Changes to SA Nominations

[Malex]

Can you tell I’m bored at work?

I’m trying to wrap my head around various ways that the entire SA & ROTC process could be done more efficiently.

An exercise in futility, but I have time to kill.

Building a better mousetrap isn’t one of Uncle Sam’s specialities, unfortunately!

After working in civilian and government jobs for decades, I believe any process needs improvement; tweaking or revision for more efficiency As far as the nomination process, the efficiency depends on the MOC office. They are given guidelines and the ability to handle their nomination process with some latitude. That process will work if MOC office is dedicated to the applicants. It looks like you got from enlisted to Academy graduate and that’s not an easy path, so it seems it worked. Each year after I completed a nomination process, I did a thorough review and looked for ways to improve. Nothing is perfect and there’s always room for that better mousetrap. The Academies appointment process is very complex. So many factors go into it to find that whole person nominee for an offer of appointment. It’s not just academics; it’s fitness; it’s leadership; it’s commitment. It may not be perfect, but every year the Academies graduate scores of fine officers ready to lead and serve our country. Kudos to each of them.

 

[Capt MJ]

Can you tell I’m bored at work?

I’m trying to wrap my head around various ways that the entire SA & ROTC process could be done more efficiently.

An exercise in futility, but I have time to kill.

Building a better mousetrap isn’t one of Uncle Sam’s specialities, unfortunately!

May I offer or suggest a trip to the Bacon, Cocktail or Pet threads?

 

[Capt MJ]

My guess is this is Congress trying to keep more constituents happy. Since the size of the SAs isn't changing, the number of appointees isn't changing. Thus, having more nominees just means more people will be in the running up front and more will receive turndowns at the end.

I am having the same thoughts.

Next spring, mathematically, more fully qualified people with noms will be wondering why they were not offered an appointment. And the extra slate resolution time required for a bigger slate will extend the process.

 

[USMC Crayons]

I am having the same thoughts.

Next spring, mathematically, more fully qualified people with noms will be wondering why they were not offered an appointment. And the extra slate resolution time required for a bigger slate will extend the process.

That may be true, but some sort of change needs to happen with how this process works. Your geographic location should not be such a huge determining factor on your ability to compete for a SA appointment. It’s an antiquated system, and simply is not ideal in modern times.

 

[Capt MJ]

Coast Guard seems to get along fine without noms, and I am sure they pay attention to drawing across a wide geographic base. I don’t have a life-size picture of Congress giving up this particular power anytime soon. I suspect the other SAs would not lose sleep if the system evaporated.