Nomination

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Cmac154

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May 22, 2020
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My son received a JROTC nomination for West Point. He also was told by his MOC that they would offer him a nomination if he didn't already have one. Our Senator also will not award a nomination if you have one already (although he hasn't heard from them yet). So, all his eggs are in the JROTC nomination basket. Does this lessen his chances at an appointment? Or if they want him will West Point figure out how to make it happen. He did also apply for the VP nomination.
 
Only need one nomination to get in. More noms only allow the academy more wiggle room. Best of Luck !
 
Hate to say it, but this will lessen his chances. He will not be considered for being pulled off the NWL without a congressional nomination. Service-connected nominations do not allow you to compete on the NWL. Your nominating committee should still give out nominations regardless of service-connected status. If they don't, they need to find this out ASAP, but it's right in the U.S. Code.

The "only need one nom" rule applies for only congressional nominations, since only they allow you to compete on the NWL.
 
Cmac154 said:
My son received a JROTC nomination for West Point. He also was told by his MOC that they would offer him a nomination if he didn't already have one. Our Senator also will not award a nomination if you have one already (although he hasn't heard from them yet). So, all his eggs are in the JROTC nomination basket. Does this lessen his chances at an appointment? Or if they want him will West Point figure out how to make it happen. He did also apply for the VP nomination.
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The absence of a MOC nomination will mean he is not eligible for appointment due to being in the top 150 on order of merit list. Under the scenario you describe, your DS is eligible for 1 of 20 appointments as to which those with ROTC nominations are eligible. Your MOCs are doing a disservice to ROTC candidates - if their rules are actually meant to limit nominations for those with a ROTC nomination. One would think that the participation in ROTC should increase your DS's opportunities for an appointment, not diminish them. Hoping this is not what is meant. But, Old Enlisted Marine is correct in saying that you only need a single nomination to be appointed.

I tend to concur with @USMA2026Cadet that this is an issue worth your son bringing to your MOCs' attention. As it seems to stand (if your DS really won't be considered for a MOC nomination), your DS seems to have little to lose.
 
He does not have a congressional nomination. He should proceed like he does not have a nomination.
 
It is definitely worth your son clarifying whether the elected official’s staff meant “a nomination from any source” or “a nomination from another elected official in this state.”
 
Capt MJ said:
It is definitely worth your son clarifying whether the elected official’s staff meant “a nomination from any source” or “a nomination from another elected official in this state.”
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His MOC office said they contacted West Point and already confirmed that he has a nomination from JROTC so they didn't want to give him a 2nd one since he already has one. He is not the one who mentioned it.
 
Cmac154 said:
His MOC office said they contacted West Point and already confirmed that he has a nomination from JROTC so they didn't want to give him a 2nd one since he already has one. He is not the one who mentioned it.
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Sorry to hear that.
 
Cmac154 said:
His MOC office said they contacted West Point and already confirmed that he has a nomination from JROTC so they didn't want to give him a 2nd one since he already has one. He is not the one who mentioned it.
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This is unfortunate, but not uncommon. Some congressional offices will reserve their noms for candidates in their district who do not have other options like your son. It deepens the pool of candidates overall, but it also reduces the chances for someone like your son who would otherwise have multiple nomination avenues.
 
Cmac154 said:
His MOC office said they contacted West Point and already confirmed that he has a nomination from JROTC so they didn't want to give him a 2nd one since he already has one. He is not the one who mentioned it.
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Just one of many unintended consequences of rejecting merit as the primary consideration in a competition. Everyone gets a trophy, sort of.

He should contact the MOC office and politely explain that not having a congressional nomination eliminates him from consideration for appointment as a Qualified Alternate. It is quite possible they are unaware that only Senatorial and District MOC nominees are eligible to compete as QA's, and that the JROTC nomination doesn't qualify.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And nothing to lose - the only downside is the status quo, refuse to give you a nomination again.
 
jl123 said:
Just one of many unintended consequences of rejecting merit as the primary consideration in a competition. Everyone gets a trophy, sort of.
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Just one of many ways a MOC can get things wrong. But, it is the system that is set forth in law. For the OP, West Point will be able to see that your son has not been given the opportunity to compete as a Qualified Alternate. West Point has the means to appoint your DS - so there is no reason for overthinking the issue. He can be appointed based on the ROTC nomination. He can be appointed based on a VP nomination. He can be appointed based upon discretionary nominations. Not ideal. But, if the MOCs take this approach it is not disastrous. Good luck. I do tend to think that it would be worthwhile explaining to your MOCs why a ROTC nomination is not equal to a MOC nomination. They may know it already and not care. Or, they may know it and think that your DS did not earn the MOC nomination. They may not know it and still have an opportunity to pivot. Unlikely, but as jl123 says, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Good luck!
 
Is the JROTC nom able to receive one of the 75 Sup slots?

DS was in a similar spot with only a JROTC nom with about 2 weeks left before Jan 31 deadline. He was notified by Sr. Senate office after Jan 15 for an interview and received a nom. He did not have an interview or nom from MOC and Jr. Senator and received the “we have many qualified “ rejection letter. I have wondered if admissions had something to do with DS receiving this late nomination.

DS is currently a plebe at WP.
 
dddad said:
Just one of many ways a MOC can get things wrong. But, it is the system that is set forth in law. For the OP, West Point will be able to see that your son has not been given the opportunity to compete as a Qualified Alternate. West Point has the means to appoint your DS - so there is no reason for overthinking the issue. He can be appointed based on the ROTC nomination. He can be appointed based on a VP nomination. He can be appointed based upon discretionary nominations. Not ideal. But, if the MOCs take this approach it is not disastrous. Good luck. I do tend to think that it would be worthwhile explaining to your MOCs why a ROTC nomination is not equal to a MOC nomination. They may know it already and not care. Or, they may know it and think that your DS did not earn the MOC nomination. They may not know it and still have an opportunity to pivot. Unlikely, but as jl123 says, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Good luck!
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Thank you for the perspective. It does seem that there are a few avenues available if West Point wants him. We were looking at the JROTC nom as bonus, and at that time I didn't realize there are only 20 appointments for a very large pool of JROTC/ROTC noms. I just think of all the essays the poor kid had to write for the nomination packets just to find out he was going to be removed from consideration due to the JROTC nomination anyway! This is a wild ride for sure. I appreciate all of you knowledgeable folks providing input!
 
jl123 said:
Just one of many unintended consequences of rejecting merit as the primary consideration in a competition. Everyone gets a trophy, sort of.

He should contact the MOC office and politely explain that not having a congressional nomination eliminates him from consideration for appointment as a Qualified Alternate. It is quite possible they are unaware that only Senatorial and District MOC nominees are eligible to compete as QA's, and that the JROTC nomination doesn't qualify.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And nothing to lose - the only downside is the status quo, refuse to give you a nomination again.
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Thanks. I think he will call to get further clarification to see if his understanding is the same as theirs. This is all so complicated for me to follow as an educated adult. When he got the call he just did the best he could with the information he was given. Appreciate the insight!
 
Cmac154 said:
My son received a JROTC nomination for West Point. He also was told by his MOC that they would offer him a nomination if he didn't already have one. Our Senator also will not award a nomination if you have one already (although he hasn't heard from them yet). So, all his eggs are in the JROTC nomination basket. Does this lessen his chances at an appointment? Or if they want him will West Point figure out how to make it happen. He did also apply for the VP nomination.
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DS received a JROTC nom and a member of Congress nom but the only one that ever showed up in his portal was his JROTC nom. A nomination is a nomination is a nomination. Good Luck!!!
 
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