NROTC vs. Marine Option

FeartheGoat · Dec 25, 2009

I am finishing up my application for the NROTC scholarship, but I can't decide whether or not to do the Marine option. I want to be a pilot but I'm not sure that my vision is good enough but we'll just wait and see what happens with that. And if I can't be a pilot I'm not really sure that I have a preference for either, but I do know that I don't want to be SWO. Any advice or suggestions?

aglages · Dec 26, 2009

What are you planning on studying (major) in college?

FeartheGoat · Dec 26, 2009

Aerospace Engineering

aglages · Dec 26, 2009

My very limited experience with people that want the following:

1. Fly
2. Major in Aerospace Engineering
3. Not be an SWO

is that most of these people choose the Air Force. If that option is not available to you (application deadline has passed) then the MC would potentially address all the above, although what your chances of getting a pilot slot are, I don't know. I think you have to realistically evaluate your chances of being medically qualified to fly and if they are not good, then take a hard look at both your college major and what you want to do while in the military and beyond. Good luck.

kevster · Dec 27, 2009

I was kinda in the same boat as you when I submitted my app. I want to fly 1st and foremost and both of the services allow for that. Im pretty sure that I would need PRK so that factored into my choice as well. I dont have a problem going SWO ( I actually think it would be kinda cool) so that made my choice pretty easy ( I chose navy option). So if you are dead set against going SWO I would choose MC option.

2012Cadet · Dec 27, 2009

...Apparently, if need be you can switch options later (according to what people have told me), so you could go with regular option and switch later if you need to or vice-versa.

Nikolas · Jan 8, 2010

A marine pilot told me that their is a lot less competition to get a pilot slot in the Marines compared to the Navy or Air force. (I would ask a recruiter though to confirm thats still the case.)

Not sure about the medical requirements for Marine pilots.

C2014 · Feb 22, 2010

In my opinion, the people who choose to go for the Marine Option Scholarship should first and foremost want to not only lead Marines but become a Marine Officer. After you do that then Jobs can come into play but remember as an Officer your there to lead. Job Selection wise for Marine Aviators is really really competitive!! You have to be top notch, that is the trend I have seen with all the Air Contracts.Usually from what I have heard from Marine Officers I have met through my Dad (works at Quantico) is that Marine Aviators and Infantry Officers are PT Studs!!!

js3486 · Feb 24, 2010

FeartheGoat said:
I am finishing up my application for the NROTC scholarship, but I can't decide whether or not to do the Marine option. I want to be a pilot but I'm not sure that my vision is good enough but we'll just wait and see what happens with that. And if I can't be a pilot I'm not really sure that I have a preference for either, but I do know that I don't want to be SWO. Any advice or suggestions?

What's wrong with being a SWO??

apr8001 · Feb 25, 2010

2012Cadet said:
...Apparently, if need be you can switch options later (according to what people have told me), so you could go with regular option and switch later if you need to or vice-versa.

You can request to switch between Navy and Marine Option. However, your chances are better if you make up your mind now. The further you get into it the less likely they will want to switch you.

devildog55 · Feb 28, 2010

I would choose it on the basis of if you couldnt fly, would you rather go infantry or be an SWO.