Academy Nominations
Every year, U.S. military academies welcome some of the best and brightest young people from Arkansas. I have had the privilege of nominating a number of these talented individuals for an appointment to our prestigious military academies. You could be next.
Before pursuing a nomination there a few important points to consider:
- The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years;
- There are five service academies: The United States Air Force (USAFA), Naval (USNA), Military (USMA), Merchant Marine (USMMA) and Coast Guard (USCGA) academies;
- Nominations are required for all but the USCGA, to which appointments are made on the basis of an annual nationwide competition;
- There are two steps you are required to take to seek a nomination:
- First step: Apply directly to the academy or academies to which you would accept an offer;
- Second step: Apply for a nomination from your U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative.
- The process begins in the spring of a student’s junior year in high school which is the time to open a file with the academies for which you are interested in an appointment.
- Applications for nominations are usually due in the fall of your senior year in high school. For instance, applications for nominations from my office must be completed and submitted by November 1st of your senior year in high school.
- The most successful candidates apply to all nominating sources: both Senators and Congressman, and when applicable, to the Vice President and President.