JROTC / ROTC Nominations to the Service Academies

One more way to earn a nomination to USMA, USNA or USAFA!

Many of my students are surprised to learn that their JROTC or ROTC unit may provide a nomination to one or more of the U.S. service academies. In fact, on a few occasions, several of my students earned nominations to all three: USMA, USNA, USAFA!

Let's discuss in this blog how a JROTC or ROTC cadet may take advantage of this opportunity to earn an additional nomination to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy or U.S. Air Force Academy. The reader should note that USMMA does not use this nomination category for their candidates. And, of course, nominations of any type are not required for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Three forms are required for the process:

1. AF: USAFA 0-760 - "ROTC Nomination for Appointment United States Air Force Academy"

2. Army: Form USMA FL 5-497 - "Recommendation for ROTC Nomination to West Point"

3. Navy: USNA 1110/5 - "ROTC Nomination to USNA"

Your commander or director for your JROTC or ROTC program completes the form. With my students, I recommend that they also request a copy of the submitted form(s) and confirm that the form(s) have been submitted by your unit. Your JROTC/ROTC nomination will be reflected in your application portal at USNA, USMA and/or USAFA.

One important point: most units only have an opportunity to nominate JROTC/ROTC cadets to the corresponding service academy. In other words, Army JROTC units nominate cadets to the U.S. Military Academy. Or, AFROTC units nominate AFROTC cadets to the U.S. Air Force Academy. However, there is one BIG exception to this guidance. Honor units (both JROTC and ROTC) may nominate cadets to all three SAs, if the unit is a designated as an "Honor Unit with Distinction." Note that this particular cadet also must be considered a Prospective Honor Graduate from the unit.

So, how do you earn this nomination? First, be a great cadet in your unit! Do the work and engage with your fellow cadets in JROTC or ROTC. And, finally, seek leadership responsibilities. This advice allows you be a great candidate for the SAs along with allowing your unit commander to select you over others for this nomination. Guidelines vary, but most units can nominate up to three cadets for the corresponding SA. Or, as noted, honor units may nominate up to three cadets for each SA. One exception is the AF Academy, which allows up to five cadets to be nominated.

Finally, approach your unit leadership in the late spring or early fall as your start the application(s) for each service academy. One big question will be if your unit is an "Honor Unit." Details lie with the your unit commander and staff as only they will understand the unit's current status. Winning this nomination is a great opportunity, but candidates should seek other nominations, too.

Other nominations, such as Congressional nominations from a candidate's U.S. Senators and Representative, are important for each candidate to increase their chances. Appointments to each of the SAs from the JROTC/ROTC nomination category is limited to only 20 total slots for hundreds of units. Thus, although interesting, students should not rely on this single nomination for their appointment to USAFA, USMA or USNA. One nomination is sufficient, but I recommend pursuing all for which you qualify to increase your opportunities to win an appointment.

The JROTC/ROTC nomination is a great addition to your pursuit of an appointment. It allows the Admissions team more versatility to build the class, especially with students that have multiple nominations to one SA. Thus, the JROTC/ROTC nomination is ideal to provide this alternative. As recommended, start with being a good (J)ROTC cadet and leader, and you too will be able to add this nomination to your application — good luck!

[I would welcome a chance to discuss details with you. I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process . . . including helping you pursue nominations! Contact me at chris@cbbrechin.com, 503.515.7406 or use my contact form on this website.]