CT The Academy (ANH)

In ANH, Luke wants to apply to the academy. For a long time, I assumed this was some sort of secret Rebel Alliance academy. However, recently I have heard people say Luke was referring to an Imperial academy. This does not make much sense to me.

First, Luke tells Obi-Wan he hates the Empire. Second, Luke becomes excited when 3PO tells him he and R2 had been part of the Rebels. Most importantly, Luke tells Owen he said "next year" when Biggs left. This implies Biggs went to the same academy. We see Biggs at the Rebel Alliance base on Yavin IV. Thus, I assumed Luke was referring to some sort of secret Rebel academy.

What do you guys think about this academy?

 

It's the Imperial academy.

 

That said, the Academy has different levels - and joining the Academy for training doesn't necessarily commit you to joining the Imperial military - "Merchant Service" is an option:


http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Imperial_Academy

 

I'm pretty sure there's no office "Rebel Academy"

 

Do you think Luke would have done the same as Biggs?

 

It does raise the question of whether Owen's refusals are motivated by knowing that Luke going to the Academy will result in Big Trouble.

In Rebels, we find out that the Inquisitor analyses Academy performances at the Lothal academy - and when there's hints that a candidate might be Force-sensitive - he finds out for sure - and delivers them into Project Harvester.

We don't know how much Obi-Wan told him - but I could see him having been told that "The Empire's declared Jedi outlaw - don't let Luke son of Anakin come to their attention."

 

Ack th

I mean OFFICIAL Rebel Academy. This board is ruining my typing skills

 

LUKE
The Academy didn't change you
much...but you're back so soon? Hey,
what happened, didn't you get your
commission?

Biggs has an air of cool that seems slightly phony.

BIGGS
Of course I got it. Signed aboard
The Rand Ecliptic last week. First
mate Biggs Darklighter at your
service...
(he salutes)
...I just came to say good-bye to
all you unfortunate landlocked
simpletons.
...

BIGGS
I made some friends at the Academy.
(he whispers)
...when our frigate goes to one of
the central systems, we're going to
jump ship and join the Alliance...

BIGGS
I know it's a long shot, but if I
don't find them I'll do what I can
on my own... It's what we always
talked about. Luke, I'm not going to
wait for the Empire to draft me into
service. The Rebellion is spreading
and I want to be on the right side --
the side I believe in.

In Brian Daley's radio drama "exploration" is another job opportunity next to the "Merchant Service".

The Anchorhead scene in ANH suggests that Biggs joined either "exploration" or the "Merchant Service" (according to the ANH novelization Rand Ecliptic is a freighter).

I think it's obvious that the Academy is an Imperial facility which probably allows individuals to proceed with career opportunities but can also draft aforementioned individuals into military service.