Kilili: Apply now for a service academy nomination

Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) is now accepting applications for nominations to U.S. military service academies. The deadline to apply for a congressional nomination is Dec. 10, 2021, for the school year beginning in the fall of 2022.

“The U.S. service academies offer a wealth of opportunity for our young people, including a fully-funded undergraduate education and a commission as a U.S. military officer upon graduation,” Sablan said. “There are vacancies at the service academies specifically reserved for Northern Marianas students. Applying for a congressional nomination is the first step towards attending one of these academies.”

The service academies are all top-ranked colleges that offer an excellent education as well as the opportunity to serve as a leader in the U.S. armed forces. Service academy graduates receive a bachelor’s degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants or ensigns upon graduation, with a commitment to serve in the armed forces for at least five years.

To be eligible for a congressional nomination and appointment to a service academy, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, between 17 and 23 years of age, unmarried, and have no dependents. Highly qualified applicants will be able to demonstrate a well-rounded record of academic excellence, physical fitness, leadership, and service. While a congressional nomination is a requirement for four of the five service academies, final decisions are made by the academies’ admissions officials.

During Sablan’s time in office, he has passed legislation adding six academy positions for Marianas students. For the school year starting in the fall of 2022, three slots are open at the Military Academy in West Point, New York; two at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; and one at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In addition, one Marianas student is eligible for admission to the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

The Coast Guard Academy’s admissions process is competitive nationwide and does not reserve vacancies per state, nor does it require a congressional nomination; however, Sablan may submit letters of recommendation.

The congressional office will host virtual information sessions about the service academies and nomination process on Sept. 16, 2021, at 3:30pm ChST and on Oct.14, 2021, at 3:30pm ChST. Interested individuals can RSVP by calling the Saipan district office at (670) 323-2647. Free informational sessions are also available for high school and college groups upon request. Additionally, the congressional office can help prospective applicants connect with military academy graduates and cadets to learn more about the admissions process and academy life.

Applications for service academy nominations are available on the congressional office’s website, sablan.house.gov, and at the congressional district offices on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Completed application packets should be delivered to any of the district offices by Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. For more information, contact the congressional office at (670) 323-2647, email kilili@mail.house.gov, or visit sablan.house.gov. (PR)