NROTC Marine Option Interview

[maschneider93]

I am going in to meet with a Marine Staff Sergeant in regards to my pursuit of an NROTC Marine Option Scholarship. I only got the ball rolling on this process a few days ago and have not started an official application yet, the SSgt said I would be able to do that once we met. Has anyone had a similar experience to this? Is this an official "interview"? Will I be asked questions about my qualifications for such a scholarship like with the other sources of commissioning (i.e. "Name a difficult experience in your life." or "Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult leadership decision.")? I want to know how much I need to prepare for this so I am not caught off guard. I know I will be taking the ASVAB test while I am there, but that's only 40 minutes of the 2 hours he said I should plan to be there for.
Thanks to everyone who responds.

 

[bt18]

My experience from last year was the staff sergeant will be getting the preliminary information from you (medical history, tattoos, scars, military legacy, from what I remember). The official interview will be with the regional captain, your staff sergeant will drive you to the captain; you will probably discuss meeting times during this visit with the staff sergeant.
When I met with the staff sergeant I was dressed in athletic clothes because I ran my PFT there (I never took the ASVAB), be aware though he will probably try to recruit you to go enlisted (mine continuously tried to talk me out of going for the scholarship and just enlist).

 

[Devil Doc]

You’re off to a good start by knowing how the Marines abbreviate staff sergeant.

 

[USMCGrunt]

@maschneider93 - an "interview" with a Recruiter is not necessary to start your application. An ASVAB is not a part of the application process for a NROTC MO scholarship.

Meeting with a Recruiter could be beneficial to ask questions about the Marines, get familiar with the personnel who might be working with your Officer Selection Officer (OSO), and to confirm the path you wish to take (Officer vs Enlisted).

More often than not, many applicants find themselves speaking with a Recruiter in these meetings who is trying to determine if he can swing your path towards enlistment. One approach is to suggest that you should enlist to show your dedication to the Marines and this will help your NROTC application. Please understand that an enlistment is a contract and there are only a few situations where you can get out of it. Acceptance to the Naval Academy or a NROTC scholarship are two of them.

All the instructions for applying for a NROTC scholarship are found online at https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Apply/

You will be interviewed by a Marine Officer (OSO) as part of this process.

You may want to research the process online and also search this Forum for previous discussions on this topic.

 

[AspiringAcademyCandidate]

Yes - I had mine at the end of the summer, and my application is before the Board now.
I believe they want to get a first look at you, ask you some questions, do a simple quiz and personality test, and then see how you fit with the Marine Corps; what you could contribute to the Corps and how the Corps can help you. They will let you know about all of the scholarship and commissioning opportunities available. That report will go to the officer, who will do a second interview, probably with another officer.
I recommend dressing up; I went in a button down shirt and slacks and they thanked me for showing them respect. It was a friendly conversation, and took about 45 minutes.
Good luck!

 

[Capt MJ]

Ex

I am going in to meet with a Marine Staff Sergeant in regards to my pursuit of an NROTC Marine Option Scholarship. I only got the ball rolling on this process a few days ago and have not started an official application yet, the SSgt said I would be able to do that once we met. Has anyone had a similar experience to this? Is this an official "interview"? Will I be asked questions about my qualifications for such a scholarship like with the other sources of commissioning (i.e. "Name a difficult experience in your life." or "Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult leadership decision.")? I want to know how much I need to prepare for this so I am not caught off guard. I know I will be taking the ASVAB test while I am there, but that's only 40 minutes of the 2 hours he said I should plan to be there for.
Thanks to everyone who responds.

Excellent responses above.
You should already know the answers to some interview questions, right, because you’ve been thinking about them and practicing them? Just prepare for the “quiz” as if you were taking a final exam, and you’ll be fine.

Ditto on dressing appropriately. It’s never a mistake to do that, as well as treating the SSgt with respect and appreciation. They will certainly pass on their impression of you to the OSO, and not just the answers to basic questions. The SSgt is thinking about whether you have the potential to be a good and fair leader who will take care of his or her Marines, including, quite possibly, the SSgt, down the road.

Do have an answer prepared for when or if the SSgt steers the conversation to enlisting as a path to a commission; the ASVAB is a classic first step to enlistment and is not required for an officer path. If the expectation is for you to take it, then do so. Think about responses along the lines of “SSgt Finarkle, I appreciate you mentioning enlistment as a path to a commission and a college degree, and I am aware that is a viable path. I’ve researched my options, and at this time, the best path for me is Marine Option at NROTC and the Naval Academy (if applicable). I know both those programs have quality enlisted leaders assigned to ensure midshipmen get properly introduced to the responsibilities of a Marine officer for their Marines. I will certainly consider what you have told me.” Full stop. Big smile. Change topic. This tells him you know that path is there, understand his motive for bringing it up, but aren’t prepared to further explore at this time.

