NROTC vs USNA

<p>I am wondering why the NROTC only gives a midshipman one year to decide if the Navy is right for them but USNA gives them 2 years before they are committed.</p>

<p>Great question. My D is curious about that too. ANy otheer thoughts out there on USNA versus NROTC. Is there a ranking of NROTC units anywhere?</p>

<p>This is my guess. At SA's or military colleges the first year always sucks, whether a plebe, swab, doolie, rat, or rook. So, they want that student to be able to see what life is like in their 3rd class year when they're not constantly being hazed, before they make the decision to leave based on their crappy 4th class year. </p>

<p>At ROTC, hazing isn't nearly as prevalent as at an SA. Their freshman year is not all that different that the other 3 years, so a decision should be made by then as to whether the DoD should continue paying for their education.</p>

<p>I thought about that but on the other hand the cost of educating and commissioning someone through NROTC is a lot less than the cost at USNA.</p>

<p>True, but there's a lot more Midshipmen in NROTC than at the Academy.</p>

<p>And a much higher attrition rate. USNA remains the most cost effective officer procurement source for the Navy.</p>

<p>To answer bulinskimom's question about the difference between the academy and NROTC, after a couple years in the fleet not much. Both programs produce good officers and some bad officers. The important thing is for the candidate to decide where he/she will be able to develop themselves as combat leaders best. For some it is the academy, for others NROTC. </p>

<p>I went to the academy so I will speak from that point view. The three commands I have been at so far (USMC), I have known people that went to the academy. I think other grads and mids can tell you, if you go somewhere where there is another academy grad or another academy midshipman, it is very easy to talk to them with the common experiences. When I talk to grads from the 60s to the present our experiences were not greatly different and there is a definite connection. It is nice to go to a new command and have one of your friends that graduated with you or a few years ahead to guide you through the check in process.</p>

<p>Based on my summer training which was with NROTC mids, I found that we were much more comfortable around officers, especially of higher ranks. We were used to wearing the uniform and all of the customs that take place aboard ship.</p>

<p>After a couple years in the fleet the lines are blurred and everybody is very integrated.</p>

<p>I want to be a navy seal when I get older, I'm still in high school, so which do you think would be better suited for the seals, nrotc or usna?</p>

<p>USNA is always the better choice for those desiring to be line officers.</p>

<p>Back to what Jaybee was saying... its not 'hazing' its TRADITION! haha :P</p>

<p>Compare plebe year to what most of your enlisted Marines/sailors went through for boot camp and plebe year is a joke. The critical part is the leadership training which comes in the follow on years. If you seek out leadership opportunities you will be very well prepared.</p>

<p>If I don't get accepted into USNA, are there any nrotc colleges that you recommend?</p>

<p>You may want to look at the merchant marine academy. You can get a comission into any service.</p>

<p>I hear that Norwich has a good NROTC program. I don't know any specifics. And yes USMMA is a definite possibilty to look into. All in all if you don't get accepted try again. :)</p>

<p>texas a&m. I believe they have the largest rotc program (do not know nrotc numbers). plus you can't beat the atmosphere and the football games.</p>

<p>thanks for the suggestions</p>

<p>What is the service selection process for NROTC grads and how does it compare to a commission/degree from USNA?</p>

<p>They rank the Navy option MIDN nationally based on a lot of factors, then let them service select much like the USNA MIDN. The Marine option MIDN just graduate and go to TBS, assuming they passed OCS.</p>

<p>A big difference between NROTC service selection and USNA service selection is that the prestige of your university and unit can play a big part in how you do. Also, if you really want to fly, can pass a flight physical and the ASTB, then you can get a guaranteed flight school spot sophomore year as a Marine option MIDN.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I hear that Norwich has a good NROTC program. I don't know any specifics.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Actually, for SEAL training, Norwich is pretty good from what I hear. I won't be int he SEAL platoon when I go there this fall, but the attrition rate is around 30 join, and about 5 get recognized.</p>

<p>The two NROTC schools with good national recognition that come to mind are Notre Dame and Villanova. As far as Nova goes, they lay claim to graduating more Admirals than any other school with the exception of the Academy.</p>