Seeking Advice from USMMA Students and Alumni Please

In my day, the Nuke Navy guys had to have the infamous Rickover interview. So far as I know, only one made it. He just retired a couple of years ago.
 
In my day, the Nuke Navy guys had to have the infamous Rickover interview. So far as I know, only one made it. He just retired a couple of years ago.

There is still an interview...but I'm sure nothing compared to an interview by that admiral.
 
There is still an interview...but I'm sure nothing compared to an interview by that admiral.
To quote my classmate/friend, he said, "It was easy. . . " Everything seemed easy to him, so it was his nickname. . . .one of THOSE guys.
 
Thanks to all of you who have shared your opinions and insights. It's been very useful and I appreciate you taking the time to post on this thread.
 
Thanks to all of you who have shared your opinions and insights. It's been very useful and I appreciate you taking the time to post on this thread.

It is nice to have a plan, but remember, often times, or dare I say for the most part, these change as you acquire experience. I know that what I have been doing for a career the last 19 years is so very far removed from what I started out doing it is unbelievable and was not even on my radar when I was in school.
 
It is nice to have a plan, but remember, often times, or dare I say for the most part, these change as you acquire experience. I know that what I have been doing for a career the last 19 years is so very far removed from what I started out doing it is unbelievable and was not even on my radar when I was in school.

Me too
 
Boy it's sure easy to complain for these people through a keyboard! If you come here, come with an open mind. The upper class midshipman have big heads around here and like to complain about changes. If you come here, you will be faced with adversity as I'm sure you expect. I thought it was a prerequisite to have faced adversity and you had to write about it and accept it before you got in here but I guess not.

Anyways, coming from AROTC last year (University of Wyoming: 4th of 275 Army program in the country) and being here this year, there's definitely a massive distinction between the two pre-commissioning programs. At good ROTC programs, you receive vast military and combat training. At USMMA, you will get close to none of that. Here you get a regimented lifestyle instead. There's perks to both. It's important to note though that if you so choose to commission active duty from here and earn it, you will be sent to more school for training in whatever you need in order to be a successful military officer. It will be much shorter than ROTC obviously, but great officers come from there too.

Bottom line, unless the ROTC program you're seeking is ranked high, USMMA may be the way to go. Message me for more detailed info if you need it. Good luck to you!
 
I've been researching as many sources as possible to fully evaluate a potential decision I may have before me if all goes well. I've attended as many on-site visits as possible for the past three years, as well as reading nearly every post on the subject in this forum. My I am struggling with some of the details and need some advice. Here's some background:

1.) I have been awarded a 4-year NROTC scholarship to a state maritime academy. The SMA also covers room and board for NROTC scholarship recipients. I intend to study marine engineering and pursue the unlimited third engineer license. My understanding is that with the school's summer cruises, cadet shipping, and Navy Summer Cruises I would have sea time near equivalent to USMMA.

2.) For USMMA, I currently have a "qualified" application with a Senator nomination. The only piece that remains for my application is the CFA. I am already DoDMERB qualified. I understand that I may not be offered an appointment but I am trying to prepare for a potential decision if I'm "lucky". I intend to study marine engineering and shipyard management.

USMMA was my only choice for my nomination applications. I am only applying to maritime oriented schools as my goals are specific to their purpose:

- Major in Marine Engineering
- Earn a USCG Unlimited Third Engineer License
- Career in Maritime Industry (at sea as long as possible, followed by shore side in industry)
- A 5 Year Active Duty term in the US Navy as either Submarine Officer (1st choice) or Surface Warfare Officer. From what I understand of the Marine Safety Manual Vol III, my time during active duty could count towards maintaining my USCG license.

I know there are opinions (ref: posts on this forum) on using USMMA as a commissioning source but I hope I've explained my intentions well enough. I am determined to follow a career as an American Merchant Marine Officer, but committing some time to active duty service is important to me. I want to be the best professional I can be and I think the experience would be invaluable considering a long-term career in the field. I'm sure I'm thinking too far ahead, but serving as a Sub Officer and then using my license credentials to work with Military Sealift Command would be a dream come true.

I apologize for the long post but I would be very grateful to current USMMA/Maritime Academy students and alumni who can share any insight on my questions:

1.) How would you weigh the pros and cons of my potential decision - USMMA vs Maritime NROTC?
2.) I understand that about 1/3 or so decide to go active duty after graduation, but can anyone give an idea of the likelihood for the Navy (specifically Sub/SWO tracks). I'm not looking for a guarantee, but an estimate of chances.

I am grateful for your thoughts and advice.

USMMA vs. SA's will make no difference wrt sailing on your license. Obtaining a license is by far the easiest part of getting through USMMA and I would imagine at the SA's as well. Where it will make a big difference is alumni/industry connections and opportunities when/if you decide to come ashore. It will also make a difference wrt to applying to graduate schools, although that works both ways, i.e., considerably more prestige, but your GPA is likely to be lower, especially for engineers, as USMMA is more intensive re academics. I suggest that you compare standard test scores ... for KP plan to hit at least a 650 in math to be competitive and to get through if accepted.

If you are seriously leaning toward active Navy, then I suggest either USNA or Navy ROTC as active Navy is a secondary consideration at USMMA. Good luck whatever you decide.
 
Boy it's sure easy to complain for these people through a keyboard! If you come here, come with an open mind. The upper class midshipman have big heads around here and like to complain about changes. If you come here, you will be faced with adversity as I'm sure you expect. I thought it was a prerequisite to have faced adversity and you had to write about it and accept it before you got in here but I guess not.

You're damn right we have big heads, you'll start to realize that at KP, we b@#$* and moan about everything. Not because we're soft or because we haven't gone through hard times, but it's more like a recreational activity. Also, it's upperclass midshipmen, I've noticed that a ton of people can't get this right. Midshipman = A single midshipman.
 
Most upperclass Midshipmen have actually done something real (been to sea) compared to their equivalents at every other college in the US.

Remember ... a b----ing sailor is a happy sailor.
 
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