navy rotc service assignment

Steel City Naval ROTC

Service Assignment

Once you have been commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy, you will be a part of one of a few Naval service communities: the Aviation community (Student Naval Aviator or Naval Flight Officer), the Surface Warfare community, or the Submarine Warfare community.  This section of our website contains information about each of these communities.

An additional option for Midshipmen is the Special Warfare route.  Although highly demanding and competitive, Special Warfare service members can choose between the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and SEAL communities.

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Navy Option Service Assignment

Approximately six to nine months before graduation, Navy Option midshipmen supply the Navy with a list of ranked preferences for their warfare community assignment. Assignments to the warfare communities below are made according to the midshipman’s overall performance, Commanding Officer rank (both academic and military), and, ultimately, the needs of the Navy.

• Naval Aviation
• Submarine Officer 
• Surface Warfare Officer 
• Special Warfare (SEALs)  
• Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD)

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Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps

Welcome to the Bulldog Battalion! 

The Bulldog Battalion gathers to celebrate the birthdays of the Navy and Marine Corps!

The Class of 2025 was sworn in and became part of the Bulldog Battalion after participating in a week-long New Student Orientation.

MIDN Klein, Bruning, and Fern enjoying a “Flight Suit Friday” while conducting training on CORTRAMID West in San Diego.

The Bulldog Battalion stands ready for inspection.

Marine Options from Yale, Cornell, MIT, Holy Cross, and RPI  embark on a three-mile hike while participating in a Field Exercise at Fort Devens.

The Yale Joint ROTC Colorguard poses with  Heidi and her partner, Yale Police Officer Rich Simon. Heidi serves the Yale community as a public safety service dog.

Navy Midshipmen and Air Force Cadets working jointly to solve geo-political scenarios during the Group Leadership Project

Midshipmen make critical decisions to solve this problem set at Camp Nett’s Leaders’ Reaction Course.

LT Barszowski presents GySgt Portell with a gift in honor of the Marine Corps’ 246th Birthday! OORAH!

BMCS Faron Carhee and CDMCM Kellen Voland join us during Naval Lab to discuss the important roll that the Chief Petty Officer plays in our Navy and how they work with Junior Officers to make ships and aircraft operate.

Battalion CO, MIDN Andrew Song, presents RADM Shoshana Chatfield, President of the Naval War College, with a plaque to commemorate her visit with the Bulldog Battalion.

The Class of 2022 received their service assignment. These are the career paths that these midshipmen will embark on upon commissioing.

Welcome to the Bulldog Battalion!

Thank you for coming to explore nrotc opportunties at yale.

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program was established to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the US Navy (unrestricted line), or in the Marine Corps. As the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers, the NROTC Scholarship Program fills a vital need in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps.

We’d be happy to answer any question that you have about the NROTC program and how NROTC integrates into your life as a Yale student! If you’d like to speak with one of our staff officers, please fill out this form .

If you’d like the opportunity to speak with one of our current Midshipmen, please fill out this form and we will connect your with somewho who has similar interest!

• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of NROTC?

Our purpose is to morally, mentally, and physically develop college students for leadership roles as commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps.

What are the benefits of the NROTC scholarship?

The national scholarship covers full tuition and all required educational fees at the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas, or Macalester College.  In addition each scholarship student will receive:

Initial travel payment if the home of record is more than 50 miles from the University of Minnesota (only provided for the first time the student reports to the NROTC Unit, subsequent trips are not reimbursed)

Book stipend of $375 for both the fall and spring semesters

Monthly stipend during the school year at the following rates:

• $250 - Freshman
• $300 - Sophomore
• $350 - Junior
• $400 - Senior

What is the College Program?

The College Program is for students who want to participate in the NROTC program but have not applied or not been selected for a national scholarship.  You can apply to join the College Program as a freshman or sophomore as long as you are a degree seeking student at the University of Minnesota or one of our cross-town affiliates (University of Saint Thomas or Macalester College).  

You will have opportunities to apply for either a two- or three-year "sideload" scholarship, which would cover all tuition and required fees starting the fall after you are selected.  You can also apply for "Advanced Standing," which does not provide scholarship benefits but will guarantee you with a commissioning slot and a monthly stipend during your junior and senior years.  If you are not selected for either a sideload scholarship or Advanced Standing, you will not be able to continue in the NROTC program past your sophomore year.  

Are there any benefits for the College Program (non-scholarship) students?

Yes. Students who enter the junior year in College Program (Advanced Standing) status will begin receiving a $350 per month tax-free subsistence allowance. In addition, during the entire four years, they are given use of the uniforms they need, and their naval science textbooks. They also receive pay during summer cruise between their junior and senior years.

Does the scholarship cover room and board expenses?

