Every eligible age is represented on Induction Day. There will be plenty of 17 year olds, along with “ancient mariners” from the Fleet and Corps, and college applicants/re-applicants. Age diversity is the norm.
As he finalizes his backups, with his interest in nuclear programs, I hope he researched the NUPOC program, see below just a few official and unofficial links of the many available. NUPOCS go to some of the top STEM schools in the country.
The basic requirements for selection to the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program (NUPOC). Program leads to appointment on active duty as a Navy Ensign.
www.navycs.com
NUPOC pays up to $175,000 to complete a degree and provides 5 distinct career paths that combine engineering with intense leadership challenges.
nupocaccessions.blogspot.com
No doubt he is considering NROTC as a back-up, because of the ability to do the USNA-recommended Plebe-like coursework and still be working toward a commission, able to re-apply to USNA and score a ROTC nom source too.
NROTC at Purdue has produced many nuclear officers over the years, through both the NROTC unit and NUPOC program.