If I remember correctly ... he was an AOC (??? or NAVCAD ?) ... which I believe included a "placeholder" enlisted service # and rate -- usually Seaman Deuce. 'Cause if you really screwed up -- that's where and how you were going .....
But that should NEVER be construed as a real "enlisted" service nor rate a medal/ribbon.
I have an enlisted service # and discharge certificate ... when we were sworn in as Officers ... we were simultaneously "discharged" from the Navy as a Seaman Deuce and "commissioned" as an Ensign.
Same here.. NAPS.. counted as 11 months & change "enlisted".. for pay purposes only. Seaman Apprentice. Basically so Big Daddy Navy could own, and subsequently pay, us for the school year. I was simultaneously "discharged" and appointed a Midshipman. Had I not shown up to USNA... next stop, Great Lakes.
I asked my dad (USNA admissions 1998-2001) and he said that the academy views NAPS graduates the same as civilians with an appointment to USNA. After NAPS you sign your discharge papers and recieve an appointment to the academy. If you don't show your discharge goes in to effect on the date written on your papers.