Military Academy Nominations
VERY IMPORTANT: Deadline for submission of a completed packet is September 7, 2024.
It is my honor to nominate Colorado residents to the U.S. Service Academies. A commission from a Service Academy – Air Force, Navy, West Point, or Merchant Marine – is a great place to begin a career serving in our nation’s armed forces. Applicants should start working on each academy’s requirements early. It is imperative to complete forms accurately and to be mindful of deadlines. The Coast Guard handles its own application and appointment process. My application period is open April 1 - September 7, 2024.
Competition for the appointments is rigorous. Successful students have
• Strong High School GPAs
• High scores on the ACT or SAT
• Demonstrated leadership and strength of character through participation in sports, extracurricular activities, employment, and community service
An appointment requires two applications – one for a Congressional nomination and one to the individual service academy(s).
Requirements for a NOMINATION application:
• Application Form - Complete Form Below
• Essay describing career goals (address to Nomination Committee, double spaced, include your signature block)
• Photograph (must fit in box on application form)
• High School transcript
• ACT or SAT Scores
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from people who know you well, (i.e. coaches, clergy, math teacher, science teacher, principal, letters to be on letterhead and signed by the endorser, no typed names and current.
Submit an electronic copy of all completed application materials to the email address: militaryacademyapps@mail.house.gov or mail the completed application packet to Military Academy Coordinator, 271 S. Elm Ave, Unit 1A, Eaton CO 80615.
Academy Board Interview
In addition to your application, you must interview with my Academy Board. Interviews are in Colorado, September 28, 2024, Location: TBD. Only applicants with completed applications will be invited to attend.
To Prepare For Your Interview, Be Prepared To Describe and Discuss:
• The three officer procurement programs – Service Academies, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and Officer Candidate School (OCS)
• The relationship between the officer and enlisted ranks
• The expectations placed on a newly Commissioned Officer
Based on the board’s recommendation, I will announce my nominations by early December. It is your responsibility to directly contact your academy or academies of choice to request a pre-candidate questionnaire and complete a candidate file. You must start the pre-application process to your desired academy prior to October interviews even if the academy’s application process will be open until after the interviews. Each academy will then make their appointments based on character, scholarship, test scores, leadership, physical and medical fitness, motivation, and suitability for a military career.
Contact my Military Liaison Maria Secrest in my Eaton office (970-702-2136) or email Maria.secrest@mail.house.gov with questions. She can help you create the strongest application packet possible.
Application Essay Must
• Contain a 1000 word essay (double spaced)
• Describe your career goals
• Explain why you want to attend a service academy. What is your motivation?
• Discuss how the military fits with your goals
• Describe how past experiences will prepare you to be a successful cadet/midshipman
Test Scores
Results of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Training (ACT) scores should be sent to my Eaton District office by using the code number 4160 for the SAT and 7303 for the ACT.
Coast Guard Academy
The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require a formal nomination by a member of Congress. However, if you apply to the Coast Guard Academy, my office would like to hear about your interest and background. Contact Maria at email maria.secrest@mail.house.gov. If you are interested in attending USCGA, contact the academy directly.
It is important to remember to notify the appropriate academies of your intent to apply for admission. As a reminder, a nomination is only one part of the admissions process. To find out more information on U.S. Service Academies, please visit the links below:
- U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO)
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY)
- U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY)
- U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)
For information on the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in Colorado please contact:
Scholarship and Enrollment Officer
University of Colorado at Boulder
Folsom Stadium, Gate 3, Room 205
Phone (303) 492-3549
Fax (303) 492-5560