I’ll cut to the simplest answer - enlisted service members are welcome to apply to the 5 Federal academies. They must meet all the criteria and jump through a few more admin paperwork hoops than civilian applicants.
I recommend going to each service academy website, your primary source, and reading every page, drop down menu and link. There are sections that describe the requirements and action items for enlisted personnel. Your command career counselor and chain of command can help you understand what’s required for your Service.
Prior enlisted members are valued for their expertise and maturity. My OCS prior enlisted roommate got us through room inspections and uniform inspections and Navy slang and ranks and signal flags and marching commands, until I finally got the hang of things.
You shouldn’t be looked down on for exploring another service, though teasing might be expected.
Very broadly, you’ll submit an administrative request package of some kind through your chain of command, which will require your CO’s endorsement. You’ll have some running around to do as you pull various required items together. You’ll be applying online. You’ll have to research nominations, though you will be eligible for one as a prior service member. Part of the “test” for this entire process is you doing the legwork to organize your application and meet deadlines.
Be sure you meet the age restrictions, even if you are required to go to the military prep school the year before entry.
Here’s a sample link for USNA. Explore all the links.
Active Duty and Reserve Applicants page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Tue Apr 09 05:23:10 EDT 2024.
www.usna.edu
