Service connected nominations for military academies?

I'm looking into military schools and came across something called 'service connected nominations' for military academies - what does that mean exactly? Is it like if you have family in the military, you have a better chance for admission? Feeling a little lost, so any info would help a ton!

A 'service-connected nomination' refers to a nomination made on behalf of a candidate who is a child of a Medal of Honor recipient, or whose parent is either a deceased or disabled veteran, or a prisoner of war or missing in action (POW/MIA).

Each U.S. military academy (West Point, the Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Air Force Academy) has different rules regarding service-related nominations. However, they generally serve to acknowledge the sacrifices made by military families. Importantly though, these nominations do not guarantee admission. They are just one piece of the application process.

In addition to the nomination, a successful academy application will also include aspects like academic performance, physical aptitude test scores, leadership and extracurricular involvement, an interview, and medical qualifications. The academies look for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate the potential to thrive in a rigorous and demanding military environment.

So, while being a child of a military family may help with obtaining a nomination, it's essential to focus on building a strong overall profile for the actual application. Be sure to research each academy's specific application requirements, as they can vary.

Also, keep in mind each of these academies has very detailed information on their admissions websites about nominations and whom you can contact for further clarification. I would highly recommend reaching out to them directly with any concerns you may have, as they are more than willing to help prospective students navigate the admission process.