Thank you for your interest in a nomination to one of our nation’s service academies. As a member of the United States Senate, it is my honor to nominate a limited number of highly qualified candidates each year. There are five service academies, three of which reside within the United States Department of Defense: The United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy. The United States Coast Guard Academy (which does not require a nomination to attend) falls under the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Merchant Marine Academy falls under the Department of Transportation.Â
An appointment to one of America’s service academies is a distinct and prestigious honor. Please note that an appointment to an academy requires a nine-year commitment: four years of study and training at the academy followed by five years of military service.Â
A Congressional nomination does not guarantee admission to a service academy. After receiving nominations from all authorized sources, the admissions departments of each academy review all nominees using their own criteria, including a rigorous review of physical and medical fitness for military service. Offers of appointment are awarded on a competitive basis after a review of all nominees.
Given the highly-competitive nature of the process to receive an appointment to one of the academies, some students may also wish to consider applying for a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program available at many colleges and universities. The ROTC program provides officer training and military career opportunities similar to the service academies, and many programs offer scholarships for tuition and fees. The United States Army, Navy and Air Force all have ROTC programs. For more information on each program, please visit their websites.
Service Academy Eligibility Requirements
To attend one of our nation’s service academies, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements by July 1 of the year of admission unless otherwise stated. To apply for a nomination through my office, you must also be a legal resident of Alabama.
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must be a legal resident of Alabama.
- Must be at least 17 years of age but cannot have passed their 23rd birthday. The United States Merchant Marine Academy allows individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 to apply.
- Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of their respective academy.
- Must have an open application with at least one of the U.S. service academies.
- Cannot be pregnant or have a legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
Ultimately, the academies assess each nominee using a “whole person” evaluation which considers character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, personal goals, and motivation.
How to Obtain a Nomination to a Service Academy from Senator Britt
The nomination process for 2025-2026 is now closed.
The online nomination application for 2026-2027 will open on July 01, 2026. Individuals seeking a nomination through my office are required to submit an online application, three recommendation letters, ACT or SAT scores, a school transcript, and resume. You must also have an open application with one of the academies.
Specific details about the nomination process will be available when the nomination application opens in July. Early applications or recommendation letters will not be accepted. Â
