How much do SAs and ROTC programs coordinate?

ders_dad

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DS was surprised to receive a call last night from a local Marine Captain, noting that DS is applying to USNA and asking if he would be interest in applying for NROTC-MO as a plan B. (DS is in-process with his NROTC (non-MO) application but has not submitted anything yet). Got us to wondering how much sharing of info goes on between ROTC programs and SAs. Is this pretty typical?
 
First off, if he is applying for nrotc non-MO, he cannot simultaneously apply for Marine Option. As for if SA’s and ROTC, they don’t coordinate on who gets awarded what. There are many instances that a person could receive both an appointment and a scholarship, one or the other, or none at all. I’m not sure how typical this is but for me last year, I was applying to the same programs as your DS and I too was contacted by a marine recruiter. I’m not sure how they got the info but I do know for sure that there’s no coordination between the two programs. Best of luck to your DS!
 
Sounds to me like a resourceful Marine OSO making sure he is taking every opportunity to meet his goals. Its a smart approach.
 
Sounds to me like a resourceful Marine OSO making sure he is taking every opportunity to meet his goals. Its a smart approach.

This is what I suspected, as well. Just wondered how/where in the process they learn someone is applying to SA. BTW, DS (and I) really appreciated him reaching out - love to see that level of pro-active in just about all things. I agree - it is a smart approach. (DS thanked him but explained he was applying for NROTC scholarship and understood he could not also apply for NROTC-MO).
 
No known connection between the application processes. I would suspect a personal link back to the academy - perhaps the OSO was a USNA grad or perhaps he has a buddy who works there now. Pure conjecture on my part...
 
Back in 2015, my DS also received a call from a Marine OSO, pitching PLC to him, after he was turned down by USNA. (This was before DS was awarded the Army scholarship).

I agree there is no coordination in appointments and scholarships, but I do believe that NROTC and PLC programs must have access to the lists of USNA applicants. Otherwise how would the OSO have known of my DS's interest in the Corps?
 
BTW, DS (and I) really appreciated him reaching out - love to see that level of pro-active in just about all things. I agree - it is a smart approach.
The man is a Marine Officer. I would expect nothing less! :D
 
DS was surprised to receive a call last night from a local Marine Captain, noting that DS is applying to USNA and asking if he would be interest in applying for NROTC-MO as a plan B. (DS is in-process with his NROTC (non-MO) application but has not submitted anything yet). Got us to wondering how much sharing of info goes on between ROTC programs and SAs. Is this pretty typical?

The Marine highly likely got your son’s contact from Boys State and from any check mark your son may have made online that he’s interested in the Navy.

Last year my DS got a call many times from several Marines after Boys State. And despite telling them he applied to Annapolis and NROTC Scholarship they continued to call until he kindly let them know he will not seek the Marine path. After that no more calls from the Marines. Marines want people who want to become a Marine. Once they know you have other plans they will not pursue you. Marines are proud bunch and so they are at the Naval Academy. About 250 apply to Marine option and only 150 are accepted.

NROTC and USNA are also a separate process and they do not coordinate. Some may encourage you to accept the NROTC Scholarship over Annapolis during the application and interview process. But that depends on the person. Those who work at respective colleges will tell you why their program is good but will not say better. Many of those instructors and commanders are Annapolis grads so they do have a hard job selling their NROTC Units. But this is before the fact and before you receive your Appointment. If NROTC recruiters ask if you are applying to USNA, the answer should be Yes, answered truthfully.
 
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