How does your job get determined in NROTC?

[0Powerful0]

Say you want something really competitive, like seals or EOD, how is it determined if you get a billet? And when are you told that that's where your headed? I'm not in rotc currently, but I'm entering my sophomore year and I'm considering becoming a college programmer. What does it take for getting those jobs? If you have a great GPA, speak another language maybe, and do really well fitness-wise (90 push ups, 90 sit ups, 9:00 1.5 mile), are you a reasonable shot?

 

[NavyNOLA]

NROTC Navy option mids find out about service assignment in early senior year (SEP/OCT). Service assignment is based upon GPA, NROTC performance (called aptitude), and the NROTC unit's CO's ranking/input. If a mid desires NSW/EOD, they must first get selected to attend a screener between their junior and senior year (this will serve as their 1/C cruise). You must apply for the screeners, and the NSW/EOD communities select who they will allow to attend; selection is based upon what I mentioned above, as well as their PRT/PST scores. The screeners give these two communities an opportunity to evaluate prospective future ensigns. In order to even be eligible for an NSW/EOD billet during service assignment, a mid has to have attended the respective screener.

A high GPA is great, strong PRT/PST scores are great, but there's more to it than that. Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and MATURITY are just as important, if not more so. BTW, these communities take about 10 people each (from NROTC) most years out of over 850+ new ensigns that we produce.

 

[0Powerful0]

Ok. Thanks for all that info. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I'm going to be a cross town student to the unit, and I won't be able to do a lot of the extra activities like color guard etc, because of the distance and course conflicts. (I don't want to say where I attend, but it's 1 hour+ each way). In your view, is this going to hinder my ability to demonstrate those positive qualities that I would need for an NSW commission? I've got the characteristics, and I feel that I could show them, but how much would it hurt me if I'm not part of the "home" university of the unit? (In terms of both NROTC "performance" and my CO's ranking)

 

[NavyNOLA]

Being a cross-town student should never hinder a midshipman's ability to perform well in a battalion. A couple of the top ranked mids in our program go to cross-town schools that are around 20+ minutes away. It will require greater effort on your part, but it's certainly possible. Here's what's important to remember though.....statistically, you have VERY little chance of NSW/EOD. Right now, you should be primarily focused on earning a scholarship. You should only pursue NROTC if you would be happy serving in ANY Unrestricted Line community, not just one or two.