US Air Force Academy

[Ungawa]

I have a daughter exploring how to get selected for the Air Force Academy. I know it’s very difficult to get chosen. She has the grades and is involved in the community and church. We recently visited the Academy in Colorado and I was thinking this
may temper her interest with it being so far from home, but surprisingly it only fueled the fire.
She is entering her junior year of high school. I served enlisted for a few years and think this may be part of her desire.
Is there anyone on here that attended the AF Academy or any of the other branches Academy’s?
She plays many HS sports and she is her own person, she does not follow the crowd or get caught up in all the high school drama that most HS girls get caught up in. She is mature beyond her years.
She is not interested in being a pilot.
Anyone know the advantages of the routes to becoming an officer…….ROTC, OTC joining enlisted then becoming officer.
Anyway, any comments or experiences would be appreciated.

[Walker]

Lots of info here https://www.academyadmissions.com/?g...SAAEgLfXvD_BwE

[S-3 Ranch]

Now that affirmative action is verboten it might be tougher?

[Ungawa]

Now that affirmative action is verboten it might be tougher?

. My understanding quotas will still be in place for the academy somehow. I could be wrong, but they mentioned something like that on the news today.

[Nate Riley]

Lots of info here https://www.academyadmissions.com/?g...SAAEgLfXvD_BwE

This site seems very informative. If she is a good student, a good athlete and a strong leader, go for it! Its hard to beat a service academy education. With the education and the service as an officer, she would be prepared for the next step in life, if she doesn't stay in. ROTC at a university is also a solid choice.

[Pstraw]

A strong endorsement from your state representative and senators if you have the connections are highly recommended.

[SaltwaterSlick]

I graduated from the USMMA in '75. The very FIRST thing you must have is a nomination from a US Congressman/Senator. Each congressman is allowed 2 nominations/year. Writing letters to your own congressman is a good place to start. I got my nomination from a congressman in North Dakota. I got in on a sports scholarship. The other suggestion I'd have is unless there's some reason she wants to go ONLY to the Air Force Academy, I'd apply to them all. There are 5. There's Air Force, Naval, West Point, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies. They will all give her a spoon-fed education and a commission in their related particular branch of service. There is an advantage of going to the US Merchant Marine Academy in that upon graduation, you can go active duty in any branch of the military instead of just the branch for the academy focus such as Navy or Army or Air force. Additionally, all Merchant Marine Graduates will have an unlimited US Coast Guard approved license as either a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer. I chose the engineering curriculum and graduated with 2 degrees in engineering, an Engineering license and probably the best part, I spent 1/2 of my sophomore and Jr. years, sailing aboard various merchant vessels all over the world!!
I know times have changed and our armed forces are much different than when I served, but I'd still recommend and encourage any young person with a desire to serve plus get an education that is second to none, to try to get accepted to one (any) of the federal academies!
Good luck to her!

[SaltwaterSlick]

A strong endorsement from your state representative and senators if you have the connections are highly recommended.

It's not only recommended, it is Required!

[Ungawa]

A strong endorsement from your state representative and senators if you have the connections are highly recommended.

Yea, we don’t have those connections, we’re common folk and not really fond of politicians at any level, but we know people that say they know people…….who knows? She has a way making things happen.

[dosrobles]

Start communicating with the folks you need the letters from now! Send them her “resume” and establish some connection earlier than later

[coker737]

When she get there she can see one of the greatest Aircraft ever. B-52D, 55-083 Diamond Lil. I was a Combat Crew Chief on her and flew the last sortie to Petterson AFB where we dismantled her and towed her to the USAFA.

B-52D "Diamond Lil." She's one of two B-52D's credited with a confirmed MIG kill during the Vietnam conflict. Flying out of U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield in southern Thailand, the crew of "Diamond Lil" shot down a MiG northeast of Hanoi during Operation LINEBACKER II on Christmas Eve, 1972. Diamond Lil was flown from 1957-1983 and ended its career with over 15,000 flying hours.

[dbaio1]

Just read this article about a young man in Kingwood's two years journey to get accepted.

Good luck to her.

https://www.kingwood.com/msg/kingwood-hs-graduate-will-sumner.php?p=4814160

[Walker]

I found this. https://mcgovern.house.gov/helping-y...ations-faq.htm

[Ungawa]

I graduated from the USMMA in '75. The very FIRST thing you must have is a nomination from a US Congressman/Senator. Each congressman is allowed 2 nominations/year. Writing letters to your own congressman is a good place to start. I got my nomination from a congressman in North Dakota. I got in on a sports scholarship. The other suggestion I'd have is unless there's some reason she wants to go ONLY to the Air Force Academy, I'd apply to them all. There are 5. There's Air Force, Naval, West Point, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies. They will all give her a spoon-fed education and a commission in their related particular branch of service. There is an advantage of going to the US Merchant Marine Academy in that upon graduation, you can go active duty in any branch of the military instead of just the branch for the academy focus such as Navy or Army or Air force. Additionally, all Merchant Marine Graduates will have an unlimited US Coast Guard approved license as either a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer. I chose the engineering curriculum and graduated with 2 degrees in engineering, an Engineering license and probably the best part, I spent 1/2 of my sophomore and Jr. years, sailing aboard various merchant vessels all over the world!!
I know times have changed and our armed forces are much different than when I served, but I'd still recommend and encourage any young person with a desire to serve plus get an education that is second to none, to try to get accepted to one (any) of the federal academies!
Good luck to her!

Very good information. Thank you.

[tps7742]

Yea, we don’t have those connections, we’re common folk and not really fond of politicians at any level, but we know people that say they know people…….who knows? She has a way making things happen.

As you know the old saying an end to the means may apply here. Even though you may not be fond of politicians in his case you need their endorsements it sounds like from others. Utilize those people you know that say they know people. From my experiences as a general rule people like to help others when they can, especially young people. Good luck with your daughter’s ambitions!!