U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) announced today that he will begin accepting applications from young men and women interested in competing for nominations to the U.S. Service Academies. Nominations to the Air Force, West Point, Merchant Marine, and Naval Academies are available for qualified applicants.

“Our nation’s service academies play an important role in the lives of many young adults,” Blunt said. “These institutions sharpen the mind, strengthen character, refine leadership skills, and offer unmatched opportunities for the outstanding young men and women who choose to pursue this challenge.”

Applicants must be between 17 and 23 years of age, U. S. Citizens, and legal residents of Missouri. A committee of Missouri residents will review nominees’ files and present their recommendations to Senator Blunt for a formal nomination in December. Nominees will be evaluated using the “equal and competitive” method for selection and on the basis of personal merit including evidence of character, leadership, scholarship, and motivation.

Interested applicants will apply via a secure website which will allow them to continually check the status of their application. The link to the application can be found on the Academy Nominations page under the Student Center section of www.blunt.senate.gov. All application materials must be received on or before October 26, 2012.

The academy nomination process requires that students first open an application directly with the academies of their choice and then begin the nomination process with their congressional offices. For more information please contact Senator Blunt’s office at academy_nominations@blunt.senate.gov.

# # #