Be prepared for if the SSgt asks if you have any questions. Most of these you will save for asking in your officer interview, but never lose an opportunity to ask a Marine these kinds of things that show you are thinking ahead to your duties and responsibilities:
“SSgt, in your opinion and based on your experiences, what are the top three traits a junior officer should demonstrate when leading their Marines?”
“What are the worst things I could do as a brand new 2nd Lieutenant?”
“If I want to kill the Marine PFT (I’m a squid, may not have this term correct) and set the example, do you have any workout suggestions to share?”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what led you to join the Marine Corps, and more importantly, why have you stayed in?” (Retention of quality Marines is always of interest to an officer.)
Oh, and don’t ask questions you could find answers to by reading everything on the NROTC website or the FAQs and other topics on an individual NROTC unit’s website. Do your own research first. If there is something you don’t understand, you can say, “I was reading on the (college unit) website about X. I wasn’t sure what was meant by “Y,” could you please tell me more?”

 

[maschneider93]

Yes - I had mine at the end of the summer, and my application is before the Board now.
I believe they want to get a first look at you, ask you some questions, do a simple quiz and personality test, and then see how you fit with the Marine Corps; what you could contribute to the Corps and how the Corps can help you. They will let you know about all of the scholarship and commissioning opportunities available. That report will go to the officer, who will do a second interview, probably with another officer.
I recommend dressing up; I went in a button down shirt and slacks and they thanked me for showing them respect. It was a friendly conversation, and took about 45 minutes.
Good luck!

Ex

Excellent responses above.
You should already know the answers to some interview questions, right, because you’ve been thinking about them and practicing them? Just prepare for the “quiz” as if you were taking a final exam, and you’ll be fine.

Ditto on dressing appropriately. It’s never a mistake to do that, as well as treating the SSgt with respect and appreciation. They will certainly pass on their impression of you to the OSO, and not just the answers to basic questions. The SSgt is thinking about whether you have the potential to be a good and fair leader who will take care of his or her Marines, including, quite possibly, the SSgt, down the road.

Do have an answer prepared for when or if the SSgt steers the conversation to enlisting as a path to a commission; the ASVAB is a classic first step to enlistment and is not required for an officer path. If the expectation is for you to take it, then do so. Think about responses along the lines of “SSgt Finarkle, I appreciate you mentioning enlistment as a path to a commission and a college degree, and I am aware that is a viable path. I’ve researched my options, and at this time, the best path for me is Marine Option at NROTC and the Naval Academy (if applicable). I know both those programs have quality enlisted leaders assigned to ensure midshipmen get properly introduced to the responsibilities of a Marine officer for their Marines. I will certainly consider what you have told me.” Full stop. Big smile. Change topic. This tells him you know that path is there, understand his motive for bringing it up, but aren’t prepared to further explore at this time.

Be prepared for if the SSgt asks if you have any questions. Most of these you will save for asking in your officer interview, but never lose an opportunity to ask a Marine these kinds of things that show you are thinking ahead to your duties and responsibilities:
“SSgt, in your opinion and based on your experiences, what are the top three traits a junior officer should demonstrate when leading their Marines?”
“What are the worst things I could do as a brand new 2nd Lieutenant?”
“If I want to kill the Marine PFT (I’m a squid, may not have this term correct) and set the example, do you have any workout suggestions to share?”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what led you to join the Marine Corps, and more importantly, why have you stayed in?” (Retention of quality Marines is always of interest to an officer.)
Oh, and don’t ask questions you could find answers to by reading everything on the NROTC website or the FAQs and other topics on an individual NROTC unit’s website. Do your own research first. If there is something you don’t understand, you can say, “I was reading on the (college unit) website about X. I wasn’t sure what was meant by “Y,” could you please tell me more?”

Thanks for these responses. Regarding clothing, I was told I would be doing pull-ups. I initially planned to dress nicely, however I asked whether athletic clothes would be better for this, and the SSgt said athletic clothes would be good. I assume at this point I should show up wearing athletic clothes, as I do not think it would make sense to show up in a button-down and a tie and find somewhere to change, nor do I think it would make sense to do the pull-ups in nice clothes.

