David Vitter, United States Senator, Louisiana

A decision to apply to one of our service academies indicates a commitment to obtaining the best education possible. The education provided by the academies is among the most prestigious available anywhere in the world.

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, with the exception of the Coast Guard Academy, you will need to receive a nomination from your Congressman, Senator, the Vice President, or the President.

Each congressional office establishes its own nomination process. Those candidates interested in learning more about the application process, may do so by attending one of my Service Academy Days, which are held annually around the state.

Nomination packets will be sent upon request or can be downloaded from the link below. This packet is self-explanatory and contains all the materials needed to apply for a nomination from me. The selection of nominees is made competitively on the basis of a composite of academic achievement, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, physical fitness, character, and dedication to service.

I use the competitive system of nomination, and the academies then make the final selections and offers of appointment. Specifically, I nominate up to ten candidates from the state of Louisiana to complete for each vacancy afforded for the state. These nominees are chosen with the assistance of my Service Academy Review Board, made up of community leaders from our area. This Board plays a key role in helping me review the outstanding candidates.

If you have not already contacted the academies you are interested in, please do so as soon as possible so they can set up a pre-admission file for you. Links to each of the academy websites are below.

If you would like to receive a nomination packet or if you have any questions about my nomination process, please contact the Services Academy Coordinator by clicking here and indicating your interest in the subject line.

Good Luck!

The deadline to submit an application packet is October 15, 2009. Frequenty asked questions.

Service Academy Links

U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)
U.S. Coast Guard Academy

NOTE: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional appointment. Appointments are considered solely on the basis of an annual nationwide competition.