While frequently criticized for developing “whole” officers (including spiritual and moral aspects, as well as leadership and academic), the military academies have consistently demonstrated strength as educational institutions.  US News and World Report recently published their Best Colleges 2009.  The Air Force Academy was ranked #2 in the nation for aero/astronautical engineering, and was the #1 school in the western region, as also noted at AF.mil.  All three military academies (Military, Naval, and Air Force) were in the top 10 nationally for engineering programs.