DD was so very fortunate to receive an appointment to the CGAS program. She must accept or decline by Jan 31. She also received the principal nomination from her Senator for USNA - not sure how much weight that holds at USNA but feel they would honor. Believe she is 3Q’d but don’t know for sure. She is undecided still on which way to go. If she has not received an appointment from USNA by the end of the month, which will probably be the case, she will accept CGAS. But if USNA comes through at the end and she changes her mind, how binding is the commitment to CGAS?
You can accept your CGAS and wait for USNA. This is a common event, and one of the reasons CGA retains a waitlist until early June.
The appointment is not binding, as every year there are appointees who either fail to show up for Day 1, or leave on Day 1. CGA does not send someone out to round up these appointees and force them to attend. In reality, there will be some who leave during, and after, swab summer (Admissions knows this from historical data, and the class numbers expect this attrition). There will be cadets who don't return after Christmas 4/c year, or summer training.
In fact, the first two years at CGA are non-binding (refer to Statement of Acceptance and Obligation for
4/c and 3/c cadets):
- A cadet who accepted a cadet appointment without any prior obligation to the Armed Forces of the United States who either resigns or is dismissed will be discharged from active service with no military obligation and will be exempt from recoupment.
Those with prior military service will return to their prior status and complete their military obligation.
After completion of the 3/c year, the cadets will sign re-commitment documents which then become binding (
payback or enlistment required) if the cadet chooses to leave, or is disenrolled. There are some cadets who complete their 3/c class year and then choose to leave just prior to re-commitment. It happens.
Beware of any advice given on this or any forum. Call CGA directly. Admissions is a small staff, and they are vested in their applicants. Explain your situation and ask your questions. They truly want what is best for all their applicants/appointees.