 

[bt18]

Thanks for these responses. Regarding clothing, I was told I would be doing pull-ups. I initially planned to dress nicely, however I asked whether athletic clothes would be better for this, and the SSgt said athletic clothes would be good. I assume at this point I should show up wearing athletic clothes, as I do not think it would make sense to show up in a button-down and a tie and find somewhere to change, nor do I think it would make sense to do the pull-ups in nice clothes.

I wore athletic clothes
.

 

[Recruiting Station XO]

Ex

Excellent responses above.
You should already know the answers to some interview questions, right, because you’ve been thinking about them and practicing them? Just prepare for the “quiz” as if you were taking a final exam, and you’ll be fine.

Ditto on dressing appropriately. It’s never a mistake to do that, as well as treating the SSgt with respect and appreciation. They will certainly pass on their impression of you to the OSO, and not just the answers to basic questions. The SSgt is thinking about whether you have the potential to be a good and fair leader who will take care of his or her Marines, including, quite possibly, the SSgt, down the road.

Do have an answer prepared for when or if the SSgt steers the conversation to enlisting as a path to a commission; the ASVAB is a classic first step to enlistment and is not required for an officer path. If the expectation is for you to take it, then do so. Think about responses along the lines of “SSgt Finarkle, I appreciate you mentioning enlistment as a path to a commission and a college degree, and I am aware that is a viable path. I’ve researched my options, and at this time, the best path for me is Marine Option at NROTC and the Naval Academy (if applicable). I know both those programs have quality enlisted leaders assigned to ensure midshipmen get properly introduced to the responsibilities of a Marine officer for their Marines. I will certainly consider what you have told me.” Full stop. Big smile. Change topic. This tells him you know that path is there, understand his motive for bringing it up, but aren’t prepared to further explore at this time.

Be prepared for if the SSgt asks if you have any questions. Most of these you will save for asking in your officer interview, but never lose an opportunity to ask a Marine these kinds of things that show you are thinking ahead to your duties and responsibilities:
“SSgt, in your opinion and based on your experiences, what are the top three traits a junior officer should demonstrate when leading their Marines?”
“What are the worst things I could do as a brand new 2nd Lieutenant?”
“If I want to kill the Marine PFT (I’m a squid, may not have this term correct) and set the example, do you have any workout suggestions to share?”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what led you to join the Marine Corps, and more importantly, why have you stayed in?” (Retention of quality Marines is always of interest to an officer.)
Oh, and don’t ask questions you could find answers to by reading everything on the NROTC website or the FAQs and other topics on an individual NROTC unit’s website. Do your own research first. If there is something you don’t understand, you can say, “I was reading on the (college unit) website about X. I wasn’t sure what was meant by “Y,” could you please tell me more?”

I promise everyone on the forum-the ASVAB is not a sick joke to get people to enlist. It is a viable alternative for submitting the application if you have been unable to take an SAT or ACT. The motivated SSgt will likely sit you down for what is called the Enlistment Screening Test (EST), in order to determine how you would do on the actual ASVAB. However, to everyone's concern, yes the SSgt will probably broach the subject of enlisting. Remember, if its not what you want to do, you are under no obligation to go forward with it. Hear what he has to say about life as a Marine. Ultimately, building professional relationships with their Marines and listening to guidance is the obligation of all officers. If he starts making outlandish claims like joining the DEP is the only way you'll get selected, please DM me.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

Here's a animal fable, just for fun. A frog and a scorpion were on a flooding island. The frog could easily swim to shore. The scorpion could not. The frog reluctantly agreed to give the scorpion a ride to safety, after the scorpion pointed out that they would both die if the scorpion stung him while on the frog's back. They began the journey. the scorpion stung the frog, as they sank to their deaths in the murky waters, the frog asked "Why?" The scorpion replied "because I'm a scorpion - it's in my nature to sting".

Recruiters have an ABC mentality - always be closing. It is their nature to do so. Marines don't lack motivation and don't shy from missions. It is the recruiter's mission to, among other things, recruit. So she or he may help you, may provide guidance.
The recruiter may advise you to commit/ enlist and talk about OCS etc. May also tell you with a straight face that it's easy to switch from enlisted to ROTC paths, that it will look great to ROTC if you're enlisted.

Sign nothing. Ask all questions. Have a good workout and meeting - listen to the guidance shared, and please let the board know what you learn. this may be on the up and up but I would be cautious.

Revising my post since the post above advises the ASVAB is an alt test for ROTC applications where a candidate did not take the ACT or SAT, which I did not know. That's interesting. Good luck.