Johnson Announces U.S. Service Academy Applications Open

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced the application process is now open for his U.S. Service Academy nomination for the graduating Class of 2029.

“It’s exciting to see South Dakotans thrive at our prestigious service academies, and I’m honored to play a role in nominating them to move forward in the application process,” said Johnson. “Each year I receive applications from a diverse group of South Dakotans who are all highly motivated and desire to serve their country at the highest level. Academy students are the best of the best, and South Dakotans are no exception.”

Members of Congress may nominate candidates to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

According to U.S. News College Rankings, which analyzes more than 1,800 colleges, the U.S. Naval Academy is currently ranked third, U.S. Military Academy ranked eighth, and the U.S. Air Force Academy is ranked seventh in the top National Liberal Arts Colleges. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is ranked first, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is ranked third in Regional Colleges North. In addition to six to seven hours per day of traditional educational learning, Cadets and Midshipmen participate in military training, sports, and extracurricular activities.

The Academies provide a fully funded, exceptional education, plus a monthly stipend, in return for mandatory service upon commissioning. The Academies require applicants be a U.S. Citizen, unmarried with no dependents, between the ages of 17-23, and of good moral character.

Interested students must open a pre-candidate file directly with the Academy. Then, South Dakota residents must complete Johnson’s nomination packet by Friday, November 1, 2024. For more information about the process and step-by-step instructions on how to apply, please visit https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations.

To hear from Service Academy attendees that Johnson nominated, watch the video below.