Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program - Admissions

What is the SSMP?

The Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP) is a unique aspect of the NROTC Unit at MMA.

If you earn your Coast Guard License at Maine Maritime Academy, and participate in the SSMP, you will be commissioned as an officer into the Strategic Sealift Officer Program (SSOP).

Formerly known as the Merchant Marine Naval Reserve, the SSOP is a cadre of naval officers who are licensed merchant mariners with sealift, maritime operations, and logistics subject matter expertise. The SSOP is a specialized component of the Navy Reserve and it is only offered at the seven maritime schools. The SSOP is called upon to provide integrated sealift operations in support of National Defense.

SSMP Midshipmen have an eight-year military service obligation and will be eligible for opportunities to pursue an Active-Duty commission. However, it is important to note that these billets are not guaranteed; they are limited opportunities that are based upon the current needs of the Navy. If you are selected for Active Duty, the military service obligation is dependent upon the community.

Once commissioned into the Navy Reserve, Strategic Sealift Officer Program (SSOP) Officers serve in an Active Reserve status as either Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or Selected Reserve (SELRES); most members fall under the Individual Ready Reserve.

Strategic Sealift Officers are reservists who serve on periods of active duty to military and reserve fleet operations that require Merchant Marine Officers. Most SSOP members work in the maritime industry in their civilian career, but it is not a requirement of the program.

SSMP Eligibility

To be eligible for this program you must:

Be a U.S. citizen, be at least 17 but less than 25 years of age (upon enrollment at MMA). There are waivers available for those over 25, especially with prior service.
Be enrolled in a Bachelor of Science Degree Program leading to a U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License.
Complete a Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) exam and be deemed medically qualified.
Complete a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) with active-duty staff at MMA (to include body fat assessment, push-ups, sit-ups, and 1.5 mile run).
Possess satisfactory records of academic ability and moral integrity, and demonstrate those characteristics desired of a Naval Officer.
Have no moral reservation or personal conviction that prevents you from bearing arms.

If you are a current MMA student enrolled in our Marine Engineering or Marine Transportation program, you may join the SSMP program until the fall semester Junior Year.

For more information regarding SSMP, please contact LT Ryan Armstrong at ryan.armstrong@mma.edu.

Maine Maritime Academy SSMP Application

The Student Incentive Payment (SIP) Program

The Student Incentive Payments Program (SIP) is a federally funded initiative through the Maritime Administration (MARAD). The program provides financial support to Midshipmen enrolled in the Strategic Sealift Midshipmen Program (SSMP) at Maine Maritime Academy who will graduate as a licensed officer in the U.S Merchant Marine.

The U.S. Merchant Marine provides the primary sealift capability necessary to meet national defense requirements. To support these requirements, the Department of the Navy established the SSMP. The SSMP produces Navy officers who hold a U.S. merchant mariner’s license and are subject matter experts in sealift, maritime operations, and logistics. This unique skillset allows our graduates to fulfill many of the Navy’s combat support missions.

To further support defense requirements, incentives are available to SSMP Midshipmen through SIP. Enrolled Midshipmen can receive up to $32,000; these funds must be used to offset the cost of tuition, room and board, uniforms, books.

SIP requires a separate application; to learn more, please contact LT Ryan Armstrong at ryan.armstrong@mma.edu.

After Commissioning

SSMP Midshipmen who commission into the Navy Reserve have an eight-year military service obligation. As a commissioned Strategic Sealift Officer, the following is a list of the obligations and responsibilities during your service:

Active Duty for Training (ADT)

All Strategic Sealift Readiness Group (SSRG) members are required to complete 12 days of ADT each fiscal year (FY).

ADT will be scheduled for all SSRG officers each Fiscal Year – between October 1 and March 31.
You will also be required to complete DTS travel voucher within 5 days after departing from ADT.

Annual Reporting

Report current contact and civilian employment information.

Administrative

Answer official correspondence, maintain NSIPS, and inform SSO Program Office of all address, phone number, employment, and email changes.

Physical Health Assessment (PHA)

Obtain a PHA every 365 days, including height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, visual acuity, immunization status, labs, lipid screening, annual dental examination, and dental readiness.
Maintain and ensure Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) is accurate and current, including immunizations/boosters/etc.

Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)

Complete one PFA per calendar year (1 January through 31 December), including medical screening, current PHA, Physical Activity Risk Factor Assessment (PARFQ), pre-physical activity questionnaire, Body Composition Assessment (BCA) – within height and weight standards, Physical Readiness Test (PRT), two minutes timed: plank hold and pushups, 1.5 mile run (or pre-approved alternative cardio such as elliptical, bike, or swim) within the prescribed time.

