Question about Senior Military Colleges in general.

sturner11

5-Year Member
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Mar 9, 2010
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If I were to go to an SMC and take part in NROTC Marine Option, would I be able to commission as a 2nd Luey even if I never receive any type of scholarship?
 
yes- if you don't have a scholarship you can be commissioned thru the "college program". You sign a contract at the start of 2d class- (Jr ) year and will get paid your monthly stipend and attend summer training between 2d and 1st class year.
http://www.vmi.edu/show.aspx?tid=37103&id=2598
 
Is getting selected for the college program as difficult as getting a scholarship?

I heard maintaining a 3.0 and a 1st class pft is enough. Is there any truth to that?
 
You should also consider commissioning through the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC). I have several buddies who went that route. They still completed four years of Marine Option NROTC training, but they were contracted through PLC instead of NROTC. Every option (NROTC, PLC, OCS) has its pros and cons.

Check it out here.
 
Hello! I am very seriously considering the Naval Academy but since it's pretty tough I was thinking about the senior military colleges as well. Does anybody have an idea if going to a senior military college is better than a typical civilian university ROTC program? And just how hard are Marine Option scholarships to obtain?
 
Is getting selected for the college program as difficult as getting a scholarship?

I heard maintaining a 3.0 and a 1st class pft is enough. Is there any truth to that?

No it isn't as competitive as getting a scholarship. If you have >2.5- 3.0 and a solid PT score and your Marine instructors rate you as having strong leadership potential at the end of 3d Class year, I believe that you will be selected without an issue. Every year of course is different, but you will be far from alone in this position. It's not a scholarship- but it will pay you around $5000 per school year for your last two year plus a uniform allowance so it's not a bad deal
 
Hello! I am very seriously considering the Naval Academy but since it's pretty tough I was thinking about the senior military colleges as well. Does anybody have an idea if going to a senior military college is better than a typical civilian university ROTC program? And just how hard are Marine Option scholarships to obtain?

Master Jedi,

I do not think that attending a senior military college is "better" than going through ROTC at a normal college.

If I may speak for others who have also graduated from a senior military college - I know that it is a special experience.

I wish you well with your college/career search.

Fuji
Norwich 84
 
Norwich University

Sturner11...all of the advice you have been given is spot on. Recommend calling or emailing the Recruiting Officers at the Senior Military Colleges (SMC).

http://www.norwich.edu/cadets/navyrotc.html

Master Jedi...General Colin Powell did not attend an SMC...so it would be important to visit both types of programs. The only major difference between the two...is the 24/7 leadership program an SMC offers via The Corps of Cadets. At an SMC...you wear a uniform everyday...train every week...and are able to develop your leadership skills through a progressive 4-year leadership model...not only through your ROTC program...but The Corps as well.

V/R
 
The only major difference between the two...is the 24/7 leadership program an SMC offers via The Corps of Cadets. At an SMC...you wear a uniform everyday...train every week...and are able to develop your leadership skills through a progressive 4-year leadership model...not only through your ROTC program...but The Corps as well.

V/R

OK, I'm not a military person but I did attend Texas A&M (one of the SMCs) and I am convinced that the leadership program in the Corps of Cadets is far superior to the typical ROTC-once-a-week program. Not saying you can't become an excellent officer through typical ROTC. Just that the Corps approach is better.

My opinion, worth what you paid for it.
 
Norwich University

Thank you JBowman55...

I had hoped that was what I implied. As the Director of Corps Recruitment at Norwich it isn't that I disagree...rather when I reply to these posts I remain neutral and objective. Since retiring from the Army 18-years ago...I've learned that doing so is the best method. I actually teach young people through recruitment programs and other venues, like congressional service academy sessions, how to apply to the Federal Academies, how to seek a nomination, how to apply for an ROTC Scholarship...and what are the differences between our different institutions, as most of our citiznes have no idea. By remaining neutral...it has been by experience that we all win, as each prospective student makes their individual choice based on fit. Certainly, there are few if any places one can gain the type of leadership experience our Cadets do at the SMCs.

Congratulations to your daughter for her selection and attendance at the Naval Academy! However...I hope she isn't disappointed when Army Beats Navy this year!
 
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OK, I'm not a military person but I did attend Texas A&M (one of the SMCs) and I am convinced that the leadership program in the Corps of Cadets is far superior to the typical ROTC-once-a-week program. Not saying you can't become an excellent officer through typical ROTC. Just that the Corps approach is better.

My opinion, worth what you paid for it.

"Better" is just a matter of opinion because everyone has a different definition of the word. It all depends on what the specific person wants/needs. Someone may develop more thoroughly through a once a week program than a SMC.
 
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