Harkin Solicits Interest in U.S. Military Academies

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) announced today that he is accepting applications for nomination to the United States' military academies for the class entering in the summer of 2012. Senator Harkin will nominate up to ten Iowans for every opening he has at each academy, with final selection for admission made by the individual academy form that group of ten.

"Each year I look forward to recommending so many outstanding young Iowans to the service academies. It is a genuine honor," Harkin said.

Our nation's military academies offer Iowans outstanding educational opportunities for young people interested in military service. Students can specialize in a variety of fields at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

Harkin enjoyed a successful military career. He joined the Navy and served as a jet pilot after graduating from Iowa State University in 1962.

Most of the state's high school guidance counselors should have information about the application procedures prospective candidates must follow. Senator Harkin uses a competitive method to screen applicants, including the evaluation of ACT or SAT scores, high school grade point average, leadership abilities, and physical aptitude. Harkin has also appointed an academy selection committee that conducts personal interviews with academy finalists.

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