A few various questions

J

JBL2012

Army ROTC Cadet - MS3
5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
34
Hi all,

I was talking to my guidance counselor today, and she supplied me with some info about USMMA that I'm sure everyone here already knows but that I have a question or two about.

First off, I understand that USMMA is meant to train the Merchant Marine, so would it be wrong to apply here if i have my heart set on the Army or Coast Guard?

Secondly, say for example that I chose to commission active-duty Army after graduating KP. When my 8 years is up, would I still be licensed to work in the civilian Merchant Marine? Can somebody give me a little more info (or a link) on how exactly MM licenses work? I'm not sure I understand it exactly.

Thanks everyone
 
first question - there is def nothing wrong with that! they are open to anyone with any ambition...i will be attending this july and i want to fly, either in the navy or air force

second question - you have to keep your license up to date if you want to keep it, i think you have to do some things a couple times a year

email the academy and ask them if you can have a USMMA Catalog, it seriously answered every question i had!!!
 
You can also find the catalog online at:
http://www.usmma.edu/admissions/catalog.shtml

From what I have heard, typically about 2/3 of USMMA grads opt to stay in the merchant marine and serve in the Navy Reserves for 8 years. The other 1/3 take a commission in the armed services or one of the other options (see catalog or other threads on this forum for list) and have to serve 5 years on active duty, or more as required by their choice. For example, if you chose (and receive) a commission to fly, you may be required to serve additional years active duty.

Be advised that USMMA may not be the hardest academy to get into (largely because most people have not heard of it), but it is the hardest to get through. You will cram 4 years of college into 3 years, and spend a year at sea. Add a dose of regimental life and other obligations and you can see why it is quite an accomplishment to graduate from USMMA.

Best of luck to you!
 
A Merchant Mariner Credential is valid for five years and can be renewed without seatime. The requirements to renew without seatime is different for deck and engine. I dont know the specifics of the deck license but I believe it requires several classes to keep various ancillary quals current like Radar Observer for example. For an engineer it only requires three 70 question take home open book exams. www.uscg.mil/nmc will have all the information.

BIG CAVEAT ... that is the rules today. 10 years from now when it would be time for you to renew the rules may be VERY different.
 
Ask all the questions you need to in order to make an informed decision. You should visit KP if possible, speak to mids and a local admissions rep. Keep all your options open and the best of everything as you begin the process.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top