Parent Organization: United States Marine Corps (Under the U.S. Navy)
- Overview: The NROTC Marine Option is designed for college students who want to pursue a commission as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. This program is part of the broader NROTC program run by the Navy, but Marine Option cadets follow a curriculum and training track specific to the Marine Corps. It combines a college education with military leadership training and is one of the most direct paths for college students to become Marine officers.
- Key Features:
- Eligibility: High school students, college students, and enlisted Marines can apply for the NROTC Marine Option.
- Curriculum: Marine Option students take specific courses in leadership, military tactics, and amphibious warfare. They also participate in physical fitness training and summer programs, such as Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia.
- Scholarships: Marine Option students can apply for full or partial scholarships that cover tuition, books, fees, and uniforms. Scholarship recipients also receive monthly stipends for living expenses.
- Service Commitment: Upon graduation and successful completion of all requirements, Marine Option students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps and must serve a minimum active duty commitment (typically four years).
- Training: Marine Option midshipmen attend a six-week Marine OCS during the summer after their junior year. This intensive program prepares candidates for leadership in the Marine Corps.
- Career Opportunities: After commissioning, Marine officers can enter a variety of fields within the Corps, including infantry, aviation, logistics, and intelligence.
Target Audience:
- College-bound students or those already in college who are seeking a direct path to becoming Marine officers.
- Enlisted Marines who want to advance to officer ranks through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), which allows Marines to attend college and participate in NROTC.
Link:
https://www.marines.com/become-a-marine/process-to-join/become-an-officer.html