Twin brothers Eric and David Esqueda will face a new challenge following the end of their senior year at Jefferson/Silva High School in El Paso, Texas. The brothers will head to different military academies in the fall.  

Eric and David were recently notified that they had been accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., respectively.  

Founded in 1802, the United States Military Academy is the oldest of the five United States service academies. Candidates who satisfy all the requirements for graduation receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army. The United States Naval Academy was founded in 1842 and graduates approximately 1,000 midshipmen out of a freshman class that starts at about 1,200. Upon graduation, the candidates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and have the option of becoming a commissioned officer in either the Unites States Navy or the United States Marine Corps.  

Given the rigorous process to apply to a military academy, it is remarkable that the twins received their admission to their respective academies so early. “The academies like seeing that you are taking the hardest classes and that you are also balancing a lot of extracurricular activities,” said David. The process required a nomination from their member of Congress, Rep. Veronica Escobar.  

The Esqueda brothers are following in a long family tradition of military service dating back at least three generations. Their older brother is also currently attending the Naval Academy. 

After graduating from the Naval Academy, Eric plans to become a commissioned officer with the U.S. Marines, a dream he has had since he was a child. David wants to become an officer with the U.S. Army and earn a degree in engineering focusing on combat or defense artillery, although medical school is also an option.