No. Those expenses must be borne by the individual families. Students who find that room and board payments represent a financial hardship should investigate through financial aid programs at their respective universities. Many of our NROTC students, and most other students, receive some form of financial aid from the university, either in the form of grants, loans, or work-study jobs on campus.

What is my active duty obligation after graduation?

Our Navy Option students are required to serve a minimum of five years of active military service upon graduation. Additional requirements may be required for specific job assignments. This obligation is accepted at the beginning of the sophomore year.

Marine Corps Option scholarship midshipmen will be required to serve at least four years on active duty.

When is a service obligation incurred?

Scholarship students have until September 1st of their sophomore year to decide whether to remain in the program before incurring a service obligation.  Those who decide to drop from the program before that date may do so without any service obligation or obligation to repay the tuition benefits received for the freshman year.  Those choosing to continue will incur the obligation of service.  After this date, scholarship students who decide to voluntarily leave the program must reimburse the Department of the Navy for all tuition benefits received previously, including the freshman year. 

Current policy requires Active Enlisted Service for those scholarship students who disenroll from the program during their senior year, rather than recoupment of tuition benefits. 

College Program (Basic Standing) students become obligated immediately after receiving either a 3-Year or 2-Year scholarship, or after earning College Program (Advanced Standing) status after their sophomore year.

Will I get the choice of duty I want after graduation?

At the beginning of the senior year, fall semester, our Navy option students state their duty preferences, and many will get their first choice of duty. There are some prerequisites, such as being physically qualified for aviation, and having the right college major and GPA for nuclear powered ships and submarines.  Ultimately, the service assignment is dependent upon the needs of the Navy; students should always be prepared to serve in any capacity required.

Marine Option students receive their duty assignments after successfully completing The Basic School (TBS) post-graduation.   

What about graduate school? Is there any way to go directly to graduate school and postpone my service obligation?

That is a possibility, but highly unlikely. A few top students are selected each year to go on to graduate school, but the vast majority of Midshipmen are expected to enter the military after graduation. Keep in mind, though, that the Navy and Marine Corps have their own Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and you will be eligible for assignment there after your first three or four years of active duty. This will enable you to obtain a graduate degree in one of the offered courses of study while receiving full pay.

What are the specific courses that I must take if I join the NROTC program?

Navy Option:

  Calculus I & II

  Physics  I & II (calc-based)

  2 writing intensive English courses

  1 American Military History OR National Security Policy course

  1 Cultural Studies course 

  8 Naval Science courses  (one per semester)

Note: AP credits can fulfill some of these requirements. However, at least one Calculus and one Physics course must be taken in the collegiate environment.

​Marine Option:

  6 Naval Science courses

What types of academic support does the NROTC unit provide?

The NROTC Unit provides professional tutoring in calculus and physics at no cost to the student. Additionally, we require all incoming freshmen and anyone struggling to participate in weekly study hours. Each Midshipman is also assigned to a class advisor. The class advisor is an active duty Lieutenant who also provides advice about school and NROTC while keeping the big picture in mind. The advisor will ensure each Midshipman is on track to complete degree and program requirements.

How does the Marine training differ from Navy training?

In most respects, it is the same. Marine option students are not required to take calculus and physics courses. Marine option students take different Naval Science courses in their junior and senior years, and in the summer after their junior year they take part in the Officer Candidate School (OCS) training program at Quantico, Virginia. Our Marine Officer Instructor guides them in their development, and upon graduation they are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps.

What will I do on summer training cruises?

There are three different summer cruises for scholarship students. Third Class cruises take place after freshman year, Second Class after sophomore year, and First Class after junior year. College Program students do not participate in summer cruises; if selected for a 2- or 3-year sideload scholarship or Advanced Standing former College Programmers participate in First Class cruise only. Nurse Corps students take two cruises, one aboard ship after freshman year, and one at a Naval Hospital after junior year.

Navy: 

• Third Class - Gives students the chance to learn about the four basic "line officer" specialties. The students spend one week at each of four locations to receive indoctrination in aviation, submarine, surface ships, and Marine Corps amphibious operations.
• Second Class - Aboard either a surface ship or submarine (student's choice) and is geared toward experiencing the Navy from an enlisted viewpoint.
• First Class -  Provides junior officer training aboard ships, submarines, shore based aviation squadrons OR a chance to try out for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or Naval Special Warfare (NSW) communities.
• First Class - 6 week Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA.

If I am given an NROTC scholarship, does that guarantee that I will be admitted?

No. The scholarship selection process is TOTALLY INDEPENDENT of the universities' admission processes. You must seek admission to the University of Minnesota or one of our cross-town affiliates, the University of St Thomas or Macalester College. Keep in mind that the NROTC scholarship cannot be awarded to you until you have been accepted for admission at an NROTC school. It is a good idea for NROTC scholarship applicants to apply to five NROTC host schools to ensure acceptance to at least one NROTC host school.

