By US Representative Jo Bonner
As the deadline to submit applications is quickly approaching, I want to remind all interested high school seniors to contact my office as soon as possible if you are interested in applying for an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point.
My office is currently accepting applications for the class of 2017, whose students will enter the academies in June 2013. The deadline for all applications is December 1, 2012. Students who have an active military parent who has served at least eight years are also eligible to apply to the president’s and vice president’s offices for a nomination.
Students interested in applying for a congressional nomination should visit the “Academy Nominations” page under the “Students” section of my website at http://bonner.house.gov to download a fact sheet and application.
By law, I am permitted to have up to five constituents from the First District at each academy at any given time. In late December, I will review all applicants’ information and make nominations. I can nominate up to 10 students for each vacancy to each academy. Once nominations from my office are made, the selection process at each academy begins.
In addition to the basic age requirements, candidates for admission must also display significant degrees of academic achievement (indicated by high school transcripts as well as SAT and/or ACT scores); have exhibited leadership in school, church, or community activities; be of good moral character; and successfully complete a medical review and physical aptitude examination. Each of these factors is carefully considered by the academies when making their final evaluations to choose those candidates most qualified for the demands of the academies and service as military officers.
Nominees will receive notification of their selection for an appointment between January and May of 2013. If you are not selected by a service academy, you can apply the following year. Anyone between the ages of 17 and 22 on the proposed date of entry may apply for a nomination as long as they are not married or supporting children.
Each of the service academies does an excellent job of preparing students for a challenging future by providing rigorous academic and physical training. If you think you qualify for admission, I encourage you to apply by December 1, 2012. For more information, please contact my Mobile office at 251-690-2811.
Editorial note: All of the seven Alabama congressional representatives’ offices are taking service academy applications. Contact your congressional representative’s office if your college age teen is eligible and is truly interested in seeking an appointment to one of our nation’s service academies.
