The WPSR is actively involved in the admissions process for USMA in the Central Virginia area primarily through the efforts of several Military Academy Liaison Officers (MALO). MALOs are primarily reserve officers who are attached to the USMA admissions office for the purpose of assisting candidates in the admissions process. All MALOs are certified to perform their duties following a one week training program conducted by the admissions office at USMA. There are presently five MALOs active in the Central Virginia area and of those three are members of the WPSR.
MALOs are responsible for spreading the word about the opportunities at West Point to potential candidates in the Central Virginia area. This dissemination of information takes place through speaking appearances at local high schools and representing the Academy at numerous college nights, Academy days, etc. Additionally, twice a year the MALOs sponsor a by-invitation reception for all candidates as well as a luncheon for high school guidance officials in the local area. At these events the admissions officer for Southeast region is generally the featured speaker.
MALOs identify candidates who have the potential to be successful candidates at West Point. The MALOs assist the candidates in the admissions process by answering questions and monitoring the status of the candidate’s file via the admissions office secure admissions file system on the internet. Additionally a MALO must conduct a formal interview of each candidate identified by the admissions office for interview and submit a formal written evaluation. At the end of the admissions process a MALO will present the appointment certificate to each candidate at award ceremonies at the candidate’s high school.
In addition to the admissions work done by the MALOs, the WPSR supports the admissions procedure through its annual presentations of the West Point Leadership Award to a rising junior in almost all area high schools and hosts an annual reception for all of the recipients. The WPSR also has members who assist the admissions process by serving on the nominating committees of various Congressmen and Senators in the local area. The WPSR is instituting a pilot program in financially sponsoring up to five candidates at a leadership camp in South Carolina in the hope of developing the young person’s leadership qualities and increasing their potential for admission to USMA.
All questions regarding admissions should be directed to COL Art Aylward, the area coordinator for Central Virginia at USMAVAG@Comcast.net.
