Kilili: Service academy nominations now open

Statement

Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan is now accepting applications for nominations to the United States military service academies. The deadline to apply for a congressional nomination is December 11, 2020, for the school year beginning in the fall of 2021.

"The U.S. service academies offer a world-class, fully funded education, with vacancies reserved for young people in the Marianas," Congressman Sablan said. "It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. And obtaining a congressional nomination is the first step towards attending one of these academies."

The service academies are federal institutions that offer a first-rate college education and a chance for young people to emerge as leaders in the armed forces. Service academy cadets and midshipmen receive a bachelor's degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants or ensigns upon graduation, with a commitment to serve in the armed forces for at least five years.

To be eligible for a congressional nomination and service academy appointment, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, between 17 and 23 years of age, unmarried, and have no dependents. Highly qualified applicants will be able to demonstrate a well-rounded record of academic excellence, physical fitness, leadership, and service.

Six slots are available for Marianas students for the school year starting in the fall of 2021: two at the Military Academy in West Point, New York; two at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; one at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and one at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. The Coast Guard Academy's admissions process is competitive nationwide and does not require a congressional nomination, although the congressman may submit letters of recommendation. Final decisions are made by the academies' admissions officials.

The congressional office will host a virtual information session about the service academies and nomination process on September 18, 2020, at 3:30PM ChST. Interested individuals can RSVP by calling the Saipan district office at (670) 323-2647. Free informational sessions are also available for high school and college groups upon request. Additionally, the congressional office can help prospective applicants connect with military academy graduates and cadets to learn more about the admissions process and academy life.

Applications for service academy nominations are available on the congressional office's website, sablan.house.gov, and completed application packets should be delivered to any of the district offices on Saipan, Tinian, or Rota by Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. For more information, contact the congressional office at (670) 323-2647, email kilili@mail.house.gov, or visit sablan.house.gov.

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