It is an honor for me to be able to nominate several outstanding young men and women each year to the US military academies. The academies provide an excellent education and an exceptional opportunity to serve our country.

There are four service academies to which I can may make nominations. The US Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the US Military Academy in West Point, New York; the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kingston, New York; and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The US Coast Guard which is located in New London, Connecticut also has an academy that does not require a nomination.



Who may apply: To apply for an appointment you must live in the 9th congressional district and be at least 17 years old, but not have passed your 23rd birthday and not be married. Applicants whose parents are temporarily stationed at one of the military bases, but maintain legal residence in another State, should apply to the Congressional office from that district. Click here to find out who your Representative is.

How to apply: An applicant interested in a nomination to one of the service academies should contact their Member of Congress and both Senators. You should apply to all sources possible, however, more than one nomination is not necessary. Click on a Service Academy emblem to link to their homepage and review the academy requirements.

Requirements by my Office:

Please note: You need to apply directly to the academies of your choice as well as to my office.

To start your file, please send the following to my Tacoma office:

1.) A completed application;

Click here to get the application for my office (word version).

2.) A sealed, certified copy of your high school transcript;
3.) Three letters of recommendation, at least one from your high school counselor or principal;
4.) SAT scores;
5.) A list of your activities and accomplishments
6.) Resume
7.) A 250-word essay detailing why you qualify for a nominations
8.) Photo (optional)
If there are inconsistencies in your records or extenuating circumstances which merit special attention, please explain them in your essay.
All information must be received in my office no later than November 1st of the year before you wish to enroll. Please do not send any of your documentation to my Washington, D.C. office as it may not be forwarded to my Tacoma office by the deadline. It is your responsibility to ensure that all information is received in my office by the deadline. Interviews will take place in November.

Contact information: - For further information, please contact:
Congressman Adam Smith
Attn: Rebecca Snyder
1717 Pacific Avenue, Suite 2135
Tacoma, Washington 98402

(253) 593-6600 or toll-free at (888) 764-8409
Fax (253) 593-6776

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