Applying for the US Military Academies

1. Applying for the US Military Academies John Wirries February 12, 2017 North Dakota Counseling Association

2. My Background • Eagle Scout • Moorhead High School, Valedictorian • Considered enlisting in the military, then asked about being an officer • Applied to several of the academies and ROTC scholarships • Graduated from US Naval Academy, Class of ’87 • BS in Aerospace Engineering • Trained in Nuclear Engineering • LT US Navy; SSBN 726 , USS Ohio; Subgroup 7, Yokosuka, Japan • MS in Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University “Life Long Learning”

3. US Air Force Academy Applying for the US Military Academies US Naval Academy (Navy & Marine Corps) US Military Academy (Army) US Coast Guard Academy US Merchant Marine Academy

4. Applications to the Military Academies • Academies: • US Military Academy (West Point, NY), • US Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD) – USN & USMC, • US Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), • US Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT), • US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY)

5. Choosing the Military Academies Why attend a military academy? • A chance to serve • Education and a Career • Leader of Soldiers standing on the front lines Why not to attend a military academy? • It is a full scholarship and a job after graduation • (USMMA financial aid, no pay as a midshipman)

6. Why does the Military need you to attend? Leadership Ethics Command Structure Physical Fitness Engineering Well rounded education Learning to work as a team

7. Preparation • Can you answer why you want to attend? • Academics. The academies are very rigorous on the level of Ivy League. • Many of the academies have preparatory schools for those ready but not up to the academic rigor. • Be involved. The academies want well rounded students • Be physically fit. The first summer is the officer version of boot camp. • Be mentally prepared (ok, not sure if this is possible) • Application and Deadlines!!!!

8. Prep Schools Army… Navy… Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) US Merchant Marine (No official prep school) Coast Guard Prep Air Force Prep Unofficial prep schools are numerous.

9. General Qualifications Basic Requirements for Eligibility: • United States citizen: • Good moral character; • At least 17 and not past their 23rd birthday on 1 July of the year they would enter the academy; • Unmarried; • Not pregnant; • No dependents. So many weddings happen the week after graduation, a lottery system is used for time slots.

10. Application Timelines (starts before Senior Year) West Point Starts around Christmas of Junior Year. Note that you can take and submit SAT/ACT scores multiple times.

11. Application Timelines (USNA) The USNA uses a selection process known as "rolling admissions." As soon as all of your candidate packet forms are received, the Admissions Boards will determine your scholastic "whole person" qualification. If your record of achievement is truly outstanding, you could receive an early offer called a Letter of Assurance. This indicates our intent to extend an Offer of Appointment, provided all your remaining requirements (nomination, CFA, Blue and Gold Officer interview and medical) are successfully completed. A Letter of Assurance could be received as early as September of your senior year. Of course, final admission will depend on continued success and good standing in your high school as well as continuing to maintain your qualifications for the Naval Academy. If you are found scholastically qualified but do not receive a Letter of Assurance, you will be competing for an Offer of Appointment from within your nominating sources. Approximately 3,000 candidates are found fully qualified (scholastic, medical, CFA, and have obtained a nomination) each year. Of that number, about 1,400 will receive appointments and approximately 1,200 become midshipmen. Most candidates will be notified of their final status by April 15. All appointees should notify the Admissions Office of their intention to accept or decline by May 1. Except in very unusual circumstances, candidate files not completed by January 31 will not receive further consideration. Even if a rolling system, the process typically starts in the winter of Junior Year.

12. Application Timelines (US Air Force Academy) FEBRUARY/MARCHThe Pre-Candidate Questionnaire opens for new applicants on March 1. Applicants may begin the pre-candidate process during the spring of their Junior year of high school.The majority of offers of appointment to the Academy will be made during this month for candidates who have completed all phases of the application process. APRILIn April, former cadets will be reviewed for reentry to the Academy in August. We review former cadets twice per year, once in April and once in November.Appointment offers will be made to international students during the month of April. MAY Candidates who are appointed must accept or decline their appointment by 1 May. JULY – JANUARY Members of Congress make nominations. Check with your nominator for deadlines. Candidate Kit Instructions are emailed to students from whom the Pre-Candidate Questionnaires have been received, screened and approved.