You must also maintain an Active USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), Unlimited Tonnage/HP on Oceans. Your STCW endorsement must be valid (OICNW or OICEW).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I qualify for a scholarship if I get accepted into the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP)?

SSMP Midshipmen do not qualify for ROTC scholarships. However, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) does offer the Student Incentive Pay (SIP) Program. For more information, please review the SIP section.

What is the difference between SSMP and NROTC?

NROTC produces active-duty officers in the Navy and Marine Corps and gives academic scholarships to qualified Midshipmen. The SSMP produces Navy Reserve officers in the SSOP and does not provide the opportunity for scholarships, but do have an incentive payment.

I would like to join the SSMP at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA). What’s next?

If you are interested in the SSMP and want to start the application process, please contact LT Ryan Armstrong, ryan.armstrong@mma.edu.

How much extra time is required and how can I prepare for this?

This is a very common concern for incoming freshmen. Participation in our program requires 4 hours per week outside of the normal academic schedule on a regular basis. There may be an occasional week with an extra time commitment, however, we plan well ahead and you will be made aware in advance so that you can plan and communicate accordingly. Most of our Midshipmen have found that their time management skills improved greatly and actually ‘found more time’ in their week for other activities. Naval Science staff also work with the Commandant of Midshipmen, Faculty, and other departments to mitigate overlapping time requirements. Many of our Midshipmen are also members of at least one sport and are able to manage their time and commitments easily.

How does the DoDMERB medical examination work?

In order to be accepted into the SSMP at MMA, you must receive clearance from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB). You will be provided with information on how to complete the exam once you initiate the SSMP application process.

Is there a physical fitness test that I have to pass?

In order to be accepted into the MMA SSMP, prospective Midshipmen must pass the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), which consists of the Body Composition Assessment (BCA) and Physical Readiness Test (PRT). High school seniors who have started the SSMP application process will be contacted by the Naval Science staff towards the end of their senior year to schedule a PFA before the start of their first term at MMA. Those high school seniors who are not able to complete a PFA before their first term at MMA will be able to complete a PFA during the New Student Orientation or the first few weeks of their first term. Current SSMP Midshipmen will be tested by the Naval Science staff on a recurring basis.

How can I prepare for the physical fitness assessment (PFA)?

In short, you need to practice performing the PFA. The Commandant’s staff of the Regiment of Midshipmen at MMA have provided an RPT Summer Training Plan that you can access in order to prepare physically for both the regiment and the SSMP. Depending on your current level of physical activity and fitness, you may need more time to prepare for this. It is also important to understand that proper diet and nutrition are necessary to ensure that you are within the prescribed height and weight standards.

Will there be an interview?

Yes, all applicants will be interviewed for the SSMP. The interview is the last step in the process, and will be conducted before the start of your first semester at MMA. The interview is an opportunity for our staff to evaluate your potential as a future Naval Officer.

Is there a GPA requirement to enter/stay in the program?

Yes. We will take a close look at your academic transcript and you GPA will be used to make our final determinations. Current midshipmen must maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 2.75 term GPA to be in “good standing”. If your GPA dips below that threshold we will place you on academic probation.

This program is only offered to Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering majors. What happens if I enter the program and later decide to switch out of one of these two majors?

If at any point you decide to pursue a major other than Marine Transportation or Marine Engineering, you will no longer be eligible for the SSMP. There are other service opportunities available for students not in Regimental majors. If you would like to serve, there are other paths!

Can I participate in the SSMP and go active duty upon graduation?

While this is a Reserve Officer program, there are limited opportunities to apply for active duty. The billet selection process is extremely competitive and there are only a limited number of billets available to MMA graduates.

What activities does the SSMP Battalion perform?

SSMP activities are very similar to that of NROTC:

Military Labs are conducted on Tuesday afternoons for one hour.
Physical training is conducted two mornings per week, before your classes begin.
Rifle Drill is conducted on Friday mornings before class.
There is typically one community service event and one social event per semester.

Additionally, Battalion staff (senior midshipmen) and Naval Science staff provide General Military Training and instruction on the Navy Core Values during regularly scheduled meetings.

What academic courses will I be required to complete as an SSMP Midshipmen?

Midshipmen are required to complete four Naval Science courses:

NV100 – Navy Leadership Lab (taken each semester)
NV101 – Intro to Naval Science
NV222 – Naval Science for the Strategic Sealift Officer
NV402 – Leadership and Ethics (taken during the spring semester of your senior year, prior to commissioning and graduation)

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Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP)