My DD is not marine option but she is NROTC. I can speak to the corps side - Virginia Tech is an original Senior Military College like VMI (est. 1872). The Corp all lives together in "Upper Quad" with Lane Hall (Barracks #1) in the center. They wear uniforms 24/7, they have very strict rules while in the Upper Quad and while out on the main campus. VT has many long-standing Corps traditions - all like the other SMCs. The main difference though is that VT built a large research university around its Corps of Cadets. So, while in class, they mingle with civilian students. But, the Corps cadets wear a uniform on campus and when you visit you can readily identify them because of it. They have strict schedules and curfews, required ECQ and Navy (or Army, etc.) tutoring hours. They have a plebe or "rat" year the same as every other SMC, they have early morning PT, tactical challenges, drill competitions, honor guards, horse units, regimental band and all the same Corps student organizations. There is a strict honor code and you must memorize the Guidon - because you may be asked to recite from it at any time, any where. After freshman year, with permission from your chain of command, you can also join other campus student orgs. My DD did this and is now a member of the VT Fencing team. I have been impressed with how much the university not only acknowledges but LIVES and honors its roots as a senior military college. The civilian students are likewise very respectful.
They have unbelievable traditions - some dating back to their inception in 1872. Skipper the cannon, Caldwell March, so many more. And, there is simply nothing like marching into Lane stadium during football season and having the entire regiment line the field by company at the start of every game.
The Corps of Cadets Regiment is around 1100 (so maybe 500 or so smaller than VMI) with the Navy Battalion being more than 300 of that number - so it is a large unit. Cadets are placed in one of 14 companies in three battalions. You are also placed in a company for Navy - as a marine option, you would be placed in Raider company I think [? I will wait for a MO to answer that one!]. But suffice it to say, you are placed in the Marine unit which I would guess has somewhere around 80 in it. While some restrictions naturally ease up after your rat year, you will remain in the same 24/7 military environment during your whole time in the Corps. Seniors obviously have more privileges --like they might be able to wear civilian clothes after 5 pm inside the dorms (although never outside, btw).
All of your military trainings are exactly the same as VMI or any other MO ROTC because that is set by the Marine Corps.
I know that didn't help on the marine specific questions but hopefully that helps. I will see if I can get an MO to jump in here in case they missed your post. Good Luck to you! If you have not visited VT, you really should in order to get a better feel for the school and the Corps. And congratulations!