How many cross town students are in the battalion?

The current battalion make-up is 25% University of St Thomas students, 2% Macalester College students, and 73% University of Minnesota students.

If I attend a cross town university where will I take my classes?

Cross town students take all of the courses required for their degree at their respective university. All naval science classes are taken at the University of Minnesota. All cross town students need to be enrolled at the University of Minnesota as non-degree seeking students so they can get credit for their naval science courses.  Department staff will assist those students in getting properly registered for the first semester.

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Revamp Officer Service Assignments

Naval officer retention is a pressing issue. A good job market, flat defense budgets, and high operational tempo have led many officers to leave the service, which, in turn, has led the Navy to offer large bonuses to encourage more officers to stay. What if the focus were shifted from bonuses to how officers are assigned to their communities?

The culmination of four years at the Naval Academy or in NROTC is an event often referred to as “service selection.” Midshipmen who do not get their top choices, however, are reminded that the process actually is “service assignment,” and the “needs of the Navy” are the primary factor in the outcome. In 2020, 81.7 percent of the Academy graduating class received their top choice, the lowest percentage in the previous five years, which averaged about 88 percent. 1 Compare this with the West Point class of 2020 results, which saw 88 percent of cadets receiving their first choice, an 11 percent increase over the previous year. 2 How can the Navy expect to retain officers who lose out under this system?

According to Naval Academy director of professional development Captain William Switzer, filling nuclear billets is the hardest and probably the “least-liked part of the process.” 3 Nuke draftees likely would concur with this assessment. The Navy actually has an excess of female officers interested in becoming submariners, but limited billets prevent the optimal placement of personnel. 4 However, changes in the service assignment process must go beyond the gender balance of the submarine community. There are some possible solutions.

The improved outcome at West Point was a direct result of an overhaul of its assignment system, with the stated intent of improving retention and job satisfaction. The new Market Model Branching System is highly collaborative and transparent. Cadets have an opportunity to interview with the various Army branches so they are better informed regarding the life and duties of an officer in a given branch. In addition, the system not only considers cadet preferences, but also allows each branch to rank cadets. Cadets can see how the branches ranked them—as well as the results of a simulation that shows where they would have been placed—before finalizing their preferences. 5 They can then move a branch up or down in priority based on their chances of receiving it.

Opening the service assignment process for midshipmen and communities to have a dialogue about the desires of the former and the needs of the latter is an important change that needs to be made.

The current Navy process also requires a structural alteration, and the Army has a solution for that as well. The Navy should offer a version of the Army’s Branch of Choice Active Duty Service Obligation, in which cadets commit to serving three extra years if selected for their desired branch. Through this program, the Army gets an extended service commitment and the cadets increase their chances of getting their desired branch. 6

For many junior officers, the decision to serve beyond their initial commitment largely rests on job satisfaction, not monetary incentives, as bonuses will seldom match private-sector alternatives. If a midshipman is motivated to join a particular community, granting him or her a spot in exchange for extra years of service is a win-win solution. The Navy should follow the Army’s lead and improve officer retention, not by throwing money at the problem, but by working with midshipmen.

1. Selene San Felice, “Naval Academy Service Assignments: What Are the Odds Midshipmen Get Their First Choice and What Does It Take?” Capital Gazette , 27 November 2019.

2. Brandon O’Connor, “West Point Grads Get Assignments through New Branching System,” Army.mil, 18 November 2019.

3. San Felice, “Naval Academy Service Assignments.”

4. Ben Werner, “Submarine Community Can’t Meet Demand from Female Sailors,” USNI News , 11 November 2019.

5. O’Connor, “West Point Grads.”

6. Kyle Rempfer, “West Point Has Changed How Cadets Are Assigned Branches—ROTC Will Soon Follow,” Army Times , 13 September 2019.

Lieutenant (j.g.) Josh Hano, U.S. Navy

Lieutenant (j.g.) Hano is a student naval aviator assigned to Training Air Wing 5 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field. He graduated from Yale University in 2020 with a degree in history.

Related Articles

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Service selection.

Service Selection happens during a Midshipman’s senior year, and it is the process of them being selected for their future career path and job as a naval officer. The jobs are broken down into 2 sections, Unrestricted Line Officers, and Restricted Line Officers. Unrestricted Line Officers are comprised of Surface Warfare, Submarine, Special Warfare (SEAL), Special Operations (EOD), Naval Reactors Engineer, Naval Flight Officer (NFO), and Naval Aviator (NA). The vast majority of officers commissioning out of NROTC will become unrestricted line officers. Trying to become a restricted line/staff officer requires a waiver to qualify or a separate scholarship to become a Navy Nurse. Restricted Line Officers include Oceanography, Cryptologic Warfare, Information Professional, Intelligence, Cyber Warfare Engineer, Doctor/Dental, Nurse Corps, Supply Corps, and Civil Engineering Corps. At the beginning of the Midshipman’s senior year, they will fill out a form with their top five preferences on what job they would like.  

