SSMP academic requirements consist of two parts: your bachelors degree program within an Unlimited License track major (MEO, MET, MSE 5yr, MTO) and Naval Science courses.

Naval Science Courses

The Naval Science courses are instructed by the NROTC unit staff. Students will enroll in the required Naval Science courses during the semesters in which they are offered. The below table reflects the required course sequence at the recommended intervals. For upperclassman joining SSMP, it is possible to double up on Naval Science courses, however it is heavily recommended they are taken separately and in the below sequence.

In addition, all NROTC and SSMP students enroll in Naval Science Lab, a single course attended by all NROTC unit students intended to cover all program objectives not included in formal Naval Science courses. Topics cover Navy and Marine Corps policies, general military training, guest speakers, and other professional development subjects. The normal Naval Science course progression is as follows:

Midshipmen are encouraged to achieve well above the established minimum standards on the PFA and are expected to improve their level of physical readiness achievement as they progress through the program. All Midshipmen will complete one official PFA per semester. The minimum required scores for Navy options are listed here:

Battalion Physical Training

The NROTC Battalion will conduct multiple physical training sessions per week. The trainings are typically held in the Alexander Field House. Throughout the year the battalion will conduct swim qualifications, obstacle course events, and training at regional military bases.

Swim Qualification

All midshipmen must be 3rd Class Swimmer qualified by the end of their freshman year and must re-qualify every year following. Midshipmen may qualify as 2nd Class Swimmers and will be exempt from further testing.

3rd Class Swimmer

A 3rd Class Swimmer is described as a person who can stay afloat and survive without the use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in open water under optimum conditions long enough to be rescued in a man-over-board situation. The 3rd Class Swimmer qualification is the minimum entry-level requirement for all U.S. Navy personnel.

2nd Class Swimmer

A 2nd Class Swimmer is described as a person who can stay afloat and survive without the use of a PFD indefinitely under optimum conditions. The 2nd Class Swimmer qualification is used as an entry-level requirement for Small Boat Operators, Naval Air Crewman and Rescue Swimmers.

Read more guidance on swim qualification requirements.

Summer Training

The objective of MIDN summer training is to further the professional development of MIDN through introduction to the operational Navy and USMC and to reinforce their academic year programs, thereby instilling a sense of pride in their identification with the Navy and USMC and inclining them toward careers in the Naval service. The mission is to develop and train MIDN within a linear training continuum nested to the Five Warfighting Competencies in order to provide the Fleet a competent and professional Naval Service Commissioned Officer.

New Student Orientation (NSO)

NSO occurs during the summer before freshman year. NSO provides standardized entry-level militarization for all students entering NROTC Maine Maritime. NSO is a 3-day course located at the unit.

Major Required At-Sea Training

The Strategic Sealift Midshipman program is designed to overlap seamlessly with Maritime Academy training requirements. Therefore, SSMP midshipmen have no Navy summer training requirements outside of the college’s required at-sea training experiences. These at-sea trainings range from 60-90 days. They are as follows:

• Freshman Training Cruise
• Cadet Shipping
• Junior Training Cruise

Navy Summer Training

There are two instances where a SSMP midshipman may attend Navy Summer Training:

• Out of interest or desire. SSMP midshipmen must fund their own travel to attend. Availability based on needs of the Navy and space available.
• To be eligible for Aviation or Special Warfare.

During the start of fall semester, senior year, SSMP midshipmen can request a transfer to Active-Duty Navy communities. These communities include:

Students who desire to transfer to the Special Warfare or Aviation communities will require training prior to senior year. For more information, contact our Strategic Sealift Officer.