Dear Friend,

As a member of Congress, I have the distinct privilege of nominating a limited number of San Antonio’s brightest students to our nation’s military service academies. My office has been visiting high schools across our district to talk with students about the benefits of attending an academy and the application process. These institutions provide a unique and challenging experience focused on leadership and military training to prepare students for a career as a military officer in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending a service academy and serving their nation upon graduation, please review and complete my office’s Fall 2023 application form. This year’s deadline to apply is Friday, November 4, 2022, at 5:30 PM CT.

Below you will find general information and eligibility requirements to help guide students through the application process. Interviews with my nomination panel will begin in early December, with nominations announced no later than January 31, 2023.

Should you have more questions, please call my office at (210) 348-8216 or visit castro.house.gov/how-can-i-help/military-academy-nominations.

What is a nomination?

A congressional nomination is a selection made by one of the following authorized sources:

• The Vice President, who nominates candidates from any part of the nation
• U.S. Senators, who nominate candidates from their entire state
• U.S. Representatives, who nominate candidates residing within their Congressional District

The nomination appointment process is competitive, and students are encouraged to apply for a nomination from more than one source. Every candidate is eligible for four nominations – one from the Vice President’s office, one from each of their two U.S. senators, and one from their U.S. representative.

Service Academy Locations:

Please note that you must also apply with your prospective service academy to be eligible for a nomination.

• The U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY
• The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis, MD
• The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) at Colorado Springs, CO
• The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, NY
• The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) at New London, CT
  • The Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for my nomination, you must meet the requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission to an academy –

• You must be between the ages of 17-23 years old
• You must be a U.S. citizen
• You must be unmarried and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
• You must reside within the legal boundaries of the 20th Congressional District of Texas
  • Find your congressional district at house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

I wish you the best as you pursue your goal of attending one of our U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.

Sincerely,

Joaquin Castro
Member of Congress