Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program Application

Apply by May 1st for the best chance of receiving Incentive Pay at the start of the Fall semester. Applications are accepted at any time until the Fall semester of Junior year. Due to training requirements, it is strongly encouraged that students begin participation as early as possible. Questions? Contact our Strategic Sealift Officer at sara.ellenberger@mma.edu.

Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program Application

What is the SSMP?

The Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program is a pathway for US Coast Guard Unlimited License Track students (majors: MEO, MET, MSE 5yr, MTO) to join a unique component of the Navy Reserve upon graduation and commissioning. Participants in the SSMP also become eligible to apply for incentive pay for educational costs while still at MMA.

This unique component is known as the Strategic Sealift Officer Force. Its members consist entirely of Navy Reserve Officers who possess USCG Unlimited licenses. Why? To provide for emergency crewing and shore-side support of our country’s sealift requirements in times of national defense or emergency.

Individuals in the SSMP participate in unit events, take Naval Science courses, and are eligible to hold leadership billets in the unit. SSMP midshipmen must attend New Student Orientation.

Upon graduation, the service obligation is 8 years in total. During the first 6 years, 2 weeks of Active Duty for Training (ADT) must be completed per year. These ADTs are scheduled by you, so conflicts with your commercial shipping career are minimized. Typical ADTs include supporting government cargo ships, naval shipyards, and even attending schools to upgrade your mariner credentials. You will remain in a “inactive” status for years 7 and 8. After completing this obligation, you may decide to stay in for a full 20 years to earn a pension. During your time in service, you may also elect to do more than just 2 weeks of ADT. There are countless opportunities for voluntary Active Duty service ranging from 2 weeks, 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, and even 3 years! For details, contact our Strategic Sealift Officer.

Student Incentive Payment (SIP) Program

To incentivize participation in the SSMP, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) offers an incentive payment known as Student Incentive Payment (SIP). Up to $64,000 in SIP is possible if a student is selected for a SIP Program billet. These funds are paid out over the course of a student’s 4 years at the Academy or divided among their remaining semesters after being selected to receive SIP.

Students who are selected to receive SIP after Fall semester Freshman year, but prior to Fall semester Junior year, will receive larger payments to award them up to $64,000.

After receiving more than $8,000 in SIP, a student becomes contractually obligated to fulfill the service obligation as detailed on MARAD’s website.

Due to training requirements, it is strongly encouraged that students begin participation as early as possible.

Program Benefits

• up to $64,000 Incentive Pay possible
• Provide Naval Science textbooks
• Commission as a United States Naval Officer

Active Duty Option

During the Fall Semester of Senior year, a SSMP midshipman who desires to Commission into the Active Duty Navy, may submit a request package to do so. The communities available to transfer into include Surface Warfare, Submarine Warfare, Aviation, Special Warfare (SEAL and EOD), Supply, Intelligence, Crypto Warfare, Information Warfare, Civil Engineer, and more. For more information, contact our Strategic Sealift Officer.

New Student Orientation