For Marine Option Midshipmen the process of service selection doesn't come into play until after the Midshipmen has commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. The new Second Lieutenant will then go to The Basic School (TBS) to receive further training in which they will be evaluated and ranked. They will then create a preference sheet that lists what Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) they would prefer. The list of different MOSs can be found here.

Here is a list of the possible careers a Navy Option Midshipmen can join:

Surface Warfare Officer

• Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer
• Naval Aviator

Naval Flight Officer

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Surface Warfare Officers are the most highly selected officer out of any of the career fields. They man all of the US surface vessels including destroyers, cruisers, carriers, littoral combat ships, minesweepers, patrol craft, and all of the Navy's amphibious ships which carry US Marines. They have a diverse background and must know how to operate and fight their ships. All new Ensigns will start with ship handling and move into more combat-focused roles as they progress in rank. From day 1 Surface Warfare Officers are expected to lead their division of enlisted sailors making this career path the quickest way to lead and have a direct impact on the US Navy and the crew of your ship.

View more about Surface Warfare Officers.

See more information about Surface Warfare Officers on the My Navy HR page (including the career planner tool) or see more about service selection for Surface Warfare Officers.

  Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer

Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers are in charge of running nuclear reactors on USN aircraft carriers. Keeping the pride of the US fleet powered is one of the most rewarding jobs. Majoring in Engineering, Math, Chemistry, or other STEM-focused majors will aid in getting selected to become a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer. Every officer in this pipeline will have to spend time on one of the many nonnuclear platforms to earn their Surface Warfare Officer pin, then they begin their nuclear training. Every Nuclear officer has to pass a series of interviews and technical exams before they are allowed to join the service making it a highly selective community.

View more about  Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers .

  Submariner

Upon commissioning every Ensign selected for Submarine Warfare will attend one year of advanced nuclear power training, starting with six months of classroom training at Nuclear Power School (NPS) in Charleston, S.C. After NPS, you will have six months of practical, hands-on training at one of the Navy's two shore-based reactor training facilities (Nuclear Power Training Units - NPTU) in upstate New York or Charleston, South Carolina.

View more about becoming a Submarine Officer .

See more about the  Submarine Community on the My Navy HR page .

  Naval Aviator

Naval Aviators fly all of the US Navy’s jets, helicopters, drones, and patrol aircraft. They spend at least 2 years earning their wings and becoming comfortable on their platform. The use of aircraft is a huge advantage in the modern battlespace. Air dominance allows for surface ships and transport aircraft to safely operate and attack the enemy. US Naval aviators can have a wide variety of mission sets and have to train and prepare for anything they may face on the battlefield. 

In order to become a Naval Aviator or Naval Flight Officer, a Midshipman will have to pass the  Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB)  which can be taken at any point during their time at the University of Nebraska Lincoln NROTC. They will have three opportunities to pass the minimum standards, but a higher score will be required to be competitive for a limited number of naval aviators and naval flight officer slots during service selection. Several UNL NROTC alumni have gotten perfect or near-perfect scores. 

View more about becoming a Naval Aviator .

See more about the Aviation community on the My Navy HR website . 

Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) operate the other advanced systems on a naval aircraft and may also be the overall tactical coordinators of multiple aircraft during a mission. They do not fly the aircraft because by dividing the labor the Aviators and NFOs are allowed to concentrate more closely on mission tasks that require their specific individual expertise.  They spend around 2 years earning their wings and becoming comfortable on their platform. 

In order to become a Naval Aviator or Naval Flight Officer, a Midshipman will have to pass the  Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB)  which can be taken at any point during their time at the University of Nebraska Lincoln NROTC. They will have three opportunities to pass the minimum standards, but a higher score will be required to be competitive for a limited number of naval aviators and naval flight officer slots during service selection. Several UNL NROTC alumni have gotten perfect or near-perfect scores.

View more about becoming a Naval Flight Officer (NFO)

  SEAL

As a Naval Special Warfare qualified unrestricted line officer, you will lead and command NSW forces at all levels of rank.  A SEAL officer becomes an expert at conducting special operations in complex, politically sensitive, and dangerous environments. US Navy SEALS have one of the most selective processes in the US Navy. A prospective SEAL will first have to apply for and pass Seal Officer Assessment And Selection (SOAS) between their junior and senior years. If picked through service selection to become a SEAL, the officer must pass Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training (BUD/S) and Seal Qualification Training (SQT).

Learn more about Seal Officer Assessment and Selection (SOAS)

Learn more about becoming a SEAL Officer

  Explosive Ordnance Disposal – EOD

EOD officers have a tough training pipeline and are required to be physically fit and quick on their feet. Using advanced tools like cutting-edge robotic technology and explosives chemistry, this elite group performs missions that require immense bravery—from jumping out of airplanes to blowing up underwater mines.

Learn more about becoming an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer (EOD)

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Summer Training

Summer Training provides Navy scholarship midshipmen with the opportunity to experience the operational Navy. A summer cruise lasts three to four weeks and can take a midshipman all over the world. The 1/C Summer cruise is a requirement for commissioning. These experiences enable midshipmen to prioritize their inputs for service assignments.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for summer cruise, a midshipman must be on scholarship or achieve advanced standing while in the college program. There are three cruises available to midshipmen: 3rd Class, 2nd Class and 1st Class.

3rd Class Cruise

3rd Class cruise occurs between your freshman and sophomore years and is designed as an orientation cruise. At this point you may know you want to be in the Navy but are not sure what you want to do when you get commissioned. 

The Navy therefore exposes you to all four of its communities. Midshipmen at Ohio State attend 3rd Class cruise in San Diego, California, or in Norfolk, Virginia, and spend a week with each community. During surface week, midshipmen experience shipboard life, learn how to Conn a ship, have weapons demonstrations by the U.S. Navy SEALs and much more. During submarine week, midshipmen spend a week onboard a nuclear submarine and experience all facets, from the bridge and engineering to the sonar and torpedo rooms. During aviation week, midshipmen view static displays of naval aircraft and experience Naval Aviator training. Finally, during Marine week, midshipmen sleep in Marine barracks, learn to fire small arms weapons and may even conduct an amphibious assault.

2nd Class Cruise

2nd Class cruise is known as the “blue jacket” cruise and orients you to the enlisted side of the fleet. Midshipmen are assigned a "running mate" (an enlisted petty officer) and experience everything they do. As a future officer, this gives you an outstanding perspective as to how enlisted sailors or Marines live and work in the fleet.

1st Class Cruise

1st Class cruise is the officer orientation cruise. Usually by this point in your career as a midshipman you have a good idea of which community you are interested in joining upon commissioning. This cruise attempts to pair you up with a junior officer in your desired community to learn what to expect upon commissioning and entrance into the active fleet.

Marine Option

Marine-option midshipmen attend the same summer training as their Navy counterparts following their freshman year. They attend Mountain Warfare Training Center near Lake Tahoe, Nevada, for approximately 10 days between their sophomore and junior years. After their junior year, Marine-option midshipmen attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia, for six weeks. Successful completion of OCS is a requirement for commissioning in the Marine Corps.

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame NROTC Official Site

• Commissioning

Navy-Option Midshipmen who successfully complete the NROTC program at Notre Dame will be commissioned as Ensigns. Notre Dame NROTC serves to commission Unrestricted Line Officers in the United States Navy.

Midshipmen will submit their Service Assignment preferences going into their senior year. They will be notified of their Service Assignment early in their senior year prior to commissioning.

Links for the Unrestricted Line Service Assignments can be found below.

Naval Aviation

Surface warfare (conventional), surface warfare (nuclear), submarine warfare, naval special warfare (seal), explosive ordnance disposal (eod).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How and when do i apply for an nrotc scholarship, what should i do if i am interested in studying at unc as a mecep, what types of scholarships are there does unc have all of them, what are the differences between navy and marine scholarships, how do i make myself competitive for a nrotc scholarship, will jrotc help me in nrotc, what happens if i do not receive the scholarship out of high school what if i want to join after my first semester, what happens if my scholarship is awarded to unc but i did not get in to the university, what does an nrotc scholarship cover, do i need to bring uniforms or other gear with me when i arrive at unc, what is summer training like do i get to choose what i do, what is my service obligation after i graduate, can i pick what job i want to do when i graduate can i become a navy doctor out of nrotc, i am an incoming first-year midshipman, what classes am i required to take over my four years, what is an average week like for a midshipman will i be able to participate in other activities besides nrotc does joining nrotc take away from my “college experience”, can i take naval science courses if i am not in the nrotc program, am i allowed to study abroad while in nrotc, why should i attend unc what makes the unc nrotc program unique, can i lose my scholarship once it has been activated, how should i prepare for nrotc once i am selected for a scholarship.

The scholarship application opens April 1st of your junior year of high school and closes December 31st of your high school senior year. You can find the application for both Navy and Marine Option Midshipmen here . This site also includes a checklist to ensure you complete all items necessary to be eligible for the scholarship.

