The Navy Reserve Officers Training Program (Navy ROTC) is a multi-year program that runs concurrently with a student’s normal college or university educational course of study. In addition to a normal academic workload leading to a Baccalaureate degree, Navy ROTC students attend classes in Naval Science, participate in the Navy ROTC unit for drill, physical training, and other activities, and are generally taught the leadership principles and high ideals of a military officer.
During the summer break between school years, Navy ROTC students participate in a variety of training activities. These sessions help students understand various career options as well as familiarize them with a military life.
For these items see the Tabbed Sub-Pages below.
New Student Indoctrination (NSI)
*** Latest updates as of 16 July 2023. Please check this site frequently for any updates regarding NSI 2023 ***
NSI is a physically demanding 2.5 week indoctrination course designed to provide standardized basic military instruction to Midshipmen Candidates. This course will facilitate the successful integration of new students into Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and college life.
In order to participate in NSI, Midshipmen Candidates are required to complete the paperwork in the package below and mail all forms to the Candidate Midshipman Guidance Office (CMGO).
NSI Mandatory Information Package 2023 (as of 1/3/23)
Example NSI Mandatory Information Package 2023 (as of 1/3/23)
NSI Mandatory Information Package FAQs (as of 1/3/23)
An example package and FAQs are provided to answer any questions you may have. For specific questions regarding required paperwork, please contact the CMGO at GRLK_NROTC_CGO@navy.mil. Do not send Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Health Information via email. If such information is required by the CMGO we will contact you directly with directions on how to send that information electronically. The NSI Package Checklist is included as part of the NSI Mandatory Information Package to ensure all requirements are met. Print, utilize, and sign this form and include it as part of your package to the CMGO. It is highly recommended that you keep a copy of your package for your records. NSI Package due dates are listed in the table below. Early package submission is strongly encouraged. Late packages WILL NOT be accepted.
NSI PACKAGE DUE DATE
If you accepted your 4-Year Navy or Marine NROTC National Scholarship in:
Your package must be postmarked by:
October, November, December
Friday, 31 March 2023
January, February, March
Monday, 1 May 2023
April, May
Friday, 30 June 2023
Or if you are a:
Current College Program Student applying for a Side Load Scholarship in July 2023
NROTC Preparatory Program Student
All other College Program Students
After the CMGO and Medical teams review your NSI Package, the CMGO will assign you to one of the three NSI Iteration Dates below. It is your responsibility to coordinate any commitments you have with your family, NROTC unit/university and outside organizations before you submit your package and are scheduled to attend NSI. NSI is held at the Quarterdeck of the Navy – Recruit Training Command (RTC) in Great Lakes, IL. Travel to and from NSI will be scheduled by your NROTC unit and funded by the Navy.
Iteration 1: 8 – 26 June Iteration 2: 29 June – 17 July Iteration 3: 20 July – 7 August
Military service is a physically demanding profession and requires a high degree of physical preparedness and a healthy constitution. Physical and scholarship qualification processes are independent of each other, but students must receive favorable endorsement in both to receive Navy ROTC scholarship. Navy and Nurse Option Midshipman Candidates are highly encouraged to prepare for NSI by visiting the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) website and by downloading the NOFFS Endurance App on their mobile device. NOFFS was developed by Navy fitness stakeholders, in partnership with industry leaders in human performance, to provide a complete physical training program that will ‘eliminate the guesswork’ for the individual Sailor who is participating in his/her personal, physical training program.
NOFFS Training website: https://www.navyfitness.org/fitness/noffs-training
The Apple Store URL to download the free app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/noffs-endurance/id815804966
The Google Play URL to download the free app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ravensolutions.noffs2.endurance&hl=en_US&gl=US
Marine Option Midshipman Candidates are highly encouraged to prepare for NSI by downloading the USMC Squad Bay App for their mobile device. The Squad Bay app challenges aspiring Marines to track fitness progress and learn about the Marine Corps and the demanding and transformative process of Officer Candidates.
The Apple Store URL to download the free app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/usmc-squad-bay/id1447026436
The Google Play URL to download the free app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.usmc.squadbay&hl=en_US&gl=US
Bring ONLY those items identified on the attached packing list. RTC does not have the space to store large personal items.
NSI 2023 StudentPacking List.xlsx
If you have guests that plan on attending the NSI Graduation Ceremony in person, YOU MUST fill out the NSI Graduation Ceremony Guest Form and submit it when you arrive for training. Due to the length of time required to conduct background checks on anyone wishing to attend the ceremony, once you submit the form, changes will not be allowed. If you aren’t sure if someone will be able to attend the ceremony or not, it is highly recommended to put the person on the list because you won’t be able to add them after you submit the form should their schedule happen to “free up”. There will be more information posted on this website and social media in May when the NSI 1 assignment roster is released.
