Which state for nominations

My own philosophy is 'damn how competitive it is, pursue every nomination you are entitled to pursue'. Leave no stone un-turned in achieving your goal, if for no other reason than not wondering what if. The more opportunities you give an academy to slot you the better your chances of an appointment.
 
Swab,

ALOs/BGOs/FFRs are volunteers that have lived the military life. I think they can see past haircuts and sharpened pencils. I think they are looking at dedication, striving higher than the mins., and committed to the hard path in front of them for the next 9 years (4 at SA + 5 AD).

I am confused by your post. If you lived in Wyoming where they do not talk and you can receive all 3 noms, than it is worth the time, but not for a state where only one can occur. If both candidates like Christcorps DS (eligible for Pres), are you insinuating that they need all 3 MOCs because they would lose to the VA candidate on the Pres slate? Or they would lose to the VA candidate on the NWL?

Both candidates would spend time writing essays for 3 MoCs, goose meet gander. Gander meet goose.

Are you truly stating that the points awarded from the ALO/BGO/FFR recommendation does not matter enough to be a make or break? I get it is maybe 1-2% of the WCS, however that is 1-2% left on the table.

Just me, but if we did it by numbers. Assume 1350 are offered appointments, and they came off the NWL. I don't know scoring numbers, but let's make it easy., like the difference between valedictorian and salutorian for HS grad. DDs class was 0.001 difference in cgpa between #1 and 2.

There is always going to be a #1351. 1351 if they applied for the MoC could have been number 1 on their slate and would have never gone to the pool. This is especially true for NoVA.

You dont know what the competition will be.

Caveat: If you are weak in academics or sports, than maybe I would agree for NoVA. Fairfax county HS are insanely competitive. They make the top 100 HS in the nation. Avg best sitting SAT is @1300 out of 1600. It is insane. No leadership, be it sports or NHS, SGA, etc. than you probably SOL if you don't have a hook.
~ That should not be confused with not applying. Eric Cantor, not NoVA was known for submitting principal. His principals typically were 2nd time applicants.

I also believe that the interviewing process is great for kids, just as much as writing essays. Whether you get the nomination or not, you have a learning experience at a young age that your peers have yet to experience. It will assist in plan B, ROTC scholarship since they require an interview. It will assist you for the G forbid 2nd time rollercoaster ride.
~ The Presidential only applicant does not interview.

I respect your opinion swabthedecks, but as a military spouse, and now a mom of an O2, I disagree with your approach. Partly due to the fact that DS is a pilot, and it just gets more difficult with every step. Writing essays are easy. You can push them out within hours. This is not the hard part of their future. The hard part comes fighting for your career field assignment based on an OML.
~ Many of these candidates will go ROTC. The CoC recommendation is a big chunk...40% of the OML.

Diatribe/novella done. I believe that the posters here will make their own decision. I believe that nothing said by you will change my position. I will stand firm that candidates apply to all nomination sources. I believe you will stand firm that in competitive states, if you have a Presidential nomination, than that is enough.

I wish your child the very best. I thank your family for supporting them in defending this great nation. My family owes a debt of gratitude to him.
 
In less competitive states, getting three noms may be as simple as filling out three forms, because there is no competition. That is not to say the candidates aren't terrific only that there may not be 10 candidates in a district or even a state, let alone 30. Piling up the noms in such a situation doesn't really help.

The reason having more noms in a competitive area is a good thing is that it gives you more shots at an appointment. The law regarding noms and appointments is complicated but, essentially, a certain number and percentage of those who are selected from the national pool MUST come from the MOC slates (not the Presidential). If you really want to wade into this, see 10 U.S.C. Sections 6954 and 6956. In particular, I suggest interested folks read Section 6954(b)(5) which mandates that 150 chosen from the national pool must be qualified alternates from MOC slates.

Given the smaller classes, the number of appointments from "mandated" sources is an increasing portion of each class. Thus, there are fewer "at large" appointment slots -- or those coming from the national pool -- than there were even a decade ago. The combination of the above means that, going forward, there will likely be a smaller number of Pres nominees in the national pool who receive appointments.
 
Given the smaller classes, the number of appointments from "mandated" sources is an increasing portion of each class. Thus, there are fewer "at large" appointment slots -- or those coming from the national pool -- than there were even a decade ago. The combination of the above means that, going forward, there will likely be a smaller number of Pres nominees in the national pool who receive appointments.

Now that is reason to apply for MOCs- higher % of mandated slots! Thanks for that insight.
 
Thank you for all the input.

She will definitely apply for all available nominations, and based on what I've been able to figure out it will be in my HOR state.
 
Apply for every nom you can. This gives the SA more options! the END!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MJP
+1 parent

To those applying, please apply to all nominations sources you are eligible for so as to put yourself on as many slates as you can and hope that you can win one and secure a coveted appointment. It gives the academies flexibility and heck, you might win a slate or two.
Can't score a goal if you don't take the shot. Why not take as many shots as you can-it's a very competitive game.
 
Last edited:
I think the residency requirement can be found on the MOC application itself. I'm not sure, but I think if your child is a minor - then it will be your voting district. If over 18, their voting district.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top