More Info on USMMA?

hopefulcandidate

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2014
Messages
48
Hello everyone!

I applied to other service academies, but I was only given a congressional nomination to USMMA. The congressional board thought that KP was the right fit for me.

Quite honestly, this is the first time I've heard about the Merchant Marine Academy. I mean, I've heard about it before, but never actually considered it until now. And I wish I've done my research sooner because I never knew that KP offers great opportunities as well, like the 3 "major"service academies. The engineering curriculum and Sea Year are some of the things that caught my attention. I've been reading about it, scouring its website and the forums for more information. I just have a question.

-For service obligation, I understand that KP grads have more options such as commissioning into any branch of the military or being a merchant mariner. But what about choosing to be active duty in the Navy? It's my goal to get commissioned into the Navy as Active Duty and work on ships or subs. Should I just go a different route if my goal is to get commissioned as an officer in the Navy?

Can anyone enlighten me on the subject of service obligation, in general, for Merchant Marine Academy graduates?
 
The information you seek has been posted multiple times on this forum. The search button will open doors for you, doors you never dreamed existed.
 
Like he said, all of your questions are answered very thoroughly on other threads.

However, I'd like to note that I didn't know about this place until I was nominated here. Same story for almost everyone. You were blessed to get the nomination here rather than those other places.
 
Hello everyone!

I applied to other service academies, but I was only given a congressional nomination to USMMA. The congressional board thought that KP was the right fit for me.

Quite honestly, this is the first time I've heard about the Merchant Marine Academy. I mean, I've heard about it before, but never actually considered it until now. And I wish I've done my research sooner because I never knew that KP offers great opportunities as well, like the 3 "major"service academies. The engineering curriculum and Sea Year are some of the things that caught my attention. I've been reading about it, scouring its website and the forums for more information. I just have a question.

-For service obligation, I understand that KP grads have more options such as commissioning into any branch of the military or being a merchant mariner. But what about choosing to be active duty in the Navy? It's my goal to get commissioned into the Navy as Active Duty and work on ships or subs. Should I just go a different route if my goal is to get commissioned as an officer in the Navy?

Can anyone enlighten me on the subject of service obligation, in general, for Merchant Marine Academy graduates?

I would advise Navy ROTC or reapplying to for a USNA appointment next year as your goal is active Navy. USMMA does grant a naval reserve commission, but it's primary mission is to produce licensed "blue water" merchant marine officers and leaders of the maritime industry. The education/training that you will receive at KP would be directed at such.

The USCGA does not require congressional appointments, so you might consider that too if a career in maritime law enforcement appeals to you.

Best of luck whatever you decide.
 
From USMMA, your obligation is use your mariner license, on US flag vessels for 5 years plus 8 years Navy reserve, or, 5 years active duty in any of the armed services as well as other branches such as NOAA. I don't have the numbers, but I believe 20-25% go active navy each year. There seems to be a big push by AF for 2017 and 2018 classes. If the defense budget increases with the new administration, it is probably a fair bet that all the services will be looking for people. On campus, there are liasons with all of the services. From USMMA, your chances of flying Navy are greater than from usna. For subs, the best chance is probably going engine, so you can jump to nuclear power school upon graduation. I am not sure if subs are available/offered to the deck. don't know one way or the other. All things you should ask your admission officer about
 
Subs are also available for deck majors.

Listen to your nomination board. They have given you sage advice.
 
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