To serve one’s country is an honorable act, and for some the process begins by filling out an application to be nominated to attend one of the U.S. service academies.
Applications are being received by the office of U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford through September 30 for those wanting to be part of the graduating class of 2030 at the various U.S. service academies.
“One of my greatest privileges as a member of congress is nominating talented young men and women from Northeast Florida to attend America’s military academies,” Rutherford said. “Attending a military service academy is more than attending college, it’s making a commitment to serve our great nation. I look forward to nominating students who exemplify the values of hard work, excellence, and integrity to serve our country.”
There are certain requires that candidates, including being U.S. citizens, unmarried and without dependents, between the ages of 17 to 23, reside in the boundaries of the 5th Congressional District of Florida, as well as exemplifying good moral character and meet medical, physical and academic standards of the academy applying for.
The U.S. service academies include the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Candidates applying to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy do not need a congressional nomination for appointment.
America's military academies offer a prestigious, fully funded education, along with a monthly stipend in exchange for a commitment to mandatory service upon commissioning. They are consistently ranked among the most esteemed colleges and universities in the United States.
Congressional nominations are selective and chosen based on personal merit. Some criteria include evidence of character, leadership, academic excellence, physical aptitude, and extracurricular activities.
Each applicant must receive nominations from their member of Congress, U.S. Senators, and/or the Vice President of the United States to be eligible for an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy.
Those looking to apply or find more information about the process can go to Congressman Rutherford’s website at www.rutherford.house.gov/service.
Instructions of which documents to provide will be available on the website and completing the online form initiates the congressional nomination process.
All complete packages must be submitted by September 30 at 4 p.m.
