Marine Option Midshipmen:

Marine Option Midshipmen compete and are ranked against their fellow Marine Option Midshipmen. There is a Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) and an enlisted Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI) at the NROTC Unit that oversee all the Marine Options. Marine Option Midshipmen that are on scholarship are required to attend summer training; College Programmers do not. The first Marine summer trainings are identical to Navy Option Midshipmen; they are required to attend New Student Indoctrination (NSI) in Great Lakes, IL,  and Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) on the East or West Coast. Between the Marine Options’ junior and senior year, he or she is required to attend Officer Candidate School. After commissioning, all Marines must attend The Basic School (TBS) regardless of their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

A second lieutenant’s career begins with his or her primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Every specialty demands mature, responsible leadership.

Though officers indicate their preferences, MOSs are assigned based on individual performance and the needs of the Marine Corps. Your major in college does not determine your MOS. Broadly, Marine Officers can select a Ground or Aviation Contract:

Ground

Intelligence Officers analyze and evaluate information; estimate the tactical situation; and formulate, coordinate and execute approved intelligence actions, operations and activities to include offensive and defensive actions, reconnaissance and fire support.

Infantry Officers plan, direct, and assist in the deployment and tactical employment of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and any subordinate infantry and reconnaissance units. Infantry Officers are responsible for the discipline, morale, and welfare of their unit’s Marines.

Logistics Officers plan, coordinate, execute and supervise the execution of all functional areas of tactical logistics: supply, maintenance, transportation, general engineering and services.

Communications Officers supervise and coordinate all aspects of the planning, installation, operation, displacement and maintenance of data, telecommunications, radio systems and computer systems.

Field Artillery Officers direct tactical employment of the field artillery unit in combat and coordinate that unit’s fire with other artillery units, mortars, aircraft, and naval surface fire support ships.

Combat Engineer Officers command or assist in commanding engineer units consisting of Marines whose duties include repair, maintenance and operation of heavy equipment, obstacle emplacement, breaching operations and construction of expedient roads, airfields and landing zones.

Others—including Low Altitude Air Defense, Judge Advocate General, and more.

Air

As a Naval Aviator in the Marine Corps, you will play a crucial role in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), providing support to US and/or coalition forces on the ground.

Marine Option Midshipmen can compete for a flight guarantee as early as their sophomore year. The process is competitive and is based on the following requirements:

  • Pass a flight physical, to include meeting vision requirements.
  • Achieve a qualifying score on a Navy/Marine flight aptitude test.
  • Maintain a competitive grade point average.