The five U.S. service academies-- the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy-- are recruiting top-notch young American men and women who will appreciate an excellent, free education and a chance to serve their country.

Every year, it is my privilege to nominate some of the brightest, most dedicated students in the Third Congressional District to four of the academies.  No congressional nominations are necessary for admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The Coast Guard Academy offers appointments solely on the basis of an annual nationwide competition. 

Each applicant for a nomination must meet certain eligibility requirements.  To receive a service academy nomination for the class entering July 2007, you must be a U.S. Citizen of good moral character, be at least 17 years of age, not have reached your 23rd birthday on July 1 of 2007, be in good physical condition, be unmarried, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.  For the Merchant Marine Academy you can be up to 24 years of age.

To apply for a nomination, visit my web site, www.cardin.house.gov, and click on Constituent Services.  If you have additional questions, you can contact Bailey Fine of my staff, 410-433-8886 (410-974-9703 from the Annapolis area) or bailey.fine@mail.house.gov.  
 
The academies consider evidence of character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness and motivation in evaluating nominees.  To be competitive for a nomination, students should be in the top 20 percent of their high school class, have minimum SAT scores of 1100, and participate in extracurricular activities. All applications for nominations must be complete and in my District Office, 600 Wyndhurst Avenue, Suite 230, Baltimore, MD 21210 by November 17, 2006.

In addition to applying to my office for a nomination, I require that all candidates also complete an application with the academies to which they intend to apply in order to be considered by my Academy Review Board for an interview.

My Academy Review Board will meet on December 9, 2006 to evaluate applications and interview applicants.  Based on the recommendations of this Board, I will submit a slate of nominations for the Third Congressional District to the various academies.  The academies make the final selection from among all nominees. Selected nominees will receive an offer of appointment (acceptance) directly from the Academy.  Please note that a nomination does not guarantee an offer of appointment.

Attendance at a service academy carries with it great responsibilities.  In return for an excellent, free education, anyone attending a service academy must fulfill a service obligation.  The Department of Defense academies -- which include the Naval, Air Force and Military academies -- require at least five years of service.  The Merchant Marines require a six-year obligation in either the maritime industry or on active duty as an officer in the armed services.  If graduates choose service in the maritime industry, they have a military reserve obligation of eight years.

A service academy education is an honor that is afforded the only the best and brightest of our nation.  If you are interested in a service academy education, I hope you will contact my office.

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