NROTC MO Question

Joined
Feb 23, 2017
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Hey all,

So hypothetically, if one wanted to be a Marine Corps Officer, but recieved the NROTC scholarship (Navy Option), would the better path be to

A) Go on scholarship and attempt to make the switch later on

B)Decline the scholarship and go MO as a college programmer.

Thank you!
(P.S I didn't apply for the MO scholarship because my dad is REALLY against the Corps and he was viewing my military scholarship applications to make sure I didn't apply for it)
 
I think there are tons of factors in this. Recently I believe NOLA posted the stats for those requesting to switch... it was a small number. Might be able to search for those stats. Can you afford 4 years of college without a scholarship? Are you prepared to not earn advanced standing, then look at PLC and then OCC as a last option? Both paths leave lots of questions and uncertainty. One path leaves you with a commission if you complete the 4 years and all requirements, the other does not. NOLA or kinnem, could they go on Navy option, apply for transfer and if not selected drop the scholarship and then try to earn advanced standing? I believe they get two shots at the transfer, freshman and sophomore year?
 
I think there are tons of factors in this. Recently I believe NOLA posted the stats for those requesting to switch... it was a small number. Might be able to search for those stats. Can you afford 4 years of college without a scholarship? Are you prepared to not earn advanced standing, then look at PLC and then OCC as a last option? Both paths leave lots of questions and uncertainty. One path leaves you with a commission if you complete the 4 years and all requirements, the other does not. NOLA or kinnem, could they go on Navy option, apply for transfer and if not selected drop the scholarship and then try to earn advanced standing? I believe they get two shots at the transfer, freshman and sophomore year?

It is possible. My NROTC MO Scholarship coordinator received a Navy Option Scholarship, but switched to the MO by the first day of his Sophomore year. He is now a Captain in the USMC
 
I would certainly accept the scholarship and then apply (I think spring semester of freshman year) for an NROTC MO sideload scholarship (I think that's the transfer process). Not sure what happens if he fails to get the sideload. I would like to think that he could stay on scholarship as a Navy Option or go the college programmer route. I believe one would have 2 or 3 opportunities to apply. That being said, my gut would say if one is not accepted on the first try to stay Navy Option but that is based on not much of anything at all (other than wondering if one couldn't get the scholarship, what leads you to believe you could get advanced standing?). In any case there would be plenty of time to discuss all this with the MOI and he/she could shed much more knowledgeable light on the situation... plus you're still getting that tuition paid.

I can't imagine why a Dad who was OK with the Navy would not be keen on the Marine Corps, but that's another thread.
 
Agree with Kinnem that it should be another thread, but I gotta say this.

If you plan to lead Marines as an officer you have to begin by standing up to your Dad instead of engaging in deception.

Being up front and truthful with those you care about us the oath to gain respect. He won't necessarily agree with you, but he will be far more disappointed if you sneak around his wishes.
 
Thanks for the input! I plan on talking to the Det. at my school of choice and finding out the specifics of the sideload scholarships.

Also, yes I do plan on telling my Dad as soon as I move out and into an apartment/dorm. There is a chance he'd just kick me out of the house now if i told him.

Thanks everyone!
 
OP: way too much going on here. Why do you want to be a Marine Officer? What exposure have you had? What experience?

Your first summer cruise is going to expose you to Navy air, Navy sea, Navy sub and the Marines. What a great chance to learn first hand what you want to do.

NavyHoops posts a lot of questions to think about. The Navy has given you two years of a scholarship to consider what you want to do (your commitment doesn't start until start of Junior year). NOTE: It may be one year before commitment (I forget).

Congratulations on your scholarship. Good luck with your decision.
 
The commitment starts the day you start your sophomore year -- so one year no commitment.

My son's unit has had 2 switch to MO the last 2 years or so. One of them subsequently transferred to AROTC.

As mentioned. Know what YOU want to do. If you want to be a Marine, that should have been clear up front. You can, however, prove yourself during the freshman year to the AMOI and MOI that you really want to be a Marine.

You have options, but YOU have to Marine up and pursue them.

In summary, you can take the scholarship -- the first year is no commitment. Be prepared with backup plans and consider all the many factors involved -- financial being one of them.
 
Unfortunately, I do not know which path, statistically, gives you the better chance at becoming a Marine. Marine options scholarships have become very difficult to get both as sideloaded scholarships as a college programmer and as a transfer from NROTC. Here are three quotes from @NavyNOLA . The third one implies that since you are competing with the sideload your chances are statistically the same. If you are OK with serving in the Navy, but would prefer to be a Marine, take the NROTC scholarship and hope for the transfer. One other point, if you desire to be a Marine Pilot, your chance of getting the transfer or a sideloaded scholarship greatly increase. It seem Marins are challenged filling pilot slots.

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/transferring-rotc-units.53998/#post-531408
"Looking at an average of the three most recent fiscal years, MCRC receives approximately 94 scholarship allocations per year, and they receive about 250 applications per year for their twice annual side load boards. Sophomores have had the highest selection rate, at about 45%. Interesting fact- of all those selected, typically about one quarter are seeking Marine Aviation...

The FY17 fall side load board was particularly brutal, though, and isn't very representative of other recent boards. They saw 136 packages and only selected 15 for scholarships. For whatever reason, authorized allocations were a lot lower than expected.

Projections for FY17 spring side load board:
Freshmen Side Load: 36
Sophomore Side Load: 12
Sophomore Advanced Standing: 12"

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/nrotc.52019/#post-512830
"To throw this out there, change of options, whether Navy to Marine or Marine to Navy, are difficult and rare. You can apply (starting after freshman year), but expect to get turned down. The Green to Blue board happens every summer, and for summer 2016:
-There were 7 Marine to Navy change of option nominations for rising sophomores- 1 was selected
-There were 3 Marine to Navy change of option nominations for rising juniors- 0 were selected*
*Of note- all three were offered the option of dropping their Marine scholarship and accepting Navy option Advance Standing

I don't have the Blue to Green numbers handy. Bottom line, don't walk into an NROTC unit thinking that you can just flip back and forth at will, because it does NOT work like that."

https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...holarship-to-marine-option.53888/#post-529982
"You can apply for a change of option starting your freshman year. Success rates can be low, so this isn't anything I'd count on. You are essentially competing with side load scholarship applicants when you apply for a change of option. You'll need to impress the MOI enough to her their endorsement for your package."
 
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