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Military Academy Nominations

US Academy Seals

Bill is honored to nominate outstanding high school seniors from Massachusetts’ 9th District for our nation’s service academies.  The nomination process is highly selective and is based on a variety of factors including high school grades, community service, and demonstrated leadership.

There are five US service academies; however, only four accept Congressional nominations: the US Air Force Academy, the US Naval Academy, the US Military Academy at West Point, and the US Merchant Marine Academy.

The US Coast Guard Academy does not accept Congressional nominations.  Interested applicants should contact the Academy’s Admission Hotline at 800-883-8724.

NOTE:  The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. 

Below are the documents included in Bill’s service academy nomination packet:

If you are interested in applying to one of the four service academies or have any questions, please contact Michael Jackman in our Plymouth office at 508-746-9000.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is able to nominate service academy candidates?

Potential candidates may seek a nomination from the following:

  • A member of the US House of Representatives who represents the Congressional District in which the candidate resides; or
  • Both US Senators from his or her state.

Candidates can also apply directly to the Vice President of the United States.

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

In accordance with the regulations determined by the service academies, to qualify for a nomination from Bill, nominees must be:

  • US citizens;
  • legal residents of the 9th District;
  • a graduate of high school before July 1st of the year of admission;
  • between the ages of 17 and 22 before July 1st of the year of admission; and
  • unmarried with no dependents (this requirement may differ for the Merchant Marine Academy).

Nominees must also meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the individual academies.

Who do I contact to request an application?

You can locate the application, in addition to the other documents included in Bill’s nomination packet, above.  Please contact Michael Jackman in our Plymouth office at 508-746-9000 if you have any questions.

When do I apply for a nomination?

Bill’s application period opens May 1st of each year for those candidates who will be seniors the following fall or who have already graduated.

What is the deadline for completing the nomination packet?

Completed applications and supporting documents are due in Congressman Keating's Plymouth District Office, (50 Resnik Road, Suite 130, Plymouth, MA 02360) by October 20, 2023.

What happens after I have completed my nomination packet?

Qualified applicants who submit a completed nomination packet will be scheduled for an interview in mid-November.

How many academies are there?

There are five service academies.

NOTE:  Bill can only nominate students to the US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy and US Merchant Marine Academy.  The US Coast Guard Academy no longer accepts Congressional nominations.  Interested applicants should contact the Academy’s Admission Hotline at 800-883-8724.

Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?

No.  Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the academies’ websites to learn each academy's particular admissions qualifications.

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:

  • Teachers;
  • Counselors;
  • Employers;
  • Coaches;
  • Clergy; and
  • Scout Leaders.

NOTE: certain academies have specific recommendation guidelines which may differ from the above list.  Please check with each academy before procuring your letters.

How many candidates can Bill nominate?

The law pertaining to Congressional nominations states that each Member of Congress is allowed a maximum of five “charges” at each academy in any given year (the Merchant Marine Academy, however, is an exception to this rule).  When a “charge” graduates, a vacancy is created that the member may fill.  Members nominate approximately ten candidates for each vacancy.

Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?

No.  You will be placed among a select group of nominees and the respective academy will make the final decision.  If selected, you will receive an offer of admission, known as an appointment, directly from the academy.  Academies generally begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February with all offers of appointment sent out by May.

What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?

No.  You can be nominated to multiple academies depending on how well you have competed among this year's pool of candidates. It is also possible to win multiple appointments.