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Five slots available for the NMI at US service academies
Apply now for a congressional nomination
Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) is now accepting applications for nominations to U.S. service academies. The deadline to apply for a congressional nomination is Dec. 13, 2019, for the school year beginning in the fall of 2020.
“Each year, young people in the Marianas can obtain a congressional nomination for the opportunity to attend one of our nation’s service academies,” Sablan said. “Not only do the service academies offer outstanding academic and military opportunities, but the academies are also fully funded, with vacancies available for students in the Marianas.”
The service academies offer a first-rate college education and a chance for young people to emerge as leaders in the armed forces. Service academy cadets and midshipmen 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 service academy appointment, 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 with evidence of academic excellence, physical fitness, leadership, and service.
Through legislation that amended Section 527 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010 and Section 556 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016, Sablan successfully increased the number of slots reserved for Marianas students at the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Military Academy to a total of three each today. The Merchant Marine Academy reserves one slot for Marianas students every year.
Five slots are available for Marianas students starting in 2020: two at the military academy in West Point, New York; one at the naval academy in Annapolis, Maryland; one at the Air Force academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and one at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. While congressional nominations are required for appointment, nominations do not guarantee admissions. Final decisions are made by service academies admissions officials. Admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut is based on a competitive selection process and does not require a congressional nomination to apply.
The congressional office is currently offering free informational sessions to high schools in the Marianas. In addition, the congressional office can also help prospective applicants connect with military academy graduates, cadets, and midshipmen 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 completed applications should be delivered to any of the district offices on Saipan, Tinian, or Rota by Friday, Dec. 13, 2019. For more information, contact the congressional office at 323-2647, email kilili@mail.house.gov, or visit sablan.house.gov. (PR)