13. Application Timelines (US Air Force Academy) OCTOBER The Academy begins offering a portion of the total appointments to students who have completed all phases of the application process. Appointments will continue to be offered through June, with the majority being offered in March. From October 1 through January 31, letters of assurance are sent to students who will be offered an appointment but do not have nominations yet. The letter assures the students that they will be offered an appointment when the nomination is received. NOVEMBER In November, former cadets will be reviewed for reentry to the Academy in January. We review former cadets twice per year, once in April and once in November. Rolling Deadlines: Your specific deadline to complete your file is posted on your portal. You must complete the required items by the deadline posted. DECEMBER Deadline for submitting the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire online is December 31. Congressional representatives and other nominating entities submit nominations to the Academy between December 1 and January 31. JANUARY Airmen candidate kit related documents must be received by the Academy no later than January 31. FEBRUARY Offers for enrollment in the Academy Preparatory School begin February 1 and end in early July. Falcon Foundation Scholarship offers begin February 1 and continue until mid-June or until all granted scholarships have been accepted.

14. Application Timelines (US Coast Guard Academy) • Application to the US Coast Guard Academy is on a different Schedule. One of the reasons for this is the elimination of the nomination process. Admission to the academy is nationwide and is not split over congressional districts. • August prior to Senior year the application is available online • January 15th the Application is due. • What distinguishes those who are accepted? • Proven academic accomplishment, particularly in math and the sciences • Propensity for and interest in leading others • An unwavering desire to serve country and humanity • Physical fitness and athletic skill • Well-rounded interests and experiences • Translated from Latin, the Academy motto ScientiæCedit Mare means "the sea yields to knowledge." 

15. Application Timelines (US Merchant Marine Academy) Application to the US Merchant Marine Academy is different timeline. Students may begin applying to the Academy on 1 June of your Junior Year of High School. The application deadline is 1 March of the year you wish to enter the Academy. Unlike the other four academies, you are not paid except when at sea. Therefore there is a tuition cost. A nomination and other requirements similar to the other academies is still required.

16. General StepsAdmission Steps vary between the Academies Steps should be conducted concurrently. Do not wait to finish one before beginning the next!!

17. General StepsAdmission Steps vary between the Academies All candidates should contact their Blue and Gold Officer immediately upon receipt of their official candidate letter. The contact information for your BGO is located in your Candidate Information Page. The preferred communication method for most Blue and Gold Officers is email. Ensure the email address provided in your application is valid and checked regularly. If you do not know who your assigned Blue and Gold Officer is, you may contact the Area Coordinator to find out. NORTH DAKOTASusan CanhamE-mail: scanham2@gmail.com

18. Some hints from 30 years ago… • What they don’t tell you on the web pages… • Emotional Stability • This is a severe change in environment for most people, write both ways and send care packages. • Take time off when given, for Plebes that is Saturday Afternoon and Sundays after the first summer. • Visit on Parents weekend • Study Habits! • Learn to read quickly with comprehension United States Naval Academy in Annapolis MD

19. Some hints from 30 years ago… • What they don’t tell you on the web pages… • Study Habits! • Learn to read quickly with comprehension • Learn to memorize names and faces, practice memory games • Social Skills • Patience • Cheerfulness • Small Talk • Making Friends

20. ROTC Application Timelines ROTC deadlines vary as there are four year scholarships, two year scholarships and you can join even without a scholarship. Typically you want to apply by prior to December of your Senior year. Air Force ROTC June 1 – applications process begins Dec 1 – Last date to apply Dec 12 – everything due May 31 – upload acceptance to your university

21. Are there other officer programs • Yes. • Direct Commission. • Navy Examples (From 19 to 31 years of age) • Nuclear Propulsion • Flight • Warrant Officer (12 years enlisted) • Limited Duty Officers

22. Websites • http://www.usma.edu/SitePages/Home.aspx • https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php • http://www.usafa.af.mil/ • http://www.cga.edu/ • https://www.usmma.edu/ • https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/serving-you/academy-nominations • http://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/service-academies • https://cramer.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations/military-academy-nominations-faq

23. Navy Hymn Eternal Father, strong to save,Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deepIts own appointed limits keep;Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,For those in peril on the sea!  High Flight "Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of EarthAnd danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirthof sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred thingsYou have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swungHigh in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flungMy eager craft through footless halls of air....Up, up the long, delirious, burning blueI’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.Where never lark, or even eagle flew —And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trodThe high untrespassed sanctity of space,– Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."

24. Questions? • John Wirries PE CFM GISP • PE Registration in ND, SD • 3203 32nd Ave S Suite 201Fargo, ND 58103-6242 • kljeng.com • john.wirries@kljeng.com