Nomination Question

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AdamsMom18

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Apr 4, 2012
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My son is only a sophomore and we are trying to educate ourselves about the process of applying to USMA. We live in Kentucky and I have read online that MOCs in Ky will not put you on a nomination list if you qualify for a presidential nomination. Anyone know if that is true? We are NEW to this and the application seems overwhelming.... Thanks.
 
No idea if it's true in KY. It's not universally true.

MOCs can more or less make their own rules about how to parcel out noms. Some believe that as many constituents (and make no mistake, that's how they think of you) as possible should have the opportunity to obtain a nom and thus won't nominate you if you have a nom from any other source.

It's more common that MOCs won't nominate you if you have a nom to any SA from another MOC in that state.

It's even more common that MOCs won't nominate you if you have a nom to that same SA from another MOC in the state.

However, other MOCs are determined to nominate those individuals they consider to be the best qualified, regardless of what other noms they may have.

And, in some areas of the country, MOCs are scrambling to find 10 qualified people to nominate, so multiple noms are the nom.

Bottom line: Check with your MOC's nominating coordinator. But, if in ANY doubt, apply. Worst case if you do is you've wasted your time. Worst case if you don't is that you've lost out on an appointment.
 
Your best bet would be to call the academy coordinators in your MOC offices and ask directly. You should be able to find out the person's name/phone on the MOC website. I know its pretty common for senators/congressmen to compare notes and not duplicate lists, but I haven't heard of one denying a nom because of a Presidential nom (only available to children of career military personnel--there are requirements). Your son should also apply for a VP nom--the more noms the better!

The application process for a service academy is daunting, but at least your son is ahead of the game and researching things now! Stay organized, know what is required for each step, keep a checklist, find out any deadlines, etc. and he'll get through it. Good luck!
 
Thank you all for the information. I have been doing a little research and found that he should qualify to apply for a pres nom (his dad retired from the Army (active duty national guard) after 24 yrs of service and receives retirement pay.) He can also, from what I understand, apply for a JROTC nomination, though I gather not too many appointments come from high schoool ROTC. I will encourage him, when it is time, to apply for all for which he is eligible. I am grateful to have found this forum to help us through this lengthy process. Thanks!
 
We are in Louisville. DS was not eligible for a Presidential nomination so I can not speak to it. However, Senator McConnell and Senator Paul did not offer DS a nomination because he had already secured one from Congressman Yarmuth. This was stated by both Senators in the rejection letter.

However, your DS should definitely apply to all nominating sources he can including the Vice President which is online and easy.

I understand that MOCs can do their nominations any way they wish but IMHO this way dilutes the quality of the nominees coming from Kentucky. Each Congressman nominates 10 candidates. Then each Senator chooses 10 from the candidates that did not rank high enough with their Congressman. The second Senator is choosing candidates that did make either their Congressman or First Senator's slate. Using this system the number 2 candidate on a Congressional slate maybe much more qualified than the number 1 candidate on the Second Senator's slate. Just doesn't seem like an effective system to send the best candidates from the state. But I guess since politics are involved, this process is clearly not all about the best.
 
^^^^

It may sound cynical but, remember that MOCs of both parties are generally most interested in being reelected. Giving 30 constituents and their friends, relatives, teachers, etc. good news in the form of a nom is better than giving fewer, but more qualified, people good news and more constituents bad news. Being less cynical, giving more kids a nom means more candidates from that state at least have a shot at an appointment.

Remember that those not slotted to the MOCs go into the national pool. If they are competitive nationally, they will still have an excellent chance for an appointment.
 
Blackbird... we are in Louisville as well. Congratulations on your son's nomination! I was wondering if you had any idea how competitive our district is?
 
I believe this is true. I know for a fact that KY Senators and MOC staff talk among themselves regarding nominations. I am close acquaintances with one of our Senators and a MOC. They both know my DS well due to our kids ages, schools and athletics. He was only nominated by our MOC. Ran into our Senator and he did not even know our son had applied. I would say that the staffs that work for the representatives have most of the say so, with final decisions signed off by the Senator or Congressman. A Presidential Nomination may be able to fly under the radar, but I would not let your MOC or one of the Senators know about it voluntarily.
As was stated to me, Kentucky wants as many people as possible nominated and appointed. Therefore the communications among congressional offices.
They will give noms to multiple SA's and some even get appointed to two.
 
Pres & MOC Nomination

FlyingG said:
A Presidential Nomination may be able to fly under the radar, but I would not let your MOC or one of the Senators know about it voluntarily.
Click to expand...

Agree. Texas is another state whose MOC's coordinate with each other to avoid giving out multiple nominations. None of the MOC's asked anything about Presidential nomination. DD was able to secure appointments to both USAFA (MOC) and USMA (Pres).
 
Noms in KY

Just wanted to say that I am from KY as well, Metcalfe County. My son received a nom from Ed Whitfield to USNA (The only SA he applied to) but did not get one from Senator Rand Paul or Senator Mitch McConnell because he already had one from our congressman. He did not qualify for the Presidential Nomination. He was told by his BGO that he would only receive one nomination so that others qualified could get one too. I called Ed Whitfields office and was told that there were 10 candidates nominated to USNA so they had to start handing out noms to other academies. So glad that my son received one. Do not be too concerned, I actually thought this would have been the hardest part of the application. If your DS/DD has good stats it should not be hard to receive a nom. Good Luck, we are still in the waiting process no BFE, but no TWE either.
 
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