USNA VS NROTC
- Thread starter Puttipon
- Start date
-
- Tags
- nrotc swo us naval academy
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2013
- Messages
- 457
There are many moving parts to this question...
Respectfully suggest two courses of action:
1) Apply for both the Academy and NROTC; and
2) Visit USNA during the academic year and visit your preferred civilian colleges with NROTC units...
I strongly suspect your answer will be revealed to you somewhere along the way.
Good luck to you!
P.S. I have a son who did both NROTC and is now at the Academy. Send me a PM if you wish to discuss further.
Respectfully suggest two courses of action:
1) Apply for both the Academy and NROTC; and
2) Visit USNA during the academic year and visit your preferred civilian colleges with NROTC units...
I strongly suspect your answer will be revealed to you somewhere along the way.
Good luck to you!
P.S. I have a son who did both NROTC and is now at the Academy. Send me a PM if you wish to discuss further.
Old Navy BGO
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2012
- Messages
- 4,622
There really are pros and cons to each.... either way , you can't go wrong.
The short answer, if you want the "immersion" route, where you live, eat and breath Navy all the time...go USNA. If you want a more , normal college life, with a little Navy mixed in; or perhaps USNA doesn't offer the major that you have always had your heart set on, go NROTC.
Always keep in mind, the end result is the same. Everyone graduates an Ensign, and I've always felt that whatever short fall a NROTC grad may have in their initial officer training program is quickly overcome with on the job training in the Fleet.
It really doesn't matter what your major at USNA is ...sure, you get a BS in something, but your real major is NAVY. Attend NASS next year, or go to a CVW; make sure USNA is what you want to do. USNA can be hard, but it really sucks if you don't want to be there.
The short answer, if you want the "immersion" route, where you live, eat and breath Navy all the time...go USNA. If you want a more , normal college life, with a little Navy mixed in; or perhaps USNA doesn't offer the major that you have always had your heart set on, go NROTC.
Always keep in mind, the end result is the same. Everyone graduates an Ensign, and I've always felt that whatever short fall a NROTC grad may have in their initial officer training program is quickly overcome with on the job training in the Fleet.
It really doesn't matter what your major at USNA is ...sure, you get a BS in something, but your real major is NAVY. Attend NASS next year, or go to a CVW; make sure USNA is what you want to do. USNA can be hard, but it really sucks if you don't want to be there.
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2017
- Messages
- 9,352
There are also lots of posts about this on the forums that you can use the search function to find. Other discussions already held.
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2010
- Messages
- 16,005
+1 to Old Navy BGO. I would only add that although my NROTC MO son majored in history, Navy was his focus of attention and in some sense his major. However, because he was at a "normal" college that effort and commitment was his choice, although NROTC can be demanding. He was still able to share an apartment and "party" with normal students and do other extra-curricular activities.
The end result is the same.
The skills you learn on the way are different. USNA Mids live the Academy 24/7 (not the Navy) and there are good developmental things in that. NROTC Mids don't live the same life, and there are good developmental things in that too.
There is a need in the fleet for both types and everyone winds up on the same level.
The skills you learn on the way are different. USNA Mids live the Academy 24/7 (not the Navy) and there are good developmental things in that. NROTC Mids don't live the same life, and there are good developmental things in that too.
There is a need in the fleet for both types and everyone winds up on the same level.
Old Navy BGO
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2012
- Messages
- 4,622
Barry D makes a good point...the USNA immersion is not necessarily the real Navy. Leading a group of Midshipmen can be a whole lot different than a group of Sailors. The quicker that a Grad recognizes that, the better they will do when they get into the Fleet.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2019
- Messages
- 5,628
@Old Navy BGO the point you made regarding the immersion route was spot on. Our DS did his NROTC interview this morning and that exact point was brought up. When the interview was complete, the Lt. introduced my son to a coworker, a USNA graduate. They chatted a bit, and discussed the different experiences they each had, one at a civilian NROTC school and the other USNA. Both officers in the same navy, both happy. Now DS is on post completing his AFA so he can make the first boards for NROTC. Fingers crossed.
Impulsive
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2019
- Messages
- 1,024
As others have stated, there is a difference in an academy or ROTC. Any of the academies are total immersion in military life for four years, with only having time off when the military tells you that you can have it. ROTC, I believe any of the branches allow you to set your own schedule outside of the ROTC requirements (not 24/7). One gives you the "college" experience, the other the "academy" experience, it is up to the Candidate, NOT the parents to make that decision. YOU as the candidate have to be happy and secure in your choice, for some the academy is the way to go, for others ROTC is the better way to achieve their goals. One of the differences that hasn't really been considered is that the ROTC route allows for the choice of any major (fitting within the Type of scholarship if you go the scholarship route), and maybe one not offered at the academies but still Commission the same as an academy grad. Another thing to think about, that I have seen often posted on these forums is grad school, going to an academy generally requires a minimum of three years AD before any offer of grad school (and grad school usually comes with additional service obligations), with ROTC, if you have the option to Commission Reserve, you can do directly to grad school (on your dime) while attending drill and AD Training, then maybe go AD after finishing your graduate studies. A faster route to an end so to speak, and one without additional service time added on because the military is not paying the tab.
I don't think there is a "RIGHT" answer to OP's question, both USNA and NROTC get you there, you need to consider the route you wish to take and the commitment you want to make. Talk to admissions people at USNA (and any grads you can find), and talk to the Command at a couple of your college choices for NROTC, and some current and former members, and get an idea of the road you want. As others have said, choose wisely, four years being miserable is not a good start to a chosen career.
I don't think there is a "RIGHT" answer to OP's question, both USNA and NROTC get you there, you need to consider the route you wish to take and the commitment you want to make. Talk to admissions people at USNA (and any grads you can find), and talk to the Command at a couple of your college choices for NROTC, and some current and former members, and get an idea of the road you want. As others have said, choose wisely, four years being miserable is not a good start to a chosen career.