Husted announces 2026 U.S. service academy nomination applications

Choosing to serve our nation in the armed forces is one of the highest callings.” COLUMBUS – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today announced his 2026 U.S. service academy nomination application portal for students interested in attending one of the nation’s prestigious military service academies is open. Each year, Members of Congress have the honor of nominating well-qualified students from Ohio to the U.S. service academies. Graduates of the service academies are leaders who have accepted the call to serve our nation in the armed forces. The U.S. maintains five federal service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Applicants seeking an appointment to the Air Force, Military, Merchant Marine or Naval academies must obtain a nomination from an authorized nominating source, including a Member of Congress. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination. “Choosing to serve our nation in the armed forces is one of the highest callings. It is a great honor to nominate young Ohioans who are willing to make that commitment to our country, and I look forward to meeting this year’s applicants and hearing about their dedication to service and leadership,” said Husted. Husted nominated 53 young Ohioans from the 2025 application cycle for a U.S. service academy. Applications for a congressional nomination are open and must be submitted by Sept. 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Students who receive a congressional nomination to one of the service academies must still earn admission to their nominated academy and continue to maintain eligibility for that admission until their arrival on campus, including maintaining their excellent records in academics, integrity and physical fitness. They must also successfully complete the Pentagon’s Medical Examination Review Board assessment, among other rigorous requirements. Applicants may call Husted’s Columbus office at (614) 369-4925 and ask to speak with Steven Cook, the Military Service Academy Coordinator, or email Steven at ServiceAcademy@Husted.Senate.gov with questions about the process. Students interested in applying can find additional information here .