Nomination Q's

equestriangrl93

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Feb 23, 2011
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What is a princible nomination and how do I obtain one?

Would getting a letter of recomendation from my State Senator increase my chances? I am inviting him to the dedication ceremony of my Girl Scout Gold Award project.
 
Each of your MOC's (US senators, US congressman) can nominate up to 10 people for each spot at an academy (MOC's usually have one open spot per year--can only have 5 people at an academy at one time). If he/she chooses to name a principle nominee, that means that the person is the top candidate on their list and must be the candidate appointed/charged to that MOC IF they are qualified (academically, medically, and physically). If the person is not a qualified candidate for whatever reason (as determined by the academy) then someone else on the list will get the nom. Having said all that, it sounds like most MOC's don't name a principle nominee, but just hand in a slate of 10 and let the academy choose based on their process. You could probably check with your senators/congresspersons' academy liaisons and see what they typically do. There really isn't anything you can do to obtain a principle nom other than present the best overall package and have a great interview with their committee!

A letter of recommendation from a state senator won't carry any more weight than any other letter. Unless you know this state senator very well, I would probably recommend choosing someone else. The best letters of recommendation are from people that know you well and can speak specifically to examples of your character, leadership abilities, etc.
 
A letter of recommendation from a state senator won't carry any more weight than any other letter. Unless you know this state senator very well, I would probably recommend choosing someone else. The best letters of recommendation are from people that know you well and can speak specifically to examples of your character, leadership abilities, etc.

I serve on a Congressional Nonmination panel. What I consider as a good recommendation is someone with military background recommending a candidate.

Common sense - what sounds better and believeable - "I am have been teaching for 25 years . . . . John/Jane will be a great Army officer" or "I am West Point graudate and retired as a LTC . . . John/Jane will great Army officer."

Many letters of recommendation I have seen just restate applicant's resume.
 
I serve on a Congressional Nonmination panel. What I consider as a good recommendation is someone with military background recommending a candidate.

Common sense - what sounds better and believeable - "I am have been teaching for 25 years . . . . John/Jane will be a great Army officer" or "I am West Point graudate and retired as a LTC . . . John/Jane will great Army officer."

Many letters of recommendation I have seen just restate applicant's resume.

I agree that someone with a military background could write a meaningful letter since they've lived the life, but don't be upset if you don't know someone from the military. My son didn't, got letters from adults involved with him in scouting and school (some MOC's do require a principal or counselor, limiting the choice). They spoke specifically to actual things he had done to manage, adapt, adjust in his Eagle project and with leading a club at school, using specific examples of his leadership/management style that weren't just a retelling of his resume. Had they not known him well they wouldn't have been able to do that. One of the MOC's committees commented on his letters of rec. and how they helped portray my son as someone they could see as a leader in the military some day. So if you've got a military contact, ask them for a rec, but if not, go for the person who can do the best job of giving the committee an accurate look at you and your leadership style/character.
 
What is a princible nomination and how do I obtain one?

First of all, it's 'Principal' Nomination.
Secondly, if your MOC uses the Principal Nomination with Alternates, then you could possibly be the Principal nominee. Otherwise, you go the the Slate of Alternates.
 
Principal noms are not the norm, it usually is the "competitive" nom. Only about 30% use principal.

The MOC is not required to use the same method yr after yr. In other words, if they used principal last yr it doesn't mean they cannot use competitive this yr.

As stated if competitive method is the way the MOC submits their slate, the highest WCS wins the nom. If they use principal and that candidate is 3 Q, the SA will charge them to the MOC.

There is also principal with alternate, and principal with competitive. With alternate it means that if the principal turns it down, it goes down the list to the alternates (ranked) if with competitive, it means if principal turns it down, they are allowing the SA to select using the WCS method.

The MOC will tell you exactly what method they are using when submitting the slate.

Also understand that if you put multiple SA's on your list for a nom., they may give you a nom that was your number 3 on the list too. Thus, becareful to make sure you want to attend any and all of the SAs. Yr after yr on this forum kids will say I got a nom to this SA, but I don't want to go there, is there anything I can do to switch it? You must understand the MOC's are not mind readers, if you put that SA on your list it means you want to go there. It will not be held against you if you only ask for 1 or 2 SA's. DS put only 1 and got all 3 noms to that one SA.

Good luck
 
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