Some NROTC questions...

[Altaica103]

I am interested in applying for a NROTC scholarship in case USNA doesn’t work out but I have a few questions.
1. I think it was decided that NROTC was NOT centralized, so does this mean I will not be able to do my interview at my local university (USC for me)? I will also have a different interview than my AFROTC interview (if I choose to pursue one) correct?
2. Statistically speaking, I know that ROTC and USNA commission about the same number of Marines (in regard to total commissions). However what are the details of that system? For example the AFA statistically commissions more pilots, but universities can work with you more in depth to ensure you are commissioned as a pilot. Who commissions more Marines as far as those who want to verses those who are? Who turns down more midshipmen?
3. What is the deal with being assured a Marine Option in NROTC and a pilot guarantee? How hard are they to get? Is it more of a “sure thing” to be a Marine pilot through NROTC? Will the USNA training better prepare me for TBS essentially evening out that guarantee?
I know that’s a lot of questions but any help would be great.

[Bumblebee]

USC ^_^ ie: University of Spoiled Children. .
Just something I heard once.

good luck with your rotc.

[Altaica103]

haha. I've never heard that... I suppose that was directed at "the other USC" I didn't think about it but that would be the University of South Carolina that is nearest me. I know AFROTC interviews are pretty standardly conducted there which was why I mentioned it.

[Just_A_Mom]

You asked a handfull of questions and I am going to give some of them a shot.
The program that commissions the most number of Marine officers is PLC. Platoon Leaders class. 34% of Marine officers are commissioned from PLC.
NROTC is only offered at about 60 colleges and universities - most of which are very selective, although I think it is a little easier to get a NROTC-MC option scholarship than and NROTC scholarship.


PLC is summer training that you take between your freshman and sophomore year for 6 weeks in the summer. You attend the college of your choice, tuition assistance is available but there is no ROTC.
The Marine PLC- aviation option is an aviation guarantee and you will receive some flight training while still in college. This is the only program that guarantees you aviation while still in college. (according to the Marines)

[Altaica103]

I always forget about PLC... How exactly do you apply? I havn't found much luck as far a applying or getting in or whatever... do you apply similarly to ROTC, is there a site?
I have never deeply considered PLC because I'm hopeing for more intense training to prepare for TBS. I know that the summer camps would prepare me but I would be on my own for the most part to prepare. I worry that be less prepared to do well at TBS than NROTC/USNA grads. Does anyone have any insight as to the guidance you receive from the MC in the way or preparing for TBS? Do they preform as well at TBS as compaired to ROTC/USNA grads?

[Boehm2010]

Hey basically the way it works at my unit is unless you come in at the beginning of the school year with a marine scholarship, then you have to test to become a marine option (MO). I didnt have a scholarship until half way through this year, so I, like everyone else who wanted to become an MO had to get interviewed and run a PFT. After that you are still technically a navy option (NO) until the navy approves a change of option request. And that only applies if you've already been medically cleared by DODMERB. As far as acceptance rate in my unit, I've never heard of anyone being rejected as long as they maintain a minimum GPA and are in basic shape. NROTC commissions quite a bit of ensigns who go on to flight school. The marines are a bit more complicated. If you want to be a Marine Officer then you go to Officer Candidate's School in quantico, va for 6 weeks. Alot of people fail out of that, but you have two chances at it. After that, you graduate and you get commissioned. Immediately after, you go to The Basic School for 6 months to learn how to lead an infantry platoon. Towards the end of TBS you get your Military Occupational Specialty assignment. You sort of pick what you would like to do but its ultimately up to the Marines. If you put Pilot, then you'll probably have to go through another screening process. Aviation is pretty competitive and selective from what I hear. Its a Long, and rough road, but Good Luck