Marines that are accepted into the MECEP program should apply to the university the same was as a civilian student would. UNC will treat all active-duty students as “transfer students” and will typically only allow fall registration, but exceptions can be made by the admissions office. The Marine Corps and NROTC have no oversite or influence on the admissions process. Applicants are encouraged to contact the MOI/AMOI during and throughout the application process. Once OCS complete and accepted into the university, Marines will receive orders to the NROTC unit at the university.

• The Navy awards three types of scholarships: Navy, Marine Corps, and Navy Nurse. UNC does not have a Nurse-option program and recipients of the Nurse scholarship are not eligible to attend UNC.
• You can only apply for one type of scholarship each cycle. There is the opportunity to apply for a service transfer once becoming part of the program. However, a service transfer is not guaranteed.
• Navy-options are major restricted by their scholarships (see the Tiered system here, pg. 4-5 ). They are required to take more technical classes, and they have one less day of physical training per week. Navy-options are not required to attend OCS to commission from NROTC.
• Marine-options will attend Field Training Exercises (FEX), PT an additional day during the week, and have less Naval Science course requirements than Navy-options. They must pass OCS to receive a commission into the Marine Corps.

How do I make myself competitive for an NROTC scholarship?

The Navy is looking for individuals who have a desire to serve and develop themselves mentally, morally, and physically while in a rigorous academic environment.

The Academic minimum requirements are as follows:

• SAT- 540 Math; 550 Verbal; combined 1150 Math and Verbal
• ACT- 21 Math; 22 English; 47 combined Math and English
• SAT- 1000 combined Math and Verbal
• ACT- minimum composite score of 22
• Armed Forces Qualification Test: 74

Navy Options have the choice to “super-score” their standardized tests. Marine Options do not. Super-scoring tests means that the highest achievement from multiple attempts will be recorded. For example, if your scores for your first attempt at the SAT are 700 Verbal and 600 Math, and your second attempt scores are 650 Verbal and 650 Math, the Navy will view your overall score as 700 Verbal and 650 Math.

Please note these test scores are the minimum requirement and you should seek to surpass them in order to be competitive for the scholarship. Additionally, most scholarships are awarded to those within the top 20% of their graduating high school class.

The physical requirements are as follows:

• Applicants must be cleared medically as a part of their application process. Your physical will be reviewed by Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) and if necessary additional information will be requested to complete your medical package.
• All applicants must conduct at Applicant Fitness Assessment consisting of crunches, push-ups, and a one mile run to include in their scholarship application.
• Once a part of the unit you will be held to the Navy or Marine Corps’ fitness standards according to the 20-24 age group bracket. Midshipmen are required to achieve a “Good-Low” in order to remain in good standing for their scholarship. UNC requires midshipmen to achieve an “Excellent-Low”, if midshipmen do not meet this requirement, they will attend remedial training.

JROTC may offer some familiarity with items such as military rank structure and drill, but there is no competitive edge to participating in JROTC over other high school extracurricular activities. Midshipmen who do not participate in JROTC and those who do will be treated the same upon entry to the program.

NROTC allows non-scholarship midshipmen to join as college programmers. At UNC you will participate alongside scholarship midshipmen in all battalion activities and compete for a 3-year, 2-year, 1-year, or advanced standing scholarship. The advanced standing scholarship is awarded for the midshipman’s junior and senior year. The Navy will not cover the cost of tuition but will provide a monthly stipend. The midshipman is guaranteed a commission following their graduation and successful completion of the NROTC program. These midshipmen will begin incurring post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility upon entering active duty service.

You must receive a scholarship by the beginning of your junior year in order to remain a part of the program.

If you are a junior or senior interested in joining the Navy you should look for information regarding Officer Candidate School .

Anyone interested in joining the unit should reach out to indicate their interest via the Contact Us page.

If you are deferred, waitlisted, or denied from UNC we are unable to help with University admission and you should speak with the appropriate Navy detailer to reassign your scholarship to a school you have been accepted to.

• The scholarship will cover all tuition and all university mandated fees.
• You will receive a book stipend of $375 each semester.
• A stipend of $250 (as a freshman, increasing $50 each following year) each month.
• Your travel to and from summer training will be covered and you will be paid for the time spent on cruise each summer.
• The scholarship does not cover room and board.

All necessary uniforms and training equipment will be issued to midshipmen at New Student Indoctrination (NSI) or when they arrive at their respective units. Midshipmen may choose to purchase items beyond the basic uniform components at their own expense. Items such as shoe polish, iron and ironing board, and hair styling products will need to be purchased by the individual.

