One of our Senators selected 10 nominees for USAFA, and DS was one of 10
"alternate nominees" in the case that a nomination becomes available through cancellation or disqualification. Does this ever come into play? Another unknown is where he falls on the alternate list. Curious and hopeful!
A couple of questions.
When you say DS was one of 10 "alternate nominees" do you mean the letter said:
a. I am pleased to nominate you as on of my alternates?
b. At this time I have no nominations for you BUT you are on MY alternate list...
I ask because they are VERY different.
If DS received a nomination as an "alternate" that's still a nomination and the process is now ALIVE and KICKING!!!
If, on the other hand, DS didn't receive a nomination, but simply a letter saying "you're on MY alternate list..." then you're in a "holding pattern" hoping for a nomination.
If the latter is the case, I would take it to mean that 10 nominee's have been named but your DS is in the "next best 10" and they're going to watch and wait. Each year candidates are "DQ'd" for various reasons. MOST, not all, it varies, MOC's will "take back" a nomination from a candidate who is DQ'd and is not eligible for a waiver. The SA will notify the MOC that this is the case and then the MOC will normally contact the candidate and be very honest with them: "...we can't get you a waiver so we're going to take your nomination and nominate one of your peers, we hope you understand, etc..."
At least, that's how I've seen it work.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83