Naval Service Commissioning Programs

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program is designed to train and educate highly qualified students for commissioning and active service as unrestricted line officers in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. To be eligible for this program, a student must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen
2. Be at least 17, but less than 27 years of age at graduation
3. Be physically qualified
4. Possess satisfactory records of academic ability and moral integrity
5. Demonstrate those characteristics desired of a Naval Officer
6. Have no moral reservation or personal convictions that prevents the bearing of arms

The NROTC Scholarship Program offers the following benefits: all tuition and fees paid, a book allowance ($375 per semester), a uniform allowance, and a per month subsistence allowance during the school year, (Freshman: $250; Sophomore: $300; Junior: $350; Senior: $400). Additionally, National Scholarship winners who attend Maine Maritime Academy are provided free room and board or a stipend of $1,000 per semester in lieu of room and board if not residing in the campus dormitory. Scholarship Program graduates receive commissions in the Navy or Marine Corps. Navy graduates are required to serve on active duty for a minimum of five years. Marine Corps graduates are required to serve a minimum of four years. High school students may apply for the NROTC National Scholarship Program anytime between the spring semester of their junior year and the fall semester of their senior year. Because the total number of scholarships given varies each academic year, early application is strongly recommended for this highly competitive program.

The NROTC College Program allows students to participate in the NROTC program without a scholarship. College program students are welcome to apply for the national scholarship during their first semester at school, to receive a 3-year scholarship with the same benefits as outlined above. At the end of freshman and sophomore year, 3-year and 2-year sideload scholarships are also available respectively that provide full tuition coverage as well as the subsistence allowance outlined above. Should students not receive a scholarship after their sophomore year, they are eligible for Advanced Standing, which will still result in a commission upon graduation and a 3-year service commitment.

For more information about the NROTC National Scholarship or College Programs, contact your local Navy Recruiting Office. Further information on NROTC programs and application forms can also be obtained at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/ or by calling 1-800-NAV-ROTC.

For information about the NROTC Program at Maine Maritime Academy, contact Human Resources Assistant, NROTC Unit, Maine Maritime Academy, P.O. Box 137, Castine, ME  04421-0137, (207) 326-2465, or email mmanrotc@mma.edu. Also, visit the MMA NROTC home page at http://mainemaritime.edu/nrotc.

Naval ROTC – Marine Option

NROTC Eligibility:

• At least 17 years of age at time of enrollment
• Under 27 years of age upon commissioning
• Meet minimum physical standards.

NROTC Requirements:

• Attendance of Naval Science courses,
• Participate in a weekly Leadership Lab
• Attend Summer Cruises (On the job experiences around the country).
• Conduct a Physical Fitness Test each semester.

NROTC Opportunities:

• Tutoring and Mentorship Program
• Marine Corps Ball
• Field Training Exercises
• Summer Leadership Curriculum

Scholarships:

• National Scholarship (4-Year Scholarship): Provides incoming freshman with Full Tuition and Fee payment, $375 stipend per semester for textbooks and a monthly stipend. *UMaine provides full room and board to National Scholarship students.
• 2/3-Year Scholarship: Full Tuition and Fee payment, $375 stipend per semester for textbooks and a monthly stipend. There are two opportunities to apply for a scholarship per year. Scholarship eligibility starts after one semester of being in the NROTC program.

Post-Graduation:

• Commissioning as a Second Lieutenant with a four year active duty commitment
• Attend The Basic School to learn fundamentals of an infantry platoon commander
• Competitive Salary with tax free housing and food allowances
• Lead up to 60 Marines as a Platoon Commander
• 30 days of vacation per year and time off during Federal Holidays

Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program

The Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP), formerly the Merchant Marine Reserve (MMR), is an excellent way to assist you in meeting the financial obligations of your college education. The SSMP is designed to train and educate highly qualified students for commissioning and reserve duty service as officers in the U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR).

To be eligible for this program, a student must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen
2. Be at least 17 but less than 25 years of age (upon enrollment at MMA)
3. Be physically qualified
4. Have a satisfactory record of academic ability and moral integrity
5. Demonstrate those characteristics desired of a Naval Officer
6. Have no moral reservation or personal conviction that prevents the bearing of arms
7. Be enrolled in a Bachelor of Science Degree Program leading to a U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License:

Marine Engineering Operations
Marine Engineering Technology
Marine Systems Engineering – License Track
Marine Transportation Operations

Students who meet the qualifications above may apply for Midshipman status in the SSMP and apply to participate in the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Student Incentive Payment (SIP) Program. If selected, students are eligible to receive up to $32,000 during their time at school. The SIP Program requires students to obtain a Coast Guard Unlimited License and to apply for, and accept if offered, a Reserve officer commission in the U.S. Navy Reserves. A student who receives SIP incurs an obligation to serve as an employee in the maritime or maritime-related industry, and in times of national emergency, to serve as a Naval Officer aboard a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel.

The program requirements are as follows:

1. Prior to arriving at MMA, apply for the SIP Program and Midshipman status in the U.S. Navy Reserve
2. Complete a physical examination to verify eligibility (at Department of Defense expense)
3. Students must agree in writing to apply for, and accept if offered, a United States Navy Reserve commission
4. The application process takes up to two months and must be complete prior to the end of the first semester in order to be eligible for SIP during the Freshman year
5. Continuation in the program is based on continued eligibility (i.e. Minimum GPA 2.5 with satisfactory participation in SSMP program)

Required Courses

NV101 Introduction to Naval Science (Freshman Year)
NV222 Strategic Sealift Officer Course (Sophomore or Junior Year)
NV 402 Leadership and Ethics (Senior Year)
NV100 Naval Science Lab (Each semester in the program)

Minimum Obligation After Graduation
1. Complete a minimum of two weeks of active duty each year for a total of six years, in a merchant marine related billet, with pay and travel/food reimbursement
2. At least 150 days of sailing employment using one’s U.S. Coast Guard License every calendar year for three years and maintain Coast Guard license for three additional years (First 6 of 8 year obligation)
3. Remain in the Inactive Reserve (with no other obligations) for an additional two years (Last 2 of 8 year obligation)

For information about the SSMP, USNR, and SIP Programs at Maine Maritime Academy, contact Commanding Officer, NROTC Unit, Maine Maritime Academy, (207) 326-2352, email mmanrotc@mma.edu.