Merkley begins service academy nomination process
Senator Jeff Merkley’s office will soon begin the process for nominating young Oregonians to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy for an appointment to the Class of 2023.
“It’s a privilege to be able to help students who want to dedicate themselves in service to our great nation and strengthening its military,” Merkley said. “Each year I look forward to nominating some of our finest young Oregonians from across the state for possible admission to one of the United States Service Academies.”
Candidates for a congressional nomination must be a resident of Oregon and a U.S. citizen; at least 17 years old and not past his or her 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year of admission; unmarried with no children or dependents; and able to meet high leadership, academic, physical and medical standards. For the Merchant Marine Academy, the upper age limit is 25. The Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination.
Merkley had the honor of nominating 20 Oregonians from across the state who accepted appointments to one of the four academies for the Class of 2022.
To ensure that nominations to the Service Academies are based on merit and every applicant has a fair chance to compete for available openings, Merkley uses a Service Academy Recommendation Committee made up of military veterans from communities across Oregon. The committee will interview selected applicants in December 2018, and recommend candidates for nomination.
Individuals who wish to compete for nomination and admission to one of the Service Academies should first apply directly to the Service Academies they are interested in attending. They should then apply for nomination by Senator Merkley by setting up an account on the automated system available on Merkley’s website. All required application items must be submitted online on or before 8:59 p.m. PT, November 1, 2018. The link to the online application will be available on Merkley’s website beginning in July at: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/services/students/academy
Potential applicants should call Kelly Fitzpatrick or Josh Laurente at 503-326-3386 if they have questions.