Ceremony Guest Form_v2.pdf The graduation will be live streamed for interested parties who are unable to attend in person. The links to these streams will be listed below. Cycle 3 Graduation Live Stream - August 7, 2023 - 9:00 AM CDT
All transportation to and from NSI will be arranged and funded by your NROTC unit. Once you are assigned to an NSI Iteration, it is your responsibility to contact your NROTC unit to arrange travel.
If you are flying in on Thursday, 8 June (NSI 1), Thursday, 29 June (NSI 2) or Thursday, 20 July (NSI 3) please follow the below instructions, Upon arrival to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, go to the USO located at Terminal 2, Mezzanine Level. Do not go to the USO located in Terminal 3, it is located behind the TSA security check points and we cannot access it.
Upon completion of graduation, those Midshipmen Candidates that will be flying home will be immediately taken to Chicago O'Hare International Airport via buses.
THE SCHOLARSHIP DOES NOT COVER:
National Scholarship Eligibility Requirements PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS National Scholarship Application Process APPLY
Two and Three-Year Eligibility Requirements Same basic requirements as the National scholarship with the following additional requirements; Must have at least 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) but no more than 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours). Must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Must be admitted to or in process of gaining admittance to school affiliated with the Navy ROTC Unit from which they are being nominated. Navy Option Two and Three-Year Scholarship Application Process You must apply via the Navy ROTC unit of the university you wish to attend. You must conduct an Navy ROTC Applicant Fitness Assessment (AFA) and provide your scores to the Navy ROTC Unit from which they are seeking a nomination in order for their application to be considered complete and forwarded for consideration by the selection board. See the following links for details of how to conduct the AFA: Applicant Fitness Assessment Instructions (as of 9/28/2022) Applicant Fitness Assessment Score Sheet (as of 10/31/2022) To apply you must complete the application below, obtain the required documents and submit your application to the Professor of Naval Science and the university you wish to attend. Contents of application: Application Letter (see sample) (as of 9/28/2022) Signed and dated Personnel Data Record Applicant Fitness Assessment Score Sheet (as of 10/31/2022) Current copy of college transcripts Letter of admission Degree Plan Statement of Understanding Drug Statement Debarment statement Letters of reference (if you wish) 2 or 3 Year Scholarship - Applicant Personal Data Record (as of 9/28/2022) Your application must be received by the Navy ROTC Unit no later than 31 May. The Professor of Naval Science will review and may forward your application to the scholarship selection board. The Selection board meets at the end of July. You will receive a letter notifying you of the results of the selection board. Marine Option Two and Three-Year Scholarship Application Process Applicants must contact the Marine Office Instructor at the Navy ROTC Unit they are planning on attending for details on the application process. Two and Three-Year Scholarship Supplemental Forms NROTC Program Applicant Personal Data Record (as of 9/28/2022) NSTC 1533-112 (11-19) Navy URL Statement of Understanding for NROTC Applications (as of 9/28/2022) NSTC 1533-102 (11-19) Debarment & Suspension (as of 9/28/2022) NSTC 1533-101 (11-19) Drug Statement for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (as of 9/28/2022) Marine Option SOU
Same basic requirements as the National scholarship with the following additional requirements;
You must apply via the Navy ROTC unit of the university you wish to attend.
You must conduct an Navy ROTC Applicant Fitness Assessment (AFA) and provide your scores to the Navy ROTC Unit from which they are seeking a nomination in order for their application to be considered complete and forwarded for consideration by the selection board.
See the following links for details of how to conduct the AFA:
To apply you must complete the application below, obtain the required documents and submit your application to the Professor of Naval Science and the university you wish to attend.
Contents of application:
Applicants must contact the Marine Office Instructor at the Navy ROTC Unit they are planning on attending for details on the application process.
NROTC Program Applicant Personal Data Record (as of 9/28/2022) NSTC 1533-112 (11-19) Navy URL Statement of Understanding for NROTC Applications (as of 9/28/2022) NSTC 1533-102 (11-19) Debarment & Suspension (as of 9/28/2022) NSTC 1533-101 (11-19) Drug Statement for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (as of 9/28/2022) Marine Option SOU
Navy Option Only Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Scholarship Program Marine Option Only Frederick C. Branch Leadership Scholarship General Pedro Del Valle Leadership Scholarship
NROTC Preparatory Scholarship Reservations (NPSR) Program
You may start the process of applying during the second semester of your junior year of high school. Students may apply for only one of the three scholarship program options-Navy, Nurse or Marine Corps. Before the application can be finalized and forwarded for selection consideration, you must ensure that a copy of your complete transcript, including your entire junior year, is forwarded to your recruiter.
Students attending a Non-NROTC Affiliated School may apply for a National NROTC Scholarship regardless of number of college credits earn. Students attending an NROTC Affiliated School or School with Cross-Town Agreement should consult the Professors of Naval Science at the host university's NROTC Unit to discuss application opportunities through that unit’s college program and two or three-year scholarship application process. (See the Scholarship Opportunities Tab on this same "Program-Info" page.)
