Sioux Empire Today

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson from South Dakota has announced that applications are now open for nominations to U.S. Service Academies for the graduating Class of 2030. Johnson expressed admiration for those who apply, stating, “The men and women who attend our service academies are incredibly smart and disciplined. Their desire and willingness to serve is encouraging to me.” He added that South Dakotan applicants come from diverse backgrounds and are dedicated to service.

Representative Johnson can nominate candidates to four of the five U.S. Service Academies. These are the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Notably, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

According to U.S. News College Rankings, the U.S. Naval Academy is currently ranked fourth, while the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy are tied at eighth in National Liberal Arts Colleges. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is ranked first, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is third in Regional Colleges North.

The Academies offer a fully funded education and a monthly stipend in exchange for mandatory service after commissioning. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, unmarried with no dependents, between 17 and 23 years old, and of good moral character. Students interested in applying must first open a pre-candidate file with the Academy, then complete the nomination packet by October 31, 2025. Further details on the application process are available on Johnson's website.