLer.