UPDATED 6/1/2010

 

Naval Service Commissioning Programs

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program is designed to train and educate highly qualified students for commissioning and active service as unrestricted line officers in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. To be eligible for this program, a student must:

1.     Be a U.S. citizen

2.     Be at least 17, but less than 27 years of age at graduation

3.     Be physically qualified

4.     Possess satisfactory records of academic ability and moral integrity

5.     Demonstrate those characteristics desired of a Naval Officer

6.     Have no moral reservation or personal convictions that prevents the bearing of arms

The NROTC Scholarship Program offers the following benefits: all tuition and fees paid, a book allowance ($375 per semester), a uniform allowance, and a per month subsistence allowance during the school year, (Freshman: $250; Sophomore: $300; Junior: $350; Senior: $400). Additionally, National Scholarship winners who attend Maine Maritime Academy are provided free room and board or a stipend of $1,000 per semester in lieu of room and board if not residing in the campus dormitory. Scholarship Program graduates receive commissions in the Navy or Marine Corps and are required to serve on active duty for a minimum of four years. High school students may apply for the NROTC National Scholarship Program anytime between the spring semester of their junior year and the fall semester of their senior year. Because the total number of scholarships given varies each academic year, early application is strongly recommended for this highly competitive program.

The NROTC College Program offers students who are not on scholarship the opportunity to participate in the NROTC and earn their commission as a Naval or Marine Corps Officer. Benefits include a uniform allowance, $350 per month subsistence allowance during the junior year, and $400 per month subsistence allowance during the senior year. Graduates of the NROTC College Program receive commissions and are required to serve on active duty for a minimum of three years. Students may apply for the NROTC College Program anytime during their first year through the end of their sophomore year.

Scholarships are also available to qualified students who join the NROTC unit after they arrive on campus. The NROTC Unit Professor of Naval Science makes nominations for these scholarships after a student has been in the NROTC College Program for at least one semester. Selection is based on academic performance, aptitude for Naval service, and the recommendation of the Professor of Naval Science.

For more information about the NROTC National Scholarship or College Programs, contact your local Navy Recruiting Office. Further information on NROTC programs and application forms can also be obtained at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil or by calling 1-800-NAV-ROTC.

For information about the NROTC Program at Maine Maritime Academy, contact Commanding Officer, NROTC Unit, Maine Maritime Academy, P.O. Box 137, Castine, ME  04421-0137, (207) 326-2352, or email donald.probert@mma.edu. Also, visit the MMA NROTC home page at http://nrotc.mma.edu.

Merchant Marine Reserve

The Merchant Marine Reserve (MMR) Program is designed to train and educate highly qualified students for commissioning and reserve duty service as officers in the Merchant Marine Reserve component of the U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR). To be eligible for this program, a student must:

1.     Be a U.S. citizen

2.     Be at least 17, but less than 25 years of age (upon enrollment at MMA)

3.     Be physically qualified

4.     Possess satisfactory records of academic ability and moral integrity

5.     Demonstrate those characteristics desired of a Naval Officer

6.     Have no moral reservation or personal conviction that prevents the bearing of arms

7.     Be enrolled in a Bachelor of Science Degree Program leading to a U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License

Students who meet the qualifications above may apply for Midshipman status in the MMR Program and participate in the U.S. Maritime Administration's Student Incentive Payment (SIP) Program. If selected, an incentive payment of $8000 per academic year is provided for up to a maximum of four years. The SIP Program requires students to obtain a Coast Guard Unlimited License and to apply for, and accept if offered, a Reserve officer commission in the U.S. Armed Forces. A student who receives SIP incurs an obligation to serve as an employee in the maritime or maritime-related industry, and in times of national emergency, to serve as a Naval Officer aboard a U.S.-flagged vessel.

The MMR, USNR, and SIP application, selection and program requirements are as follows:

  1. Apply for the SIP Program and Midshipman status in the U.S. Navy Reserve
  2. Complete a physical examination to verify eligibility (at DOD expense)
  3. Students must agree in writing to apply for, and accept if offered, a Reserve officer's commission
  4. The application process takes up to two months and must be complete prior to the beginning of the academic year in order to be eligible for SIP during the Freshman year
  5. Continuation in the program is based on continued eligibility (i.e. Minimum GPA 2.0 with satisfactory participation in program)

First year

  1. Participate in weekly Naval Science lab
  2. Pass Navy physical fitness assessment and swim qualification

 

Sophomore year

  1. Participate in weekly Naval Science lab
  2. Complete NV212 (Naval Science for the Merchant Marine Reservist I)
  3. Pass Navy physical fitness assessment and swim qualification

 

Junior year

  1. Complete NV222 (Naval Science for the Merchant Marine Officer)
  2. Participate in weekly Naval Science lab
  3. Pass Navy physical fitness assessment and swim qualification

 

Senior year

1.     Complete all processing and apply for a commission

2.     Pass the U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License examination

3.     Complete NV402 (Leadership and Ethics) and NV442 (Naval Science for the Merchant Marine Reservist II)

4.     Participate in weekly Naval Science lab

5.     Pass Navy physical fitness assessment and swim qualification

6.     Be commissioned at graduation as an Ensign in the U.S. Merchant Marine Reserve, USNR

 

After graduation/commissioning (minimum obligation)

  1. Complete a minimum of two weeks of active duty each year for a total of six years
  2. Sail on one's Coast Guard License for at least four months every two years, or be employed in a maritime-related job*, for a total of six years
  3. Remain in the Inactive Reserve (with no other obligations) for an additional two years

 

*The U.S. Maritime Administration believes that employment in a shore-based power plant is substantially related to the marine engineering profession and therefore qualifies as acceptable employment to satisfy one's minimum obligation.

 

For information about the MMR, USNR, and SIP Programs at Maine Maritime Academy, contact Commanding Officer, NROTC Unit, Maine Maritime Academy, P.O. Box 137, Castine, ME 04421-0137, (207) 326-2352, or email donald.probert@mma.edu.

For more information about the Merchant Marine Reserve, U.S. Navy Reserve Program, contact the MMR Program Office at Naval Reserve Forces Command, MMR Program Office, 4400 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA  70146-5100, 1-800-535-2580.