After dealing with life’s issues, I’ve decided to finally enter college (political science) by some time next year, thing is… I was home-schooled and have nobody I can properly discuss this process with. Anyway, I’m 23 years old and I wish to join the Navy ROTC college program (I love the military). I know that to be eligible for the NROTC scholarship program you must not be older than 27 years of age by the time of graduation–and since I’m obviously too old for that–I’m wondering if the same age rule applies to those of us who take part in the Navy ROTC program without a scholarship.
So, am I too old to enter the Navy ROTC non-scholarship program? If not, so long as I keep my grades up and do well in the ROTC program, by graduation I will be an officer when I enlist in the Navy, correct?
From what I can tell, the 27 year limit also applies to the “non-scholarship” college program midshipmen. However, I recommend that you directly email (or phone) a NROTC unit. Recommend addressing your correspondence to the Executive Officer (called “XO”). He or she can, and will, answer any questions you have.
Looks to me like the Marines would take you in their Platoon Leaders Class. They give an extra year, 28, for graduation/commissioning. You train with the Marines during the summer, with no activity during the school year.
Personally, if I was in your situation, I would simply enlist in the Navy (or other service) and see if you could get the military to pay for your education. Generally the age limit that way is 30 or sometimes higher.
Ah, I thought so as well (about the age limit) but the thing is, I went to a US Navy forum and there were 30+ year olds just starting NROTC. Some people said they started NROTC at 30 despite other websites saying that you must be under 27 by graduation. There’s no clear answer online so I guess I will just email Auburn’s NROTC unit like you suggested.
That is fantastic to hear about the USMC, though! I didn’t know of that at all. Thank you so much. I will start looking into that ASAP.
As for your advice, I am not just looking for a GI-bill funded college experience. I want to become an officer in the military, that is my main objective, even over money. I have a great interest and adoration for the military and it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time. I only put it off this long because I was dealing with my father having cancer and I lacked funds for college (on my own).
Thanks for the help, especially since you’re an NROTC grad.
Actually, my advice about enlisting includes becoming an officer. The military will pay you to attend college, while in the military, for the purpose of becoming an officer. See this program: http://www.sta-21.navy.mil/program.asp
You keep all military pay, plus $10,000 per year for college costs. That should work at Auburn, or any state university in Alabama (which I assume you reside). Notice that you are required to complete college in 36 months or less. In other words, attend summer sessions, or already have college credits. All of the military services have similar programs. Each is different though.
About a third of officers in the Marines started as enlisted. Probably about 20% did so in the Navy and Air Force. I think the Army is in between. I was not able to find exact statistics. I personally know several people who enlisted in the military and then became officers via programs such as STA-21. Very common.
I will admit, though, that this approach does come with risk. You might not get selected for STA-21. There is no guarantee. On the other hand, the military makes a strong effort to seek out people who would make good officers, and help them become one.
By the way, not only am an NROTC grad, I am also an Auburn grad. Warrrr… EAGLE!
However, this; http://navyformoms.com/group/sta21ecp/forum/topics/sta21-how-to says that students must have some college experience already. As I said before, I’m 23 and I will be starting college next year (if things go as planned) with no prior experience at all, and I mean not a lick of experience.
So I should apply to a college (Auburn for me), earn some credits, then apply for the STA-21 program and complete the rest of my education within 36 months, and then I will be eligible to become an Officer, right?
And about it being harder to be accepted into the military… I really have no doubt I would give the officer program (or the military) my all. My grandfather served in the Navy during the Korean war, and when I was a child my brothers were in JROTC and would always (mock) PT with me and do rifle drills with me. So it’s been a dream of mine since I was a child. I wouldn’t just slack off (with grades or physical). I am not trying to downplay the difficulty in these programs (ROTC/STA-21), but I have no doubt that I would do great once actually in them.
I just want to ensure that the path I take gives me the chance to be an officer by the end of my education and by the time I enlist. And I realize that in order to be an officer I have to keep my grades high and be great in the program (ROTC or STA-21). And I accept that there’s no guarantee that either the ROTC or STA-21 programs will result with me being an Officer, I just want to make sure that the path I take gives me the possibility.
Like I said, I have no one I can talk to for college counseling so I have to rely on the internet.
Thanks again, you have no idea how much your comments have helped me.
The STA-21 program is only for enlisted personell. You would have to enlist in the Navy, which I now think is too risky because you really want to become an officer.
I think NROTC is the best choice for Navy, or you could do the Platoon Leaders Class for USMC (with the 28 year limit).
If NROTC is not willing to take you at your current age, what you might consider is going to Auburn, not enrolling in NROTC until after the end of your sophomore year. But become a sophomore quickly by attending summer sessions. Theoretically, you could become a junior by the fall of 2016, if you start this summer and also attend summer of 2016. Then join NROTC for your junior and senior year, and meet the 27 year old limit. Graduate in Spring of 2018.
This could be tricky. The summer of 2016 would need to be “mini-semester” so that you could attend a 6.5 week training course in Rhode Island afterward. For “mini-semesters” see Auburn’s summer schedule for this year. http://www.auburn.edu/main/auweb_calendar.html
Not sure that would work, but it might.
Actually, if you are not on scholarship, they don’t need to be all that high. I think 2.5 GPA. Physical fitness is also very important, especially for the Marines. I hope that you like running.