Today's youth will face the challenge of entering a job market which has become increasingly technology driven, service-oriented and competitive. Fortunately, the United States Military service academies can offer young men and women the opportunity to develop the communication skills, technical abilities and discipline that employers desire while also serving their country as a member of the armed forces. Appointments to the U.S. Military, Air Force, Naval, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Academies provide qualifying students with a free education and open the door to exciting and rewarding careers in military and maritime service.

An education received from one of the United States military academies is ranked among the best in the country. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, an Academy education offers cadets extensive hands-on training and an opportunity to participate in varsity and intramural sports, music groups, and clubs. Cadets also must live under a strict, regimented personal and ethical code to develop the discipline necessary to become leaders in today's military.

Completion of the program at a service academy will leave young Americans with more than a superb education and a college degree. Upon graduation from the U.S. Military and Air Force Academy, candidates are commissioned as second lieutenants and serve at least six years of active duty. Graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy are commissioned as ensigns in the U.S. Navy or as second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. The Coast Guard Academy commissions its graduates as ensigns in the U.S. Coast Guard. Graduates of both academies are expected to serve for a period of at least five years. Upon completion of the Merchant Marine Academy, graduates receive a license as a Merchant Marine from the U.S. Coast Guard and may be commissioned for the reserve corps of the U.S. Navy or for active duty in another uniformed service. Officers may be stationed either in the U.S. or abroad to complete their required service time.

The competition for appointment to the service academies is intense. It is important that interested candidates begin the application process in the Spring of their junior year and provide the requested information promptly. Each of the academies require applicants to take either the SAT or ACT college entrance exams and recommend that these tests be taken early. Successful applicants have usually taken the most advanced college preparatory courses offered at their respective high schools and participated in varsity sports. Admissions officers will also give priority to applicants who have shown outstanding leadership skills, a commitment to extracurricular activities or employment, and service to the community.

Students applying to the service academies must also be in good physicalcondition. Candidates are required to complete both a medical exam and rigorous physical aptitude test before an appointment can be offered. Health and fitness standards for entrance vary by academy.

Each of the academies, with the exception of the Coast Guard Academy, requires a political nomination for appointment. Interested candidates from Southwest Virginia should contact myself, Senator Jim Webb or Senator Mark Warner. The nomination process is extremely competitive and it is best to apply as early as possible.

Students interested in military service attending a regular two- or four-year college or university may also participate in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program. The ROTC program offers both two- and four-year programs. Participants must attend ROTC classes as a part of their curriculum. Scholarship assistance is available to ROTC participants for two to four years in exchange for eight years of either active duty or reserve service after graduation.

To download an application for a Congressional nomination, click here.

For more information on the academies click on the links below to visit the Academy's website.

For more information on obtaining a Congressional appointment to a military academy, please contact DuBose Williamson in my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3861 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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