Washington, D.C. >> U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D — St. Helena) announced Thursday that his office is accepting applications from those ages 17-23 who are interested in attending the four service academies requiring nominations: United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point and the United States Naval Academy. The fifth service academy, the Coast Guard Academy, does not require a nomination.
“One of the highest honors I have as a Representative in Congress is annually nominating exceptional candidates from our community to the service academies,” Thompson said in a statement. “Just a few months ago, five exceptional young men and women were accepted into the academies from our district, and I’m pleased to announce that the nomination process for 2016 class is underway. If offered appointments, these young men and women will receive both a world class education and the skills they will need to become tomorrow’s military leaders.”
Eligible candidates must be at least 17 years old, but younger than 23, in the year of their admission to the academy, a United States citizen, unmarried and a resident of California’s 5th Congressional District.
The benefits of Attending a service academy include:
• Cadets will receive a four-year education and degree from some of the most prestigious colleges in the country. All service academies have high academic standards.
• In exchange for a five-year commitment to the military, candidates selected receive an education valued at $400,000. Schooling, room, board and books are all paid for. In addition medical and dental coverage will be provided.
• The service academies’ key focus is on preparing the leaders of tomorrow through leadership, mental, emotional and physical development.
• Cadets will have job security upon graduation as they will go into service as a commissioned officer in the United States military.
• An O-1 commissioned officer earns a base pay of $3,692.10 per month plus 30 days of leave a year.
• A new aecond lieutenant earns $ 2,934.30 per month. In addition, they receive a $253 basic allowance for subsistence. Airborne status pays an extra $150 per month and combat zones pay an extra $225 per month. Additionally, they receive a housing allowance to live off post, which varies by location.
Interested applicants should contact Thompson’s Santa Rosa District Office at CA05ServiceAcademy@mail.house.gov or (707) 542-7182 for an application packet and further information. Applications are due to Thompson’s office by Oct. 15.
