No field force rep

willrb2024

Member
Joined
May 29, 2019
Messages
38
I live in a rural area and we do not have a field force rep. The usma website forwards me to the state rep, but he hasn’t been much help. What should I do?
 
When you get enough posts, I can assist you in your application process. PM me when you can.
 
I live in a rural area and we do not have a field force rep. The usma website forwards me to the state rep, but he hasn’t been much help. What should I do?

What type of help are you looking? As a FFR I don’t think I am helping candidates, rather answer questions.
 
My son did not speak or communicate with a FFR...not one time prior to his appointment....Just for reference.
 
I live in a rural area and we do not have a field force rep. The usma website forwards me to the state rep, but he hasn’t been much help. What should I do?
I am a FFR and can look up the FFR for your district. If you are interested, PM me your state and district.
FFRs are not necessary, but nice to have when you have questions. While RCs don't mind hearing from candidates, you do not want to bombard them with questions.
 
What type of help are you looking? As a FFR I don’t think I am helping candidates, rather answer questions.

I thought that they were supposed to be your liaison to the academy, and that they would offer advice for application and/or ideas of things to do, like someone who knows the process and can help you through it.
 
I am a FFR and can look up the FFR for your district. If you are interested, PM me your state and district.
FFRs are not necessary, but nice to have when you have questions. While RCs don't mind hearing from candidates, you do not want to bombard them with questions.

Yeah I thought that would be a lot of responsibility for the RC. I live in VA09.
 
I thought that they were supposed to be your liaison to the academy, and that they would offer advice for application and/or ideas of things to do, like someone who knows the process and can help you through it.

The entire process of applying to a Service Academy is a test in itself, which winnows out non-self-starters. Future junior officers should demonstrate: initiative, ability to research primary sources and follow directions, executive planning ability for due dates and required materials, perseverance and attention to detail.

If you haven’t yet read every page, dropdown and link on the .edu website, I recommend it. That is your primary source. Take notes, break down the action steps and due dates, formulate a plan. In the military, that’s akin to having a mission and developing the strategy and tactics to successfully complete the mission.

Ditto your elected representatives’ websites and SA nomination pages.

SAF, though unofficial and a resource to be used judiciously (including 100% of my comments), and with an eye to the fact you’re on an anonymous Internet forum, offers valuable insights, especially in the Stickies at the very top of individual forums. Use the Search function to see what questions others had and what the answers were. Search using “chance me” and “stats” to browse what others have brought to the table in terms of classes taken, grades, class rank, test scores, leadership achievements, athletic and civic activities, etc.

“Figuring it out” is a basic officer skill. You will learn the process as you go. You will lead yourself through it and experience growth and gain maturity while navigating this path. Yes, of course you can ask questions, but that should be if you are truly stumped. These folks are a resource to be used smartly, and they are there to support your journey, but not be an Alexa/Siri on demand function for the majority of the process.

You’ll feel better if you take control of this, dive into the work and get some action items checked off. It’s a long, complicated, frustrating and challenging process. If you can get yourself through it, you will know you have dug deep to find many of the skills and traits most desired in a future junior officer.
 
What type of help are you looking? As a FFR I don’t think I am helping candidates, rather answer questions.

I thought that they were supposed to be your liaison to the academy, and that they would offer advice for application and/or ideas of things to do, like someone who knows the process and can help you through it.

Very open ended question - I would say about 80% of questions you might have are already posted on the admissions website. So my standard advice to candidates are

- complete your applications as soon as you are allowed
- get your DoDMERB completed once authorized
- Candidate evaluation is 60% academic, 1/2 class rank & 1/2 SAT/ACT; 30% leadership, 1/3 extracurricular activities, 1/3 sports, 1/3 school official evaluations; and 10% physical, CFT. No extra credit, so work on your weakness.
- follow instructions on your Senators/Congressman website on how to apply for nomination
 
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