Military Information
Selective Service
Remember, the law states that men must Register with Selective Service when they turn 18. To register, go to www.sss.gov.
Military Service Branches
Click on the following sites to learn more about recruiters, discover jobs available in the military, and learn about the educational benefits that you may be able to receive. Training varies in length and may include on the job training, classroom instruction or both. If interested in enlisting in a branch of the Armed Forces, make sure to research all of your options before committing.
Air National Guard: www.goang.com
Army National Guard: www.nationalguard.com
U.S. Air Force: www.airforce.com
U.S. Army: www.goarmy.com
U.S. Coast Guard: www.gocoastguard.com
U.S. Navy: www.navy.com
U.S. Marines: www.marines.com
Applications to Service Academies
U.S. Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs, CO
U.S. Military Academy - West Point, NY
U.S. Naval Academy - Annapolis, MD
Pre-application
If you are interested in one of the academies listed above and you are a junior, request a pre-candidate kit or apply online. You should receive general information about the institution, specific information on admission procedures, requirements, and a pre-candidate questionnaire. Complete the questionnaire and submit a copy of your high school transcript to begin your file at the academy.
Nomination
You should apply at the same time to your Congressional Representatives (two U.S. Senators, your Congressman, and the Vice President) for a nomination to the academy. Each congressional representative may nominate a limited number of students to compete for a vacancy. In addition, Service-Connected Nominations may be available for certain candidates. Check the admissions literature for details and contact the offices below for further instructions:
U.S. Senator (N.Y.)
Charles E. Schumer
James M. Hanley Federal Building
100 S. Clinton Street
Room 841
Syracuse, NY 13261
315-423-5471
US Senator (N.Y.)
Kirsten Gillibrand
James M. Hanley Federal Building
100 S. Clinton Street
Room 1470
Syracuse, NY 13261
315-488-0470
Congressman
John Katko
440 South Warren Street
7th Floor, Suite 711
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-423-5657
Timeline
This process should commence in the spring of junior year if you wish to be considered by an early selection board. Boards may begin application review in the fall of your senior year. If you are serious about attending one of the military academies, you should fulfill all of your application requirements as early as possible to enhance your chances of selection. Once you have been accepted to an academy, you must still receive a Congressional nomination.
Entrance Requirements*
- U.S. citizen between ages 17 and 22/23
- Submit a high school transcript
- Submit SAT or ACT scores
- Provide a record of activities
- Pass a medical test
- Pass a physical aptitude test
- Recommendation letters
- Receive a nomination
* Note that most accepted students rank in the top fifth of their class, earn SAT scores of over 600 per section, earn ACT composite scores of 26-30 and are very active in their school and community. Academies have very selective admission standards.
Other Military Academies
U.S. Coast Guard Academy - New London, CT
Applications are processed in the same manner as other four-year colleges. Nominations are not required.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point, NY
Public institution offering maritime, military and engineering programs to train officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine and maritime industry.
SUNY Maritime College - Throgs Neck, NY
Training for engineers and navigators for the commercial shipping industry. Students apply through the SUNY application. Nominations are not required.
Additional Military Sources of Funding
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships
The Armed Forces offer ROTC programs at most major colleges and universities where you can apply for the ROTC program of your choice. ROTC Scholarships are a great way to help finance your college education and you'll begin your service immediately following graduation as a commissioned officer in the Armed Service of your choice.
ROTC Air Force
866-423-7682
ROTC Army
800-USA-ROTC
ROTC Navy/Marines
800-NAV-ROTC
Montgomery GI Bill Program
800-893-LEAD
While serving active duty in any branch of the Armed Forces, you can receive money for college expenses with a small monthly contribution from your salary. The Reserve and National Guard give you the opportunity to earn tuition benefits with no contribution from your pay. You can use these benefits while either a full-time or part-time student. The Montgomery GI Bill is available for both officers and enlisted personnel.
U.S. Armed Forces College Fund Programs
The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps College Funds, when combined with the Montgomery GI Bill, can offer additional money for college. Enlisting in the Air Force qualifies you for admission to the Community College of the Air Force, allowing you to earn an Associate's Degree in applied science with credit for training, civilian course work, and credits by examination.
College Fund Air Force
800-423-USAF
College Fund Army
800-USA-ARMY
College Fund Marines
800-MARINES
College Fund NAVY
800-USA-NAVY