Principal Alternate Nomination--What does this mean for me?

[H2Opolodude]

Today I received a letter in the mail saying that I have received my congressman's "Principal Alternate" nomination.
I'm happy with this, but a little confused as to what it means...from what I understand, I am the next-in-line if the principal nominee is disqualified or chooses to attend a different academy--is this correct? And if they do choose to go, then is that it for me?
I've searched, but I've found limited information on principal alternate nominees, aside from learning that its not very common. I'm in California, if that makes a difference. Any insight?

 

[WestPoint2017]

Basically, if the principal nominee choses to go to the SA that you are interested in, then you will go on the NWL and compete for other vacancies. So no, not game over!

 

[Flyboy522]

Nominees may be submitted in three categories: without ranking, with a principal candidate and nine ranked alternates, or with a principal candidate and nine unranked alternates.7 When the Member specifies a principal candidate, that individual will be appointed to a DOD academy as long as he or she meets all other admission criteria. If the principal candidate is disqualified, the service academies will appoint the first fully qualified, ranked alternate, if specified by the Member. In circumstances where Members do not specify a principal candidate or ranked alternates, one individual from among the Member’s nominees who is found to be fully qualified will be appointed by the academies to serve as cadets.

Here is some information about congressional appointments.

 

[Boozebin]

If the principal candidate is disqualified, the service academies will appoint the first fully qualified, ranked alternate, if specified by the Member.

There is one other way. The Principal decides to go to another school and declines an appointment for the SA they received.

 

[Pima]

Our friend's DS got principal to USAFA, he wanted USNA. The USNA principal wanted AFA. The MOC switched principals after learning that each one wanted a different SA. They both accepted the appointments after the switch Basically it was switching the principals.

Additionally, as others have stated how was the alt. list submitted, ranked or non-rank.

IOTW not ranked it is competitive and the SA will use the WCS method if the principal doesn't accept. Ranked, the MOC is telling the SA, this is my number 2-10 choice.

The letter should state which method they will use for alt.

 

[H2Opolodude]

There is one other way. The Principal decides to go to another school and declines an appointment for the SA they received.

I'm hoping for this one ^

Pima: There was no specification of whether they use ranked or unranked, but I'm assuming that principal alternate means 1st alternate...

 

[buff81]

I'm hoping for this one ^

Pima: There was no specification of whether they use ranked or unranked, but I'm assuming that principal alternate means 1st alternate...

Alternates are the nine on the slate that did not receive the principal nom.
Alternates will go on the NWL and be rank ordered on there by WCS.

If the #1 is found unqualified or declines, then the candidate chosen for the slot will depend on how the MOC submitted the slate:
1) With unranked alternates - the other 9 will be ranked by WCS and the one with the highest WCS will get the slot (if fully qualified).
2) With a ranked alternates - #2 will get the slot (if fully qualified).