a rookie question - NROTC

[hopeful1998]

I read in another post about commissioning rates versus graduating rates for the NROTC participants. It is alarming that they are around 40ish percent. How can you complete the NROTC program and NOT be commissioned? OR are they dropping out of the NROTC program and just finishing their degree? A video my DS watched described how they attend Officer Candidate School the summer of their junior year - Is it possible to NOT pass this school? I ask because DS wants to be a commissioned officer upon graduation. It is VERY important to him - NROTC is not just a way to pay for college.

 

[USMCGrunt]

Hopeful1998: statistics can tell whatever story you intend them to.

If you earn a scholarship or advanced standing, maintain standards and want to commission then the commissioning rate is quite high. Some midshipmen drop by choice, some fail to achieve advance standing, some face academic or disciplinary problems, and still others encounter physical issues (injury, fitness, weight).

To answer your first question: if you complete the NROTC program then you will commission.

To answer your second question: I suppose you can fail out of any school. Marine options go to OCS and there is a fair amount of fails/ retreads. I believe Navy options go on a "cruise" (shipboard experience) rather than attend a school during that summer. I stand ready to be corrected on that - it may depend upon what you will be doing in the Navy.

I hope this helps calm your fears.

 

[kinnem]

USMCGrunt is entirely correct as usual. My son's NROTC class lost 50% of their participants in their first year because they didn't think NROTC was for them, or they got a DUI, or were injured and didn't want to return. It takes dedication and discipline to complete the program, but if you want to make it you can.

I think the failure rate in my son's OCS class was around 12-15%. Not everyone has the leadership skills or can handle the stress. Some just lose it like the midshipman who took a swing at a Sergeant. Again, with desire and discipline it's a program that can be completed successfully.

He's also correct about NROTC Navy Options. The summer of their rising senior year they go on a cruise, generally with their desired navy community (SWO, subs, aviation etc). Navy options do not go through OCS but I understand their commanding officer does submit an evaluation of their performance.

 

[hopeful1998]

Kinnem - the midshipmen who took a swing at a sergeant - that made me laugh.

thank you - very helpful!

 

[USMAROTCFamily]

I would ask the question about attrition to the schools you are considering. They vary quite a bit from school to school. DD's class lost a little less than 10% from Freshman to Sophomore year - one was selected to attend USNA, one didn't make weight/PT requirements and one was a programmer who tried for a sideload scholarship and didn't get it and opted not to return without the scholarship.