Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 10th District Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. 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. For more information on Military Academy Nominations, please review the frequently asked questions below. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.
To request a Military Academy Nomination please complete the PDF form below and return it to my office.
Please take the time to read through the frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination.
What is a Nomination?
Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from the following:
-a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides;
-both U.S. Senators from the candidate’s state;
-Vice-President of the United States; or
-President of the United States (must meet eligibility requirements).
What are the basic eligibility requirements for a Congressional Nomination?
· You must be at least 17 years-old, but not have passed your 23rd birthday.
· You must be a U.S. Citizen.
· You must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no dependents.
· You must reside within the 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.
· You must meet Academy academic, medical, and physical standards
When can I apply for a Congressional Nomination?
The Nomination period opens May 15 of each year, with a deadline of CLOSE OF BUSINESS (5:00 PM SHARP) this year, on October 1.
Read up on the academies, familiarize yourself/do your research, and definitely attend Congressman Perry’s U.S. Service Academy Night! (call our office and ask for date(s)/locations. If they’ve already passed, ask to speak with Staff and we’re happy to help you.)
Are the requirements the same for all Service Academies?
No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Please note - the Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional Nomination because it has its own testing criteria.
To whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Some of the people from whom applicants typically seek recommendations include teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, clergy, scout leaders, etc. Ask someone who objectively can speak to your character, abilities, and potential.
Can I do anything to prepare for my interview?
Read up on the academies, familiarize yourself/do your research, and definitely attend Congressman Perry’s U.S. Service Academy Night! (call our office and ask for date(s)/locations. If they’ve already passed, ask to speak with Staff and we’re happy to help you.)
Does receiving a Nomination mean I will get to attend the Academy I choose?
No. Your name/packet will be sent to the Academy of your choice with other nominees, and you will then compete with other candidates from around the Nation for appointments to that Academy. It is solely the decision of that particular Service Academy whether to offer you an Appointment (admission); Congressman Perry has no impact in that decision.
What happens if I don’t earn a nomination?
If your goal is to attend a US Service Academy, apply again, without question. If your goal is to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Armed Services, there are many great avenues available that you should explore as well. Bottom line: never give up.
Military Academy Informational Video
The 5-Pointed Star: The United States Service Academies: An Overview
Congressman
Scott Perry
Serving Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District