Service Academy Nominations

The nominating process for our nation's military academies is quite competitive, and only the best and brightest young men and women receive appointments. Our nation's Service Academies provide an extraordinary education, and those who attend are trained to be leaders in the Armed Forces. Tuition is free at all the Service Academies.

There are five Service Academies

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), The United States Naval Academy (USNA), The United States Military Academy (USMA), The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), and The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA). Congressional nominations are required for all but the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where appointments are made on the basis of an annual nationwide competition.

My office typically accepts applications beginning in March. Interviews are typically done in November or early December each year, and nominations are announced in December each year. You can seek a nomination beginning in the spring of your junior year of high school.

The method of nomination I will use is competitive. With this method, I can submit up to ten nominees for each vacancy. There is typically at least one vacancy annually at each of the Service Academies. Applicants often rank their preference for academies, and candidates also may seek nominations through other offices, including Sen. Brown, Sen.Voinovich and the Vice President. As a member of Congress, I can nominate applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements established by law:

Be at least 17, but not yet 22 years of age
Be a citizen of the United States
Be unmarried, and cannot be pregnant or have legal obligation to support a child
Meet the physical requirements of the academy
Meet the academies' academic requirements
Have participation and performance in high school extracurricular activities
Be a legal resident of Ohio's 14th Congressional district

If you are interested in applying for a nomination, you should do the following:

Complete pre-candidate questionnaire (available at each academy)
Complete congressional application for nomination
Submit the following materials to Congressman LaTourette with application:
1. SAT/ACT current test scores
2. Three letters of recommendation from a teacher, employer, coach, etc.
3. A small photograph (max. size 3 ½" x 3 ½")
4. High school transcripts, including attendance records, GPA and senior courses and grades if available
5. A one-page brief essay stating interests, goals, and reasons for wanting to attend an academy
6. List special honors received, extracurricular activities
7. Copy of pre-candidate questionnaire submitted to Service Academy, or written statement that it has been submitted

Each candidate will meet with my Academy Screening Committee for personal interviews. The interviews typically take place in November or early December each year.

Service Academy Nominations are handled through my district office in Painesville. Please feel free to call the office toll-free at 800-447-0529 if you have any questions. Also, all information should be sent to the following address:

Congressman Steven C. LaTourette
1 Victoria Place, Room 320
Painesville, OH 44077