<p>We’ve covered this before on this forum, too, under the subject of “qualified alternates.” The admissions folks fill all of the legislatively mandated slots from the nominee lists but that only takes care of about 1/2 of each class. They fill the rest with “qualified alternates”–those that meet standards but did not get THE slot for their congressman or senator. This allows USAFA to bring in a high-quality class that meets their requirements academically, demographically, and athletically.</p>
<p>(Just checking in from the Marshall Islands. Isn’t the internet a wonderful thing? Kwajalein is really a cool place–lots of radar sites, a German cruiser wreck, great snorkeling, beautiful beaches, old Japanese fortifications, lots of history. the AF takes you to a lot of great places in your career!)</p>