The United States Service Academies are elite educational institutions whose purpose is to prepare and train young men and women to become leaders of our nation's military services. Students are not charged tuition but, upon graduation, will serve in our nation's military for a set amount of time, depending on the service branch being entered.
As a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, each year I am honored to nominate exceptional young men and women from Eastern and Southeastern Ohio to America's military Service Academies. There are five Service Academies: The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), The United States Naval Academy (USNA), The United States Military Academy (USMA), The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), and The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA). Nominations are required for all but the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, to which appointments are made on the basis of an annual nationwide competition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the eligibility requirements to be considered for a nomination?
- You must be a United States Citizen
- You must be a legal resident of Ohio's Sixth Congressional District (click here to see a district map)
- You must be 17, but not yet passed your 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year admitted
- You must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children
- You must have an above average high school or college academic record, and strong performance on the SAT or ACT examinations
- You must be able to pass academy physical requirements and a DoDMERB medical examination
- You must be of strong moral character
Who can I apply to for a nomination?
Applicants are encouraged to apply to for a nomination from all nominating sources which he/she is eligible. In addition to applying for a nomination from Congressman Johnson, it is recommended that you also apply for a nomination from the following sources. Doing so will increase your chances at receiving a nomination.
You may also apply for a nomination from the President of the United States, provided you meet the necessary criteria.
Can I apply for a nomination to more than one academy?
Yes. You can apply for a nomination to all of the academies you wish to attend. However, it is not guaranteed that you will receive a nomination to all of them. Therefore, it is important that you rank the academies by order of preference on your application. Additionally, Congressman Johnson is unable to nominate you to an academy that you have not opened a file with. To do so, please visit your academy or academies of choice to begin that school’s application process.
When can I begin applying for a nomination from Congressman Johnson?
You can apply for a nomination between the spring of your junior year and fall of your senior year. All completed applications must be submitted to the Mahoning Valley District Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023. *Please note: incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered.
What are the requirements for a completed application packet?
- Completed application (request form below)
- Photograph
- List of activities and awards
- 1-2 page essay stating your goals for the future and explaining your desire to attend an academy
- Official high school transcripts
- Official ACT/SAT scores (can be on your transcript, or printed directly from the testing website)
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, school counselors, church leaders, employers, or anyone who can attest to your character
- Home address
What happens after I submit my application for a nomination?
After you have submitted a completed application, you will be contacted by a member of Congressman Johnson’s staff to schedule a time to interview with the Academy Review Board. Interviews typically take place in late November or early December.
Will Congressman Johnson participate in the interview process?
Yes. As a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Congressman Johnson has a vested interest in participating in the interviews and selecting his nominations. He is joined on the Academy Review Board by five other individuals who have also served in the military.
Does an interview guarantee me a nomination?
No. After all of the applicants have been interviewed, the Academy Review Board will decide which individuals will receive a nomination. Candidates chosen for a nomination will be notified directly by Congressman Johnson.
If I receive a nomination, does that mean I will automatically receive an appointment to an academy?
No. If you receive a nomination, your name will be submitted to the academy along with Congressman Johnson’s other nominations. However, it is up to the academy to make the final decision on who receives an appointment. If selected, you will receive an offer of admission directly from the academy.
Click here to request a Service Academy Nomination Packet.
Please mail completed application packages to my Salem District Office. Mail sent to our Washington D.C. Office is delayed and may result in your packet not being received prior to the deadline.
Completed application packages should be addressed to:
Congressman Bill Johnson
Attn: Service Academy Nominations
4137 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite 106
Canfield, Ohio 44406
If you have further questions, please contact our Mahoning Valley District Office at 330-967-7312.
