Foreign Exchange Cruise Advice

[AlastairRussell]

Hi Everyone!

It's been a while since I've posted on here, currently a rising 3/C (Sophomore) Midshipman at University of Washington NROTC. This summer I did CORTRAMID and now I'm trying to figure out what I want to request for next years summer cruise, and was hoping to maybe reach out to some mids that are maybe a bit closer to graduation and have been on a few more cruises than I have.

By the way, before I ask my question, please feel free to ask me questions about CORTRAMID, UW, life as a mid, etc. I'm loving it!

Anyways- I would like to request a foreign exchange cruise. I would be most excited to get somewhere like Faslane, Scotland. The biggest reason for Faslane is that I'm interested in submarines and the strategic deterrence mission, and part of what makes strategic deterrence such an interesting topic is how we cooperate with allied navies to ensure these mighty weapons never have to be used. To me it seems like no greater ally exists to the US in the mission of strategic deterrence then the Royal Navy. That being said, I'd be over the moon with any opportunity to interact with foreign Navies that they're willing to give me!

So my question; are there any posters here that have been through a FOREX (Foreign Exchange Crusie) and can speak at all to the process of applying? How much choice you have as far as country you're exchanging with? What the selection board is looking for? I know that most FOREX slots are given to Academy mids but ROTC mids have gotten them before so I'll apply, and the worst they can do is say no.

TIA!

 

[NavyNOLA]

FOREX cruises are most often reserved for outstanding rising senior midshipmen. If you are interested in a FOREX cruise for next year, you should talk to your advisor later this fall, but spaces may or may not be available for rising juniors. There is not an application process. It is simply a matter of whether they are available and whether your unit thinks highly enough of you to request one for you. The piece about most FOREX cruises going to USNA mids is simply not accurate. In the past couple years, out unit has sent multiple mids on FOREX cruises, working with countries such as France, Greece, and Japan. Many units around the country frequently get FOREX billets for their students as well. If you are interested in a sub cruise, they are frequently available as a 2/C cruise for rising juniors, so you're more likely to have success pursuing that option.

 

[LineInTheSand]

Not to be confused with foreign exchanges (in finance)!