Emailing MOC Offices

T

tw25

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Hi everyone. I’m a current junior in high school and now that it’s almost 2020 I am beginning my SA application journey. I was wondering from anyone’s past experience if you would recommend for me to email my MOC’s nomination office just to introduce myself and who I am? If anyone did this during their application process and would be willing to tell me about their experience, give me tips, etc., that would be awesome!
 
Check with the MOC to see how they would like you to initiate the process because each MOC is different. In our area, the Senators have forms on their website. But our Congressman wants you to write a formal letter to request a paper application packet, which is then followed up with a phone interview to determine whether they will mail the packet. If convenient, dropping by in person in professional attire never hurts. My Mid did this and got to know the names of all the staffers, which made for a pleasant interview experience because they all remembered him (which put him at ease). Be resourceful. This is only your future career we are talking about. Good luck!
 
A really good way To introduce yourself is by attending their service academy open house events. Keep in mind that staffers are often the point person, so even if the MOC isn’t at the event, their staffer should be. And they are an important contact to make as well.
 
I would start by going to each of your MOCs websites and finding out what is required. For my DS, each had an online application process that opened in April and closed by early October. On that site, you will at least see the requirements needed. If I reached out, I would likely wait until after the end of January. I say this because many MOCs are not done with their noms for the classes of 2024. After January, they would be more free to concentrate on the 2025s. Just my opinion.
 
I didn't reach out to mine that far ahead of time, although it did cross my mind, because I thought it would come across as very brown nose. Every year, they get tons of highly qualified candidates and you have to compete with them through two things: your application and interview. IMO not necessary to send anyone in the nominations office of your rep/senators any information other than what they ask for.

This is one of the most important lessons I think I've taken away from the service academy application process: How to be persistent and show interest without being a brown nose or annoying.
 
justdoit19 said:
A really good way To introduce yourself is by attending their service academy open house events. Keep in mind that staffers are often the point person, so even if the MOC isn’t at the event, their staffer should be. And they are an important contact to make as well.
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^^ especially for your Rep. My DS went as a junior to 2 (the liason handles 2 reps with adjoining districts) and when he went to the 2nd one that was our district she already recognized him.
 
Definitely attend every SA event you can. Go to the desks of your representative and both senators and ask if you can provide your contact information if they have specific SA events.

Several of the people DS had met at SA and ROTC tables at SA events turned out to be on CO MOC interview boards. Your own BGO, ALO or WP liaison can't be on the MOC board reviewing you...but that guy you've met 3 times who is BGO for adjacent high school or a retired ALO who skill keeps his hand and introduced you to some cadets may be on one of your panels. It's not going to EARN a nom for an unqualified candidate, but DS felt it didn't exactly hurt when a respected retired Navy Captain welcomed him with obvious familiarity to the interview. (Noms to both USNA and USMA)

Speaking as a recruiter (not military), emailing early is fine as long as you do it intelligently. Clearly state in first sentence that you're going to be one of their applicants next year for class of 2025. Confirm you have reviewed their SA MOC NOM process on their website and just want to be added to email contact list so that you hear about summer/fall SA events the MOC is planning. Our district has a new Representative and at his first SA night, there were only approx 20 candidates there for all of the SAs. I don't think all of the liaisons in our district got the word.

One other fun thing about SA events--you may see these kids at NASS or USAFA summer seminar or SLE.
 
Therese_In_Denver said:
Definitely attend every SA event you can. Go to the desks of your representative and both senators and ask if you can provide your contact information if they have specific SA events.

Several of the people DS had met at SA and ROTC tables at SA events turned out to be on CO MOC interview boards. Your own BGO, ALO or WP liaison can't be on the MOC board reviewing you...but that guy you've met 3 times who is BGO for adjacent high school or a retired ALO who skill keeps his hand and introduced you to some cadets may be on one of your panels. It's not going to EARN a nom for an unqualified candidate, but DS felt it didn't exactly hurt when a respected retired Navy Captain welcomed him with obvious familiarity to the interview. (Noms to both USNA and USMA)

Speaking as a recruiter (not military), emailing early is fine as long as you do it intelligently. Clearly state in first sentence that you're going to be one of their applicants next year for class of 2025. Confirm you have reviewed their SA MOC NOM process on their website and just want to be added to email contact list so that you hear about summer/fall SA events the MOC is planning. Our district has a new Representative and at his first SA night, there were only approx 20 candidates there for all of the SAs. I don't think all of the liaisons in our district got the word.

One other fun thing about SA events--you may see these kids at NASS or USAFA summer seminar or SLE.
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This is extremely helpful, thank you so much.
 
One other thing for all candidates. Make sure all communications to MOC offices (and your BGO) are from YOU, not from your parent(s). BTW, it's perfectly fine for your parent(s) to attend SA day events sponsored by MOCs, but you should be the one doing the talking, asking the questions, etc.
 
My sons both reached out to their congressional office via email and introduced themselves and what school they were from and let them know that they were interested in seeking an appointment to a service academy. They dealt with the Congressman's person in charge of the service academy process and she was very helpful and responsive throughout the year.
 
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