Service Academy Nominations

2009 Academy Nominations: To see the list of students whom Congresswoman Hirono has nominated, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Congresswoman Hirono has the privilege to nominate outstanding students from the 2nd Congressional District to our nation’s service academies.

Young people who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in the military service and in attending a service academy are encouraged to send a letter of interest to Congresswoman Hirono’s Hawai‘i District Office:

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono
5104 Prince Kuhio Bldg.
300 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813

Applications for a nomination for the class of 2014 (entering in 2010) will be accepted beginning June 1, 2009 and must be postmarked no later than November 30, 2009.

The following basic eligibility requirements must be met by each applicant as of July 1 of the year of admission to the service academy:

  • Must be between the ages of 17 and 23 years of age.
  • Must be a United States Citizen and a resident of my 2nd Congressional District.
  • Must be unmarried, not pregnant and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
  • Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy. 

U.S. Military Academy
West Point, NY


Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD


Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO

Merchant Marines Academy
Kings Point, NY


Coast Guard Academy
New London, CT

Frequently Asked Questions
 
What is a nomination?
Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from the following:

  • A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides
  • Both U.S. Senators from his or her state
  • Apply directly to the Vice-President of the United States

How can I request an application?
Interested students from the 2nd District should contact Congresswoman Hirono’s Hawai‘i District Office to request a nomination packet.

Congresswoman Hirono’s Hawai‘i District Office
5104 Prince Kuhio Federal Bldg
300 Ala Moana Ave
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone:(808) 541-1986
Fax: (808) 538-0233

What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • Current photo
  • High school transcript
  • American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
  • Resume of extracurricular activities
  • An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
  • Minimum of two letters of recommendation

How many academies are there?
 
There are five service academies.

Three reside within the Department of Defense:

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy resides under the Department of Transportation

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy falls under the department of Homeland security.

Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?
No. Nominations are required for all Service Academies but the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, to which appointments are made on the basis of an annual nationwide competition. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy falls under the department of Homeland security.

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:

  • Teachers
  • Counselors
  • Employer
  • Coaches
  • Clergy
  • Scout Leaders

Congresswoman Hirono does not require a specific recommendation form. A letter of recommendation is sufficient.

Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?
No. You will be placed among a select group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision. If selected, you will receive an offer of admission (an appointment) directly from the academy.

What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?
No. You can be nominated to multiple academies depending on how well you have competed among this year's pool of candidates. It is also possible to win multiple appointments.