NROTC

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Starsandstripes

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Mar 24, 2020
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Hello everyone. I applied to USNA, got a nomination and then was eventually turned down in beginning of April. That being said, I plan on attending Texas A&M. I did not apply for NROTC and I’m seriously regretting it now since I want to reapply to USNA. Is there anyway I can still be in the NROTC program my freshman year even if I’m not applying for the scholarship? Would my CFA and DODMERB transfer over? Thank you and I apologize if these are stupid questions. I just know everyone on here is able to give very thought out and solid answers.
 
Yes - On your TAMU application, did apply for the Corps? If not, I suggest you place a call on Monday expressing your interest in the TAMU Corps of Cadets. They have limited housing space, so sooner than later on your call. Good luck.
 
Starsandstripes said:
Unfortunately I did not apply for the Corps of Cadets.
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I was in a similar situation as you. I was just turned down and what I did after was message my school's NROTC unit MOI and told him I was interested in joining the Marine option ROTC program. I received a message back within the week asking for information and to apply for the College Programmer option which I did. I went to the school for an interview that was similar to a Blue and Gold Officer interview (dressed up and all), told him why I wanted to be a Marine Corps Officer, was honest and genuine, gave him more information then he asked (letters of rec, resume, transcript, etc.), and was told he liked me a lot and would get back to me within a few weeks. Next thing I knew, he told me that I was the #1 selected Marine Option and was told to attend New Student Indoctrination (NSI) at Great Lakes even without a scholarship. I applied for a sideload scholarship and am waiting to hear back sometime this month.

Moral of the story, reach out and see what you can do. I do not know how Texas A&M runs their unit since they are a senior military college, or what schools you applied to, but check out their website if they have one and see what you can find. If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way and I'm so glad that I reached out rather than hesitating. Good luck and let me know if you have any specific questions (And yes, some of the people in my battalion did not have scholarships at first but they do now. I joined as a sophomore and I had a MIDN instructor at Great Lakes tell me she joined her junior year which is very odd as I did not know you could do that).
 
As others noted, yes, you can definitely participate in NROTC as a college programmer, and compete in that process for a scholarship. It's a great path to serve. Most in NROTC at my DS' school are college programmers, doing this. Are you considering the Navy or Nurse option? If so, then fyi you can apply for the national scholarship in your first semester at college (as if you applied in HS) - so for those paths you can still compete.

Are you considering Marine Option? Then you are still elibible for scholarships, but not the national scholarship.
  • Marine Option Only
    • Students who are enrolled as freshmen in a 4-Year University or college are not eligible for the Four-Year National scholarship. It is recommended that these students contact the Professor of Naval Science at the at the Host University's NROTC Unit to discuss other scholarship opportunities.

This year, fyi, I'm not sure if results varied by unit yet I was surprised to see - specific to a few young men and 1 young woman - all seemingly very qualified NROTC (mostly MO and 2 NO) college programmers did not yet "pick up" a sideload scholarship through NROTC after their first year. Some are continuing as they want to commission, most now will drop from the program by choice. I consider this a lose-lose outcome. I point this out only as data for you and others who may find it of value. So just be aware the programmer receiving a sideload scholarship is not a guarantee but it's great path to commission and serve, nonetheless and some indeed do (see board for great examples) earn a scholarship this way. Be aware you could still get the national scholarship if you apply early next year - but only for Navy Option or Nursing Option.

Thanks for your willingness to serve. Good luck.
 
I would call the TAMU Coprs of Cadets or send an email to Col Hawes - They are extremely responsive and should be able to give you direction. Contact info is available on the TAMU COC website.
Col. Hawes - Assistant Commandant – Recruiting
 
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