Navy-Options

• New Student Indoctrination – prior to arriving at your specific unit all midshipmen candidates will attend NSI in Great Lakes for three weeks of immersion into the naval service.
• CORTRAMID – following freshmen year all NROTC midshipmen will attend a four-week training intended to familiarize them with the communities in the Navy and Marine Corps. Midshipmen will spend one week with surface warfare officers, one week with submarines, one week with pilots, and one week with Marines. Typically, MIDN also spend a day with members of SPECWARFARE to receive exposure to that community.
• Sea Trials – following sophomore year midshipmen will attend a 10-day training intended to evaluate and provide further military instruction.
• Surface Warfare
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) (application required)
• Special Warfare (SEALs) (application required)

Marine-Options

• There is no required 2/C cruise for Marine options, they may spend the time preparing for OCS or with a Marine unit getting hands on training. (MAGTAF or MEU onboard a ship)
• Officer Candidate School – prior to their senior year Marine-options will attend the six-week OCS course in Quantico Virginia. Midshipmen must pass this training to commission as Marine Corps officers.
• Navy-options on two, three, and four-year scholarships incur an obligation of five-years active duty and three years of Inactive Ready Reserve obligation.
• Navy-options who receive the advanced standing scholarship incur an obligation of three years active duty service and five years of Inactive Ready Reserve obligation
• Pilots and Naval Flight Officers incur additional time in active duty service, eight and six years respectively after receiving one’s pilot qualification. It can take up to two years post-graduation to qualify as a Navy pilot.
• All Marine-option midshipmen incur an obligation of four years active duty service

Navy-option midshipmen have the opportunity to rank their preference for warfare community assignment during the summer before their senior year. However, preference is second to needs of the Navy. Many of the warfare communities are competitive and midshipmen must work hard to achieve a high ranking to make themselves competitive for these communities. You may choose from the following jobs:

• Surface Warfare Officer- this includes Surface Warfare specialties including: Nuclear, Intelligence, Oceanography, Engineering Duty Officer.
• Submarine Officer
• Naval Aviator
• Naval Flight Officer
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer
• SEAL Officer

Navy-options do not have the option to sign a flight contract before service assignment.

Navy-options will commission almost exclusively into the unrestricted-line communities. The Navy selects 1-2 midshipmen from the entire NROTC program each year to attend medical school. Accepting a NROTC scholarship commits you to service in the community you are assigned and there are no medical only scholarship options. If you wish to enter the Medical Officer Corps or another restricted or staff community you should talk to your local military officer recruiter.

Marine-option midshipmen do not select their community (MOS) until completing The Basic School following commissioning.

Marine-options do have the opportunity to apply for a flight contract before commissioning.

I am an incoming first-year midshipman; what classes am I required to take over my four years?

All midshipmen will register for NAVS 500 Naval Science lab each semester. This time is used for all required training and professional development. NAVS 500 is 2-4:45 every Thursday.

All midshipmen are required to take a full course of Naval Science classes over their four years. These differ between Navy and Marine-option midshipmen.

• 1 st semester: NAVS 101 Introduction to Naval Science
• 2 nd semester: PWAD 212 History of Sea Power
• 3 rd semester: NAVS 301 Naval Ships Engineering Systems
• 4 th semester: NAVS 201 Naval Leadership and Management
• 5 th semester: NAVS 202+L Navigation
• 6 th semester: NAVS 302 Naval Weapons Systems
• 7 th semester: NAVS 402 Naval Leadership and Ethics
• 8 th semester: NAVS 401 Naval Operations
• 3 rd semester: no required class
• 5 th semester: NAVS 311 Evolution of Warfare
• 6 th semester: no required class
• 8 th semester: NAVS 411 Amphibious Warfare

In addition to Naval Science classes midshipmen are required to take a series of courses offered by the university that set the foundation for knowledge in areas such as regional/national security, calculus, and physics. These differ between Navy and Marine-option midshipmen as well as the type of scholarship awarded.

Midshipmen:

