Switch from NROTC to MROTC?

Could you enroll (on scholarship) as a NROTC cadet then switch to the Marine Option (while still on scholarship)?

I read something like this on another forum but I am not sure..

I am only asking this because I am still hesitant between Navy and the Marines.

Thanks!

dlee96 said:

Could you enroll (on scholarship) as a NROTC cadet then switch to the Marine Option (while still on scholarship)?

I read something like this on another forum but I am not sure..

I am only asking this because I am still hesitant between Navy and the Marines.

Thanks!

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If you're asking if you can transfer you're scholarship, it is possible. However it has to be approved and is not guaranteed. I have a friend who was a Marine option and switched to Navy, and I'm sure it can work it reverse too. Not easy from what I've been told though.

You can switch from Navy to Marines while on scholarship, but as stated earlier it's not easy and not a given. The way the process worked last year, you needed to basically apply for a Marine Option in-school (sideload) scholarship. The competition is national, so you're competing against everyone who is also applying for a sideload scholarship across the country. You will need your CO's endorsement as well as the Marine Officer Instructor's endorsement. You had also better be in peak physical condition probably getting 290+ on the Marine PFT (as opposed to the Navy PFA). I've been told last December 9 such scholarships were offered nationwide. I also know such moves have been disapproved in the past as well. It was much easier at one time when we needed the ground troops for the wars... probably not so much now.

I think the move can also be approved but with loss of scholarship. I expect that's rare though. Still a national level application even for that.

To confirm what has already been posted, I searched and saw this identical language on multiple NROTC school sites in the Frequently Asked Questions section:

"You can change from one option to the other, but it is not automatic. You must request the change, and it must be approved by both Navy and Marine Corps officials on the basis of your own personal record. The changing of option after the sophomore year is discouraged because it involves making up the specialized courses that are begun for Navy and Marine option students beginning in the junior year."

USMCGrunt said:

To confirm what has already been posted, I searched and saw this identical language on multiple NROTC school sites in the Frequently Asked Questions section:

"You can change from one option to the other, but it is not automatic. You must request the change, and it must be approved by both Navy and Marine Corps officials on the basis of your own personal record. The changing of option after the sophomore year is discouraged because it involves making up the specialized courses that are begun for Navy and Marine option students beginning in the junior year."

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I would certainly agree that going from Navy Option to Marine Option needs to happen by end of sophomore year. Going the other way should probably happen by beginning of sophomore year. There are a lot more Navy specific courses that are started during sophomore year. But then I guess no one asked about "going the other way" on this thread.

kinnem said:

I would certainly agree that going from Navy Option to Marine Option needs to happen by end of sophomore year. Going the other way should probably happen by beginning of sophomore year. There are a lot more Navy specific courses that are started during sophomore year. But then I guess no one asked about "going the other way" on this thread.

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I went through the same thought process last night. Came to the conclusion that the reverse transition is also made difficult by the intended major. Navy has specific majors preferred while Marines do not have a preference on major. So going from Marines to Navy brings another wrinkle if you are not already in a Tech major.

Thank you all for your input.

I am planning on a tech major, an engineering field.

So if I apply to the Marine ROTC after freshman year, would I lose my NROTC scholarship if I don't make the Marine ROTC scholarship? I hope that makes sense.

Thanks!

dlee96 said:

Thank you all for your input.

I am planning on a tech major, an engineering field.

So if I apply to the Marine ROTC after freshman year, would I lose my NROTC scholarship if I don't make the Marine ROTC scholarship? I hope that makes sense.

Thanks!

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I'm not certain but I don't think so. However, do not consider that definitive. It's a good question to ask the cadre if you're thinking of making the switch.