<p>I plan to apply to the nrotc program in UW in order to become a naval flight officer, since I've always loved aviation and want to do something useful with my life. I don't plan on getting a scholarship.
Is the physical training hard? How much physical exercise do you do, like how many miles or push ups or whatever do you do each time? I was in track for two years, long distance, so the running is okay for me, but I'm not so sure about all the other physical training.
Also, is it like boot camp, when people yell at you and randomly force you to do push ups? Or is it mainly focused on education?
What's your experience in there and did you like it?
Thanks!</p>
<p>I am not at UW, but know something about NROTC because I did it. In general, you can expect something like the following:</p>
<p>Physical Training twice per week, consisting of crunches (a.k.a. sit ups or curl ups), push ups, and running. The crunches and push ups will be as many as you can do (usually within two minutes). Running will be typically 1.5 miles, and never more than 3 miles (unless there is something I don’t know about). Some schools also include weight training but it is not a part of the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). See the following specifications from the University of Rochester:
<a href=“Physical Training : Undergraduate Program : Department of Naval Science Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps : University of Rochester”>http://www.nav.rochester.edu/physical.html</a></p>
<p>I am not sure if non-scholarship students are required to participate. That might be different at different schools. You definitely should expect to be tested for physical fitness at least once per year, probably more like once per semester/quarter.</p>
<p>Notice the swimming requirement too. UW has details on this here:
<a href=“http://depts.washington.edu/uwnrotc/drupal_new/sites/all/swimqual/SwimGuidelines.pdf”>http://depts.washington.edu/uwnrotc/drupal_new/sites/all/swimqual/SwimGuidelines.pdf</a></p>
<p>The focus is on education. Other than at very military oriented colleges (Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Texas A&M, etc…), you will not be subjected to random push ups, nor being yelled at. If you choose to follow the Marine Corps path, this might not be true.</p>
<p>Things can vary from one university to another, and can also change as the Navy adjusts its policies. Generally speaking, you can expect something similar to the above. You can also expect to get the help you need. You are not on your own.</p>
<p>Personally, I found NROTC to always be the easiest part of my college education. Certainly had the easiest classes. Then again, I majored in engineering.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! You’re the first one to give me an actual answer.</p>