Family Heritage

[Jarhead713]

So, neither my father nor my mother were in the military, nor are any of my siblings.

My grandparents are a different story, however.

My Grandpa (Grandpa Larry as we knew him) graduated from the University of Wyoming and commissioned from ROTC, eventually earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

My other Grandpa (Papa, as he's known) enlisted during the Korean War. He didn't fight, just worked on maintenance in Germany.

My last Grandpa (Grandpa Tom) Graduated from West Point in 1949. He achieved the rank of Brigadier General and retired after a 30 year military career. I'm not entirely sure... but my dad says he is the last living member of his class...? Regardless, he is the oldest graduate at his yearly association meetings.

So as I'm applying to West Point, does my family's military history help me? Even if my parents were never soldiers? Specifically, does my Grandfather (who was a general) help me at all? If not that's ok, I'm just curious

 

[jl123]

The service of your grandparents doesn't earn WCS points and doesn't qualify you for additional sources of nomination. USMA has no WCS points for legacy and WCS score is what matters most - most appointments are based on order of merit determined by WCS points.

However, it is possible that your grandparents service could help in certain circumstances:

• Nominations - each MOC determines their own criteria for awarding nominations. A nominating committee could consider your family's history if you weave it into your interview and essays in a compelling manner. Also, if your MOC uses a Principal Nomination, you would essentially bypass the order of merit and be appointed (if 3Q).
• Additional Appointee - This category is not required to use order of merit, but most of these appointments are for recruited athletes and minorities. For the few remaining spots in this category, admissions could give weight to your family's military history if they felt it warranted consideration. But I tend to think they would revert to WCS order of merit.

 

[MemberLG]

Family legacy might help with why West Point and why military. Although the candidate interview is not required or carry any WCS points, having a good candidate interview can help.