Problem with "1st Choice" Academy

Joined
Nov 15, 2019
Messages
167
I want to serve. That's my primary goal. ButI had a hard time picking a first choice, and since I have only visited USMA, I put down USMA as my first choice for my nominations. Since I submitted those applications, I started talking to a lot of guys and gals in the service, and I learned that maybe the Air Force/Navy would be best for me. Everyone I talk to thinks it fits my skills/personality best, and I really want to do aviation(I know USMA has aviation).

Since I've had this "change of heart" after I submitted my nomination applications, and every day I seem to be more intrigued by USAFA/USNA more than USMA, should I contact my congressional offices before my nomination interview to change it? Or would that look bad and I should just stick with USMA?

I will have a JROTC nomination to each academy but my understanding is that being #1 on your nomination slate makes it much easier to get in than it is with a JROTC nom. Now the question is, does that mandate me requesting to change my first choice? Or just hoping the JROTC nom gets me into USNA and USAFA?

I intend no disrespect, if I am given an opportunity to serve I WILL take that opportunity. If I were to receive an appointment, a nomination, or ANY opportunity to serve in ANY branch I would be beyond blessed.
 
A nom is a nom, no matter how you get it. If you have a JROTC nom to each you are ok in that area. The only caveats are if one of your MOC does principal nom which is a golden ticket if you are 3 Q and get the principal. USNA doesn’t necessarily follow that but USMA and USAFA would.
 
Hi Sean, online, you sound over the top humble in your desire to serve and it sounds like you now know which service would be the best fit for Sean 17. Since Army aviation loses out to the Navy and AF aviation you obviously want to fly fixed wing aircraft. Very cool. Fast movers are the best.

I guess. Or, whatever. Just remain humble no matter where you land because the men and women who maintain the aircraft inventory of this great nation care not which Academy you attended or for that matter that it was an Academy or ROTC or just a little ol' mid ranked state school.

Give the maintainers a fist bump or hand shake or whatever is the medically recommended norm when you finally in the many years in the future walk to the ladder to your cockpit. Without them, you do not go aloft and the glory realized after soooo many years of getting "there" will be for naught.
 
Personally, I would leave as is. You HAVE a nom to each academy. So now it’s up to the academy to pick YOU. There may not be an appointment offer to USMA. Or any for that matter.

The only advantage to requesting a change, would be as already mentioned above: if any of your MOC’s use a principal method, AND select you as their principal. That’s a whole lot of “ifs”. And an unintended outcome of “changing your mind” would be no nom. Maybe. Maybe not. As your post read to me, I wondered “why didn’t you do your research BEFORE submitting?” Kind of a red flag, as it reads. But given that you have a nom, to each academy that you applied to, you are good to go. That’s a good place to be.

Don’t count on a principal nom. If you are an outstanding candidate, that would be deserving of a principal nom, then more than likely, you’ll get your appointment via JROTC.

Congrats!
 
I'll also throw out another option - check into the Coast Guard Academy. By percentage, we have more pilots than any other branch, and no nomination needed!
 
I'll also throw out another option - check into the Coast Guard Academy. By percentage, we have more pilots than any other branch, and no nomination needed!
I'd say they are also some of the best pilots. They are the ones flying into the storm to save people or complete the mission. Even though that's not my path, I give respect to them.
 
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