Help Frederick C Branch

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ahaven7

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Feb 17, 2015
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I have a question that I can't seem to get a solid answer for and wanted to try here before I try to contact a unit about it.

I have already submitted a Navy Option NROTC Scholarship application. I also plan on applying for either the MSISR or Frederick C Branch Scholarship. I was under the impression that since I applied for the national NAVY option scholarship that meant if I were to apply for one of these "minority" scholarships that I would have to apply for the navy's version, the MSISR scholarship. ALTHOUGH recently I have seen confusing information on this process-
Basically I want to know can I apply for the Frederick C Branch (USMC) to a qualifying unit at a university OR must I do the MSISR (Navy) because I submitted a national scholarship application as a Navy Option?

Thanks for the help.
 
Typically, you can't submit a NROTC Navy scholarship and then a separate NROTC Marine Option scholarship. I have seen very little on this forum regarding the Frederick C Branch scholarships but I know there have been a few postings during my time here. Use the search function.

Regarding your specific question, I think you would be best served to call the NROTC unit at one of the specific schools and ask to speak to the MOI about it.

Also, I am not sure of the deadline for application, but would think it is very near.
 
Best bet is to go to the OSO (the source) to find out info on the Frederick C Branch Scholarship.

https://www.marines.com/becoming-a-marine/commissioning-programs/four-year-colleges/nrotc

If you are interested in applying for the Frederick C. Branch Scholarship, and are planning to attend one of the HBCUs listed above, request more information from your local Marine Recruiter or Officer Selection Officer (OSO).

As Grunt alluded to, I don't believe you can submit Navy and Marine Corps at the same time. It's also most likely too late in the game to pursue other paths this year.

One followup thought: Do you want to be a Navy Officer or a Marine Officer?
 
I tried to go online before making a post, but the problem is to receive more information on the topic I must fill out a form to include my address and phone number to help locate my nearest OSO. I am an military dependent, currently overseas and there is no accommodation for what my overseas address and phone number is. I will probably put in a state side relatives info and see if that helps. I appreciate the quick responses and suggestions! I did shoot an email to a MOI for the university I am interested in and hope to hear from them soon.

To answer your question: At such a young age in life it is often quite difficult to make decisions such as what military branch you want to serve in, especially for those who expect to make the military a career (like myself). I have always been back and forth between the Navy and Marine Corps and still am. Overall I just want to give back and serve my country- I love both options and would love to have the opportunity to serve as an Officer in any military branch, but to me it's not just a 5 year decision. It's a career decision. A decision that isn't so easily made for a lot of people at a young age.
 
There have been instances where Navy Option scholarships have switched to Marine Options after they've been in their unit for a year or so. My son's unit has had two make the switch. You've sent the Navy option scholarship downrange, so switching post acceptance -- and after being observed by the MOI/AMOI team at the school -- is a remote option. Having said that, those that made that switch had to do a lot of convincing/proving themselves -- as well as explaining why they didn't pursue Marine Option in the first place.

You can also pursue the non-scholarship paths for the Marine Corps side as well if you desire to pursue the Marine Corps path and are unable to switch scholarships if awarded the Navy Option scholarship.
 
You can apply for the Frederick C Branch scholarship even if you have previously submitted a Navy option National scholarship. FCB and MSISR are separate paths from the national application. If you're interested in attending one of the many HBCUs or HHE universities available, you should take a good look at this option. The MSISR application deadline was 29 FEB, but the Marine Corps will accept FCB applications all the way through 15 JUL. The FCB program is really underpublicized, even though it is still a 100% tuition scholarship for NROTC MO. They don't get a lot of applications (meaning it's much easier to earn than a National), so if you're interested, reach out to the MOI at the respective unit and he/she can help you with the application.
 
Funny that you responded, because when I originally posted this I did contact one of the MOIs from a school I'm interested in- told me the same thing. So I got all the paperwork competed, completed my PT test and interview, and just two days ago I found out I was selected and received the Scholarship.
Super excited, anything work having is worth asking about!

I much agree that it is very under-publicized and for that is far less competitive, but still it leads to a commission in the USMC- while going through college without the stress of tuition.
 
Congrats! Glad to hear that opportunity worked out. Yes, the USMC really should put the word out a little better on that scholarship.
 
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