NROTC

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm really interested in pursuing a naval flight officer career in the navy. However, I really don't know where to start. I read a few application processes online, but they were all scholarship based. If I don't have a scholarship, does that mean I have to go into the navy reserves? Is there anyway that I could get into the regular navy?</p>

2

<p>Yes you can go into the regular navy. You can enroll in ROTC without a scholarship to prep you for your naval career, or you can enroll in the navy after you graduate. Hopefully @NROTCgrad‌ will post further info to you shortly.</p>

3

<p>No, just because you do not have a scholarship does not mean that you go into the reserves. Currently, all graduates of NROTC serve on active duty after graduation. Those with scholarships are required to serve at least 5 years, those without a scholarship are only obligated for 3 years. Both, however, are required to be in the reserves for the remainder of their total 8 year commitment.</p>

<p>Now, you need to ask yourself if you are willing to do something else in the Navy (or Marines) other than become a naval flight officer. You might not get what you want. Almost all NROTC graduates going into one of three branches: aviation, submarines, or surface ships. The first two are normally voluntary and have special requirements, while surface ships are the default path. (Some people do go into nursing, but that is determined at the beginning of their NROTC service.)</p>

<p>In particular, if you would object to serving on a surface ship, then NROTC might not be your best path. As I say, it is the default path. Another way to become a naval flight officer is through OCS after graduation (without going through NROTC). The advantage to this is that you can turn down the Navy if they will not guarantee your becoming a NFO. Similarly you can look at the Marines (they have NFOs too). The USMC has “Platoon Leaders Class” which is a way of learning about the marines and preparation for becoming an officer, while in college, but without any obligation until the very end. Of course, neither of these options comes with a scholarship, although PLC sometimes comes with a tuition subsidy.</p>

<p>See USMC Platoon Leaders Class here:
<a href=“Become a Marine Corps Officer | Marines”>Become a Marine Corps Officer | Marines;

<p>Notice that they have a special aviation track.</p>