• Midshipmen live as “normal” students. They attend classes, workout, and live in dorms with non-midshipmen.
• Midshipmen will be required to wear uniforms once per week.
• For those enrolled in the required Calculus and Physics courses there are mandatory tutoring hours. Tutoring is provided by the battalion in addition to the available university resources.
• Battalion physical training occurs once per week for all midshipmen. Midshipmen who do not meet the physical fitness requirements and all Marine option midshipmen/MECEP students are required to attend at least one additional PT session.
• Incoming midshipmen will spend the first 10 weeks completing weekly Personal Qualification Standards (PQS) requirements. PQS provides a basic overview and understanding of the Navy and Marine Corps structure, customs, and communities. This knowledge is essential for a full understanding of the Navy and Marine Corps. It culminates in a PQS oral board in which midshipmen are tested on all their knowledge in a style that mimics PQS boards in the fleet.
• Midshipmen participate in “Eats2Seats” at football and basketball games during the Fall and Spring semesters. This is mandatory, however midshipmen volunteer for the games that fit their schedule.
• Midshipmen are encouraged to pursue other interests outside of NROTC. Midshipmen participate in Greek life, work for Campus Recreation and as research assistants, and many volunteer with other organizations on campus. However, the first semester adjusting to college life with the additional time demands of the unit can be hard to balance and incoming midshipmen are encouraged not to overwhelm themselves.
• Marines will maintain grooming standards and wear proper civilian attire at the university. The only occasion where a Marine will have to wear a uniform is Thursdays (the same day as the leadership lab).
• You are expected to participate in the midshipmen battalion routine and activities.  Participation includes PT at least twice a week, weekly leadership labs, and holding midshipmen battalion billets. This allows opportunity to develop and to mentor midshipmen.

All registered students at UNC are allowed to take Naval Science classes. The Naval Science Department offers courses in everything from naval history to leadership and ethics and the instructors actively encourages students who are not in NROTC to enroll in their classes. Check out the course descriptions online or better yet, call us and talk to us about what we have to offer.

Yes, there are study abroad opportunities for midshipmen that can be taken during the normal fall and spring semesters and summer sessions.

Students wishing to study abroad should indicate interest early to their active-duty advisor. It is important to identify this early to ensure proper completion of the program.

The UNC Battalion traces its history back to the pre-flight school established during WWII. Many buildings on campus still reflect the renovations that occurred at the school during this time, Kessing Pool, Woollen Gymnasium, and Navy Field are all still landmarks on UNC’s campus. More information on the history that entwines the Navy and UNC can be found here .

The UNC Battalion is relatively small unit, with an average of 20 midshipmen, which allows for more time and personalized training for each individual.

The UNC Battalion also has a high scholarship achievement rate, with almost every single college programmer receiving a scholarship by their junior year.

Yes, a student may lose his or her scholarship if they fail to meet academic, mental, or physical requirements.

Incoming midshipmen should begin a physical training plan that prepares them for the Navy and Marine Corps fitness tests respectively. Incoming midshipmen should also speak with Academic Advisors at the University to register for an appropriate course load for their first semester. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please reach out with questions.

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Senator Michael Hastings, Lt. Col. Encourage 2024 ROTC Grads

July 3, 2024 Academics , Accolades

For students enrolled in Olivet’s Roaring Tigers ROTC program , the Army ROTC Commission Ceremony is the most significant moment of their higher education journey. This ceremony recognizes cadets as they are promoted to second lieutenants in the United States Army. This year’s ceremony featured speeches from notable military and civilian leaders who emphasized the values of leadership and service to encourage the new officers in their lives of service.

Assistant Professor of Military Science, Capt. Brock Trexler, welcomed attendees, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of the cadets. “Commissioning is the culmination of more than four years of diligent preparation, hard work, commitment, and selfless service. It marks a significant transition in the life of the commissionee,” Capt. Trexler stated, underscoring the importance of the day.

A key moment in the ceremony was the speech by Lieutenant Colonel Alex Bowen, who reflected on the unique challenges faced by the Class of 2024. He praised their ability to adapt and thrive under extraordinary circumstances. “This class was walking into the army, needed to learn how to lead people, but had to do it behind a mask, computer screen, and at social distance,” Lt. Col. Bowen remarked, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the cadets.

State Senator Michael Hastings, a guest speaker and a veteran himself, delivered a powerful message about the essence of leadership within the military. “You can be a second lieutenant, but that’s just a title. It’s the weight of the responsibility that truly defines the title,” Senator Hastings advised, emphasizing that leadership is defined by actions and responsibilities rather than rank alone.

The Senator also shared insights from his military service, connecting them to the broader responsibilities awaiting the new officers. “Our soldiers, the men and women who we look up to for guidance, or who look up to us for guidance and leadership, depend on our sound judgment, our ability to listen, and our willingness to learn every step of the way,” he added, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning and ethical leadership.

The ceremony concluded with a benediction from retired Lieutenant Colonel John Cross, who invoked blessings for the new officers’ futures. “As they report to their initial training and first assignments, may they seek to follow you in all their ways, serving humbly and seeking the welfare of their subordinates as they perform their duties and accomplish the missions set before them,” Lt. Col. Cross prayed, wishing the new lieutenants success and integrity in their careers.

Olivet Nazarene University’s ROTC Commission Ceremony was a testament to the rigorous training and leadership development that the university instills in its cadets. It was a day of recognition for the hard-earned achievements of the new officers and a reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to developing principled military leaders.

To watch video of the full ceremony, click here .

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