Active duty Navy applicants are ineligible to apply for Navy ROTC. Active members of other branches of the military may apply if granted a conditional release. Individuals who are scheduled for boot camp may apply but cannot report to boot camp before a decision is made on their application. If they wish to report to boot camp prior to a decision being made they must withdraw their application in writing.
The Navy is preparing our officer corps of the future to meet the dynamic challenges in the next generation of technology and leadership. In structuring our academic programs to meet these challenges, undergraduate academic majors for Navy ROTC Navy option midshipmen are divided into three categories or tiers: Tier 1 - engineering programs of Navy interest, Tier 2 - other engineering, math and science programs, Tier 3 - Foreign language and remaining academic programs. In order to keep pace in this high tech and diverse environment, approximately 85% of Navy Option Navy ROTC scholarships offers will be awarded to students interested in completing a Tier 1 or Tier 2 academic major. The Navy ROTC scholarship provides full tuition and fees at 166 of our nation's most elite and prestigious colleges and universities.
Aerospace, Aeronautical, Astronautical Engineering Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Naval Architecture & Marine/Naval Engineering Nuclear Engineering Ocean Engineering Systems Engineering
Agricultural/Biological Engineering & Bioengineering Architectural Engineering/Architectural Engineering Technologies Astrophysics Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Biomathematics & Bioinformatics Biomedical/Medical Engineering Biotechnology Cell/Cellular Biology & Anatomical Sciences Ceramic Sciences & Engineering Chemistry Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Programming Computer Science/Info. Tech. Construction Engineering Electronics & Comm. Engineering Engineering Mechanics Engineering Physics Engineering Science
General Engineering General Science Industrial Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Materials Engineering Mathematics Metallurgical Engineering Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Mining & Mineral Engineering Nuclear & Industrial Radiologic Technology Oceanography Petroleum Engineering Pharmacology & Toxicology Physics Physiology, Pathology & Related Sciences Polymer/Plastics Engineering Quantitative Economics Statistics Textile Sciences & Engineering
We realize that some of the academic majors listed above may not match word-for-word the majors offered at each of the more than 166 colleges and universities partnered with Navy ROTC. If you have questions about how a major at a particular school fits into our Navy ROTC academic major tier categories or our language program, please contact the Navy ROTC unit located at that school. Or, you can contact the Navy ROTC scholarship office at grlk_nrotc.scholarship@navy.mil
Students interested in pursuing Tier 3 academic majors (all other academic majors not listed in Tier 1 or Tier 2) should examine the opportunities available in the Navy’s Language Skills, Regional Expertise, and Cultural Awareness (LREC) Program. Annually, the Navy will offer this program to 20 - 30 students. Attainment of a specific level of language proficiency is not required by the Navy ROTC LREC program.
Regions/cultural areas and languages available for study are listed below. Selected languages and regional/cultural areas must be related.
Arabic Cambodian Central Asian Lang. Chinese Dari Farsi French
Hebrew Hindi Indonesian Japanese Kurdish Malay Pashto
Persian Portuguese Russian Serbo-Croatian Somali Spanish
Swahili Tagalog Thai Turkish Urdu Vietnamese
For the LREC program you are required to either: 1) Major in a foreign language required by the Navy and complete four (4) associated classes (12 semester credit hours) in a region/cultural area associated with the selected language; or 2) Major in a region/cultural area required by the navy and complete four (4) associated classes (12 semester credit hours) in a foreign language associated with the region/cultural area.
The Navy will activate scholarships upon the satisfactory development of a degree plan with the host Navy ROTC unit and university and upon enrollment in the assigned academic major. Navy ROTC midshipmen may lose their scholarship if they request a change from Tier 1 or Tier 2 major to a Tier 3 major. Similarly, Tier 3 LREC majors may lose their scholarship if they depart their course of study prior to graduation.
Academic majors listed in each Tier may vary year to year dependent on the Navy's requirements, however once accepted into an academic major and Tier, a student’s Tier status will not change.
A student may request a modification from their original academic major. Changing from a Tier 1, Tier 2, or LREC major requires approval from a formal panel and will be based on the needs of the Navy.
Apply for and gain admission to Navy ROTC colleges (not required during selection process, but notification of admission must be received before scholarship can be activated)
The NROTC Preparatory Programs (NPP) Office mission is to expand NROTC opportunities to produce a more diverse representative and capable Naval Officer Corps. The office supports talented and motivated disadvantaged students who lack competitive academic resumes. Preparatory programs assist these students in closing preparedness gaps with typical applicants to the most selective university STEM programs.
Prior to 2019, no programs existed to help individuals whose family, social, or economic circumstances hindered their ability to prepare for entry into a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program and/or compete for scholarships. In August 2019 to address this gap, Commander Naval Service Training Command established the NROTC preparatory programs office. The office is NSTC’s focal point for development and coordination of programs to expand Navy leadership opportunities.
During its first year the NROTC Prep Programs Office has helped prepare over 150 applicants for success in the NROTC scholarship program. Detailed information on the various preparatory programs can be found at the below links: