Each year, I nominate 40 young men and women from the Fifth Congressional District to the U.S. Service Academies. Nominations are based entirely on the recommendations of a Merit Selection Committee, which consists of community representatives.  The Merit Selection Committee and the academies look for students who possess good moral character, a commendable academic record, strong leadership skills, physical aptitude and a desire to serve as an officer in the Armed Forces.

Students who are interested in receiving an application packet must send a postmarked written request to my Colorado Springs office.  Because the nomination process is extremely competitive, applications must be submitted to the Colorado Springs office by October 1, 2003.  No exceptions are made.

Applicants are scheduled for a personal interview with the Merit Selection Committee.  Interviews by the Merit Selection Committee are held in mid-October and the announcement of nominations are made before the end of the year.

Nominations are submitted to the academies in the Fall and the Admissions Office of each academy offers the actual appointments to the successful nominees.  The announcement of appointments start as early as January and continues through the Spring until the ranks of the entering classes are full.

If you are interested in learning more about the service academies, please visit the following websites:

The United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
The United States Military Academy, West Point, New York
The United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
The United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York