Are Junior Enlisted Soldiers Eligible for West Point Nominations?

2014-11-25T06:25:43-05:00

Our commander put this out recently and I just wanted to share this with others in case they haven't heard.

The Army has provided guidance to commanders who want to nominate outstanding junior enlisted Soldiers for possible admission to the U.S. Military Academy as cadets, and subsequent commissioning as Army officers.

Eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 17 but not older than 23 (25 with a waiver)
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Have completed basic training and are eligible to attend AIT
• Be eligible to re-enlist
• Be in compliance with Army medical standards AR 40-501

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2014/11/22/usma-nomination-requirements/19324267/?sf33959918=1

Junior enlisted eligible for West Point nominations

Commanders encouraged to nominate enlisted soldiers for West Point attendance

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Nov 25 at 2014 6:29 AM

2014-11-25T06:29:18-05:00

Yes this is true. Also West Point Prep school was available when I started on Active duty. I think all West Point Grad need to have at least one year on Active Duty before starting WP.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 7:22 AM

2014-11-25T07:22:31-05:00

This is a great opportunity for junior enlisted to receive their college degree and a commission as a 2LT.....however, before anyone takes advantage of this, I would recommend they sit down with a few senior officers (Field Grades at a minimum) and really find out what it means to be an officer. Being an officer is not for everyone, and some don't even want the life. Being an officer is not better than being enlisted, it's not worse, its just different.

What our junior enlisted need to understand is that being an officer means limited time with Soldiers for majority of their commissioned life. Being a Lieutenant is great, lots of Soldier time, being a Captain is better when in command, actually the best time of your career (in my opinion), but other than that, there is limited time to spend with Soldiers. Majority of an officers career will be spent on a staff at some level, doing planning and what not. Important work, but not glamorous.

For those that choose to go down that path through West Point, I say best of luck. For those that choose to stay enlisted, I welcome your decision as we need the absolute best in our NCO corps, as we do in the officer corps.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Nov 29 at 2018 9:51 AM

2018-11-29T09:51:54-05:00

Something else to keep in mind about West Point. Service academy cadets cannot be married or have child support obligation. If a junior enlisted Soldier has a family, but still wants to get a commission, ROTC or OCS would be better options with dependents...

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 3 at 2019 12:31 PM

2019-04-03T12:31:49-04:00

Yes