Marco Rubio Opens Application Process for Service Academy Nominations

Attention, future Florida military officers:

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio this week opened the application process for high school students seeking nominations to attend West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy or the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

You have to be at least a high school junior and need a nomination from either Rubio or Sen. Bill Nelson or your U.S. representative -- and if you have a hook in the White House, one from President Obama or Vice President Biden will do, too. For more information, go to Rubio's website here.

The number of nominations is limited, and certain criteria apply. You must be:

• At least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday. (Or 25 for the Merchant Marine Academy.)
• A U.S. citizen.
• Unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

I didn't see it listed officially, but I'm pretty sure you'll need to be in top physical shape, have way more than your share of brains and, of course, physical courage to burn.

Good luck.

And thanks.