Many people are familiar with the Army ROTC program. However, not nearly as many have knowledge pertaining to the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). For the most part, these two programs are quite similar. The main difference is that one will prepare you for life in the Army while the other will get you ready to serve in the Navy.
Which branch of the military are you most interested in?
The mission of the NROTC is as follows:
The NROTC Program was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, and loyalty, and with the core values of honor, courage and commitment in order to commission college graduates as naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.
Financial Assistance
Since you will be involved with the NROTC during your time in college, it is important to note that financial assistance does exist. In other words, the Navy will help you pay for your college so that you can prepare yourself to serve better in the future.
Four Year Scholarship
Believe it or not, you may be able to receive a four year scholarship from the NROTC. This more or less pays for your entire education. Does it get any better than that?
Here is just a small sampling of what you will receive in terms of benefits:
– Full tuition for four years at a participating college or university
– Full payment of all educational fees
– Stipend for textbooks
– NROTC uniformed provided free of charge
– Three summer cruises
– A stipend for each academic month (freshman – $250, sophomore – $300, junior – $350, and senior – $400)
Requirements to Enter the NROTC
Entering the NROTC is not quite as simple as it sounds. There are multiple entrance requirements that you must meet including:
– United States citizen
– Between the age of 17 and 23 at the time of starting college
– Must not reach your 27th birthday by December 31 of the year that you will graduate
– High school diploma or GED
– Meet all physical requirements as set by the Navy
Your Options
When you decide to join the NROTC you are not roped into enlisting in the Navy. Instead, you can select from one of three career paths:
– Navy. This will lead to a post-graduation commission as a United States Navy ensign.
– Marine Corps. Would you rather become part of the United States Marine Corps? With this option, you will receive a post-graduation commission as a second lieutenant.
– Nurse. Want to become a nurse? If so, you can take this career path which will lead to becoming part of the Navy Nursing Corps which is part of the Department of the Navy Bureau of Medicine.
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program has been preparing students for life in the Navy since being established in 1926. Are you going to be the next person to take part in the NROTC? Not only will this put you on the right path to a better future, but you can receive many benefits along the way.