Service Academy Nominations
Over 40 years ago as a student at Lakeland High School, I was nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy by then-Congressman Andy Ireland. This began my 26-year career as a Naval Aviator and inspired me to follow in Congressman Ireland’s footsteps by serving our community in Congress. Attending a service academy offers many benefits, such as earning a world-class education and developing the character, discipline, and skills to become a well-rounded leader.
If you reside in Florida’s 18th Congressional District, are between 17-23 years of age (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy), a US citizen and are single with no dependents, you may seek a nomination through my office. You may begin the application process as early as the spring of your 11th grade year:
- Complete the online service academy nomination interest form below.
- Print, sign and submit service academy nomination interest form to Lakeland District Office
- Receive and complete a nomination packet provided by our office.
- Interview with the nominating committee. (Please note: If you do not submit a completed application you will not be interviewed.)
- Apply to the service academy while awaiting a decision from the nominating committee.
Twice a year my office hosts an “Academy Day,” which connects interested students and families with representatives from each service academy. Following a presentation on each of the academies, representatives answer questions and share additional information about the nomination process. Our next Academy Day is Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 9am - noon.
- U.S. Naval Academy – Academy Admissions (410) 293-1858 | usna.edu
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point – (845) 938-4011 | westpoint.edu
- U.S. Air Force Academy – Academy Admissions (800) 443-9266 | usafa.af.mil
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy – (800) 883-8724 | uscga.edu
———IMPORTANT DATES———
Fall 2024 Academy Day is Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 9AM-12PM.
Application packets must be completed and turned in by October 04, 2024.
Interviews will be conducted on November 14, 2024. Please note: If you do not submit a completed application you will not be interviewed.
Instructions
The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. For more information, please review the page of Frequently Asked Questions for those seeking a Service Academy Nomination.
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
Representative Franklin may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. To request a Service Academy Nomination from our office, please complete the form below.
Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.
Military Academy Nominations
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