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<p>It is not quite this simple. Presidential nominations are reserved for children of ‘career’ military officers and enlisted. Eight years of active duty alone will not suffice. For active duty, they must either be still on active duty or retired. For reserves, it is slightly more complicated. Unfortunately the online catalog which explains reserve eligibility in detail is being revised and is not available.</p>
<p>The reason that MOC nominations are so important is that only they can nominate 10 candidates for each opening. It is solely from these excess MOC nominations that the ‘national pool’ is filled. A VP, ROTC, or Presidential nominee unsuccessful for a ‘primary’ nomination is not eligible for this pool, from which a substantial portion of each class is filled.</p>