Last weekend, I had the great pleasure of serving on Senator Cynthia Lummis’ military academy interview committee. The committee interviewed 21 young people seeking to get a nomination to a military academy. Those 21 young adults were a true inspiration.
To be selected for a military academy, one has to have a nomination from the Vice President, a U.S. Senator or a U.S. Representative, or receive a service-connected nomination. The process for getting a nomination is highly competitive.
The military academy selection process begins far in advance of the congressional interviews.
Four service academies, the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Merchant Marine Academy, each have their own separate process and application. Generally, the process follows this outline. The process opens February 15 for students in their junior year of high school.
Any U.S. Citizen, at least 17 years old, but younger than 23 years old, not married, pregnant or responsible for child support, who will graduate from high school is eligible.
An arduous online application process ensures only those dedicated to attending apply.
Applicants take the ACT or SAT. Getting into an academy is competitive, and an ACT score of 26 or better, without other factors, is nearly a necessity for admission. Some academies take the super score, so retaking the test several times is an option.
Next, each applicant needs to apply for a congressional nomination – which is a nomination by at member of Congress to the academy requesting the academy consider a candidate. Each member of congress can nominate up to 15 people for academy appointments.
In addition, each applicant needs to receive a medical examination from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board to determine if the applicant meets the physical requirements of military service.
Along with the application, the applicant will need to complete the candidate fitness assessment, which evaluates the candidate’s ability to perform basic physical tasks like push-ups, sit ups and chin ups.
Air Force, Navy and USMA offer summer leadership experiences, which are week-long camps which introduce candidates to the character, determination, commitment to excellence and leadership skills required to become a cadet at a leadership academy. These leadership experiences allow potential candidates to “try the academies on for size.”
Admission to the summer leadership experience is very competitive. Tuition runs between $300 and $650, plus transportation for the week-long camp.
The academy lifestyle is demanding and not for everyone. By taking advantage of the summer leadership experiences, candidates see a sample of academy life to determine if the military academy lifestyle is a fit.
After a candidate receives a congressional nomination, then the academies review the applications. They pick the best 1200 or so applicants for each class and give them an “appointment” to each service academy.
The selection process is very competitive. Only 7.74% of applicants were admitted in the class of 2024.
If the cadet elects to attend beyond their second academy year, the cadet commits to serve as officer in the military for a minimum of five years of active duty, and additionally three years in the reserves.
Each cadet has the opportunity for an Ivy-League quality education. Upon acceptance, tuition, room, board and medical is free. In addition, each cadet receives a monthly salary.
I left the interviews with a reinvigorated hope for the future. All these young candidates showed dedication, character and a desire to serve. Their achievements, from athletic success to public service, show a current focus on leadership and sacrifice.
In a world where cynicism and depression pervade social media, these young adults are a beacon of hope.
In the interviews, they shared with the committee their desire to serve, their commitment to success and their understanding of teamwork, leadership and sacrifice.
Each of these young people came to the interviews with the understanding that by serving in the military, they were willing to put their lives on the line to stand for liberty.
A couple of times during the interviews, I felt tears welling in my eyes at the thoughtful and mature consideration of these applicants, and their desire to preserve our freedoms.
Wyoming is indeed lucky to have young people who are willing to step up and lead.
If you know a high school junior who would like to explore applying for an academy, visit each academy’s website. The application process for both the summer leadership experiences and the academies are there.
I am buoyed by the quality of these applicants, and encourage anyone high school juniors, who desire a quality education, discipline, structure and are willing to sacrifice for our freedoms to apply next year. Our country depends on the dedication of these youthful patriots.
Tom Lubnau served in the Wyoming Legislature from 2004 - 2015 and is a former Speaker of the House. He can be reached at: YourInputAppreciated@gmail.com
