Question about end role of NROTC

G

GracieandSophie

Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2021
Messages
56
I would like to start by saying what an amazing resource this site has been. Our kid wants to do NROTC at college. We are a complete non military family so I'm struggling reading and understanding the terminology but still trying to learn. I have read through all the NROTC websites and still confused.

My understanding (I could be wrong though) is that if you do the 4 year scholarship NROTC, when you graduate you become an officer the same as someone who went to USNA.

My question is if you don't get the scholarship and you go to the Uni NROTC from day 1 you may still get a 2 or 3 year scholarship.
We are not concerned about needing the scholarship but the kid wants to be a Navy Officer after graduation. If they end up on the 2-3 year scholarship track do you still end up in the same place (officer) as the 4 year scholarship?

Sorry if this question is worded badly.
Thank you
 
Yes! The Navy gets its shiny new Navy Ensigns and Marine Corps its extra-shiny 2nd Lieutenants from USNA, NROTC and OCS pipelines. There are some other routes to a commission, but let’s not overload your brain with those right now. Regardless of whether it’s a full immersion active duty service academy, college degree + commission with or without scholarship via NROTC or Officer Candidate School, the result is the same. All are good, proven paths.
 
If you start as a “college programmer” (non-scholarship) you need to be selected for “advanced standing” after sophomore year to continue in the program. If not selected, you have no obligation to the Navy. If selected, you then need to successfully complete your junior and senior years and then you are commissioned as an ensign in regular Navy just like academy grads and scholarship NROTC mids. Your future in the Navy will be based on your performance as an officer. Many non-academy grads have gone on to distinguished careers in all branches.
 
Capt MJ said:
Yes! The Navy gets its shiny new Navy Ensigns and Marine Corps its extra-shiny 2nd Lieutenants from USNA, NROTC and OCS pipelines. There are some other routes to a commission, but let’s not overload your brain with those right now. Regardless of whether it’s a full immersion active duty service academy, college degree + commission with or without scholarship via NROTC or Officer Candidate School, the result is the same. All are good, proven paths.
Click to expand...
Thank you, that's great to know. Kid wants a higher education and a Navy career, it's good to know it's possible if you don't make it to USNA
 
NJROTC-CC said:
If you start as a “college programmer” (non-scholarship) you need to be selected for “advanced standing” after sophomore year to continue in the program. If not selected, you have no obligation to the Navy. If selected, you then need to successfully complete your junior and senior years and then you are commissioned as an ensign in regular Navy just like academy grads and scholarship NROTC mids. Your future in the Navy will be based on your performance as an officer. Many non-academy grads have gone on to distinguished careers in all branches.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the explanation of the advanced standing. That makes sense now.
 
GracieandSophie said:
Kid wants a higher education and a Navy career, it's good to know it's possible if you don't make it to USNA
Click to expand...
The majority of naval officers come through ROTC. And within a few months of being commissioned, any differences that may exist based on accession path are washed away. It’s all about performance, at that point, and no one gives a diddly about from where one gained their commission.
 
I’ll add, something to consider…when choosing the college, think about potentially needing to finance the education yourself. Should the scholarship not come through.

Every year there are parents/students caught up in this…either not receiving a scholarship, or not passing the medical piece, perhaps getting injured and not commissionable. And then in a pickle with tuition, at a school they cannot afford. No fun to consider, but prudent to do so. Keeping this in mind when selecting schools is always advised.
 
I'm a 4/C NROTC midshipman on college program (non-scholarship) - feel free to reach out and I'll do my best to answer any questions you might have!
 
NROTC non-contracted, college program member can gain Advanced Standing (includes monthly stipend) and/or a 2 or 3 year NROTC scholarship. Both routes lead to a service obligation contract, and a commission upon graduation.
 
justdoit19 said:
I’ll add, something to consider…when choosing the college, think about potentially needing to finance the education yourself. Should the scholarship not come through.

Every year there are parents/students caught up in this…either not receiving a scholarship, or not passing the medical piece, perhaps getting injured and not commissionable. And then in a pickle with tuition, at a school they cannot afford. No fun to consider, but prudent to do so. Keeping this in mind when selecting schools is always advised.
Click to expand...
Yes, thank you, we will keep this in mind, the costs of various colleges vary wildly!
 
AN21 said:
I'm a 4/C NROTC midshipman on college program (non-scholarship) - feel free to reach out and I'll do my best to answer any questions you might have!
Click to expand...
Hello AN21, would you be able to message me directly please, I am too new to the forum to reach out you to.
Thank you!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top