<p>I didn't see a ROTC forum, so here's my question. I'm in the process of applying to the NROTC scholarship, but I'm not sure which program I want to choose, Navy or Marine Corps. </p>
<p>I'd like to fly, eventually, but I don't mind being a Marine either. If only the Navy program offers the opportunity for a full scholarship, then I'll stick with the Navy. Also, if it matters, I'm only 65" tall and had severe asthma when younger. It's all but gone now, but I've noticed it's mentioned in the medical requirements. The most I've gotten myself to weigh is 124lb. I noticed the Air Force program has height and weight restrictions. </p>
<p>So, I guess my question, I'll reiterate it, is: </p>
<p>Which program should I apply to? Navy or Marine Corps?</p>
<p>Navy vs Marine Corps is a very personal decision. Being a Navy officer out of ROTC you will be on something that floats. Navy NROTC is non-restricted line officer which means no JAG, supply, ect. It will be Aviation (very competitive), Surface Warfare, or Submarine. Note that the billet you get at graduation depends on your grades, physical fitness scores, CO recommendation, how you rank vs all the other Midshipmen in the country, and needs of the Navy. There are no guarantees.</p>
<p>A Marine is an infantry soldier first and foremost. You will be on the ground fighting somewhere. Very different mission from the Navy.</p>
<p>You have medical issues I’m afraid. History of asthma is a disqualifying condition. Also, at 65" you are under the minimum height requirements for the Marines. This also applies to the Naval Academy. The requirements are here: <a href=“Naval Education and Training Command - NETC”>Naval Education and Training Command - NETC;
<p>Unfortunately you don’t take the physical unless you receive the scholarship. I’ve seen students get the scholarship and then get DQ’d at the medical exam and lose it immediately.</p>
<p>What is your intended major?</p>
<p>Thanks for the info about the Navy option, and I understand the difference between the two branches of the military. I’m not too worried about the height requirement. I’m still growing. =D</p>
<p>I figured the medical issues would be a problem. I’m hoping that I can condition myself to be fit enough that they waive my medical condition. I haven’t had any substantial medical issues since I started high school, well, except when I put a 3" nail in my foot, but that was my problem. </p>
<p>I plan on majoring in aerospace engineering.</p>
<p>You did say you were not sure about Navy or Marines so I tried to give you a bit of info on each. In my experience people are either strongly Navy or Marine oriented. The fact that are not tells me you need to do more research. They are as different as night and day. </p>
<p>I’m afraid a history of severe asthma is an automatic DQ. You can’t condition yourself into a waiver. But to know for sure you need to get in touch with Larry Mullen, the Deputy Director of DODMERB. He can give you the straight gouge on if you have a chance for a waiver. It is his dept that does the reviews. Larry answers questions at: [DoDMERB</a> - United States of America Service Academy Forums](<a href=“http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20]DoDMERB”>http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20)</p>
<p>If he says no then that is it I’m afraid. At least then you won’t be wasting time and can move on to another option. Don’t listen to recruiters - they have quotas to meet and may not be acting in your best interests. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>I’m only 62" tall, I weighed 98 lbs. at the time I applied, and I had asthma as a child as well, and I received an NROTC scholarship. However, I never took the physical because I accepted a different scholarship that covered more of my education instead of the NROTC one, so I can’t be sure whether I would’ve lost it. However, the JROTC commander at my school that I was working with on the scholarship application said that he was pretty sure I could’ve gotten a waiver.</p>
<p>You didn’t mention your gender - I’m a woman, so the height and weight requirements are lower for me, of course.</p>
<p>I was definitely doing Navy if I had gotten it though. FWIW I’m still considering joining the military, and I’ve talked to several recruiters in the Air Force and Navy and asked them about the childhood asthma issue. They’ve all said as long as it’s a <em>history</em> and I haven’t had any recent flare-ups, that I should be able to obtain a waiver. My fiance has a history of childhood asthma as well and he’s serving in the Air Force right now.</p>
<p>Asthma as a child vs “severe asthma as a child” and “it’s all but gone now” are very different things. You do not officially have the scholarship until you pass the DODMERB physical. Check the link I posted and read the postings. Severe asthma is almost never wavered. I’ve never seen it wavered with any sort of recent history. </p>
<p>The truth is no one but DODMERB can tell if a waiver will be granted. Certainly not a JROTC CO. The OP needs to talk with Larry Mullen. The is the only definitive source. </p>
<p>Also, waiver stds are very different for enlisted vs an officer in ROTC.</p>
<p>I’m a male, 122lbs, 5’ 5-6". </p>
<p>I DID have severe asthma as a child, but I think I’ve gotten past all of it. I’m more fit than most of the people at my school who don’t play a sport, and more fit than some that do. I can run a mile and a half in under 20 minutes without getting winded, after surfing for hours. I’m pretty sure I have the academic merit, and I know I can lead a team. </p>
<p>The one thing I’m sure about, is that I want to fly. I’ve already gone through with my AFROTC scholarship app, just need to get the paperwork. I wasn’t sure between Navy and Marine Corps because I wasn’t sure if naval aviation was more sure than a pilot slot in the Corps.</p>
<p>Nax, I’m not sure you are hearing me. It is the “history” of severe asthma that is an automatic medical DQ. You need to talk with Larry Mullen to get an idea if you even have a case for a waiver. Without that you are just spinning your wheels. </p>
<p>Also, please look at the following for Navy PRT standards: <a href=“Naval Education and Training Command - NETC”>Naval Education and Training Command - NETC;
<p>Your PRT scores are one of the evaluation tools used to determine billets after graduation. There are certain minimums you need to even stay in NROTC. “Excellent High” is the minimum you pretty much need to be competitive. That means a 9:15 1 1/2 mile, not just under 20:00. Anything over 12:30 gets you put on probation and you lose your scholarship if you don’t pass. </p>
<p>Navy pilot slots are VERY competitive and becoming more so now as the pipeline is very full. Are you ready to serve if you don’t get one? You won’t have a choice at that point, you have to do what the Navy says. </p>
<p>I’m not trying to discourage you, but want you to be realistic. Contact Larry now and find out where you stand. I think the Air Force does not place as much of a premium on physical standards so that may in fact be a better route for you to go.</p>
<p>Nax, seriously, just email Larry Mullen. There is no need to guess or speculate. Describe your past and future asthma condition in detail. He will reply within 24 hours and let you know if you would be wasting your time and effort pursuing a NROTC scholarship award.</p>