I wondered the same. Barring any written confirmation of a principal nom, could the elected official have used words such as “you’re my top pick” or “my principal choice,” but not actually used the principal nomination method when submitting a slate? There could be a derailment there, and USAFA would not be required to select the candidate even if fully qualified.
Or, as noted above, the 3Q elements were somehow not fulfilled.
If the candidate contacts the MOC staffer for SA noms, he can attempt to confirm the actual type of nomination and method used. These facts would be the sole purpose of the call.
If the principal nom method is confirmed and status as principal nominee also confirmed, the candidate might then call the appropriate USAFA contact to seek clearer understanding of whether he was considered a fully qualified candidate.
I can’t recall if USAFA actually tells candidates they are fully qualified. USNA does not. USMA does notify, I think.
I think we are all interested in how this might have come about. I was under the impression that USAFA and USMA had very little wiggle room for principal nom + fully qualified. The scholastic part of the fully qualified trinity is also the mushiest around the edges.
I appreciate the poster who aired this issue and wish them the best outcome for the situation.
We were not the OP but still fell into the category of a TWE-ed principal nominee.
Yes in our case confident of the principal nomination as per written confirmation from our MOC's office. Confident in passing CFA and no issues with DoDMERB. Am confident in leadership and extracurriculars (Eagle Scout, multiple Drill championships, JROTC leader, three sport athlete, captain for two, etc.) Will explore with the various parties (ALO, MOC Office, USAFA Admissions) where on the academic side things didn't add up bc that's the only place I can't make sense of this.
We're moving on to a great Plan B but USAFA was hands down obviously the first choice...