These days, it seems as though it’s never too early to help your teenage son or daughter prepare for his or her future. Teens and young adults who strive for academic excellence, wish to build their confidence, secure a fulfilling future, and want to show dedication to their country may find a perfect fit and benefit from enrolling in a program like NROTC (Navy Reserves Officer’s Training Corps). If your son or daughter has expressed interest in joining the U.S. Navy, NROTC is a perfect starting point. Here’s what you need to know:

What is NROTC?

The main purpose of the NROTC program is to prepare and equip qualified young men and women with the skills needed to be commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy’s unrestricted line, the Navy Nurse Corps, and the Marine Corps. Unlike enrolling into the military right out of high school, not only can young men and women receive training to become part of the U.S. Navy by joining NROTC, but they can also receive a college education at the same time. Many individuals enrolled in a military branch don’t have an opportunity to explore college until they are retired from the military. The mission of the NROTC Program is to “develop young men and women morally, mentally, and physically, and to instill in them the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment.” Additionally, NROTC educates and trains for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Navy.

For High School & College Students

Young women and men, who are still enrolled in high school, may also have the opportunity to get involved in a junior NROTC program where he or she will gain experience in navigation instruction, communication electronics, drill ceremonies, ship handling, naval science, as well as following the mission of the NROTC and the United States Navy. A junior program are available at many high schools across the U.S. and a majority of students can enroll as early as their freshman year.

If no high school program exists, or a soon-to-be graduate is trying to make a decision between the college or the Navy, a NROTC program may offer the best of both worlds. According to the Naval Reserves Officer Training Corps, currently, there are over 160 colleges and universities that either host NROTC units or have cross-town enrollment agreements with a host university.

Scholarships & Expectations

Joining the NROTC Program may not only be fulfilling and expand future opportunities, but it can also be very challenging and competitive. Before enrolling and being accepted into the NROTC program, women and men must pass the Applicant Fitness Assessment (AFA) and have no previous medical history of alcohol or drug abuse. While recreation alcohol use is permitted while “off duty”, all individuals may be subject to random drug testing. Once an NROTC applicant is accepted into the program, he or she can apply for a two, three, or four-year scholarship. High school students should consider applying for a scholarship during their Junior year of high school and some NROTC scholarship guidelines include that applicants must commit to a minimum of five years (12 years for medical or dental school students).

Future After NROTC

Once graduated from college and upon program completion, a NROTC student (also known as a “midshipman”) begins his or her military service and rather than having to work his or her way through entry-level military positions, starts dute as Navy Ensigns. According to Belluck & Fox, with the specialized training that one receives in a NROTC Program, a young man or woman may put his or her major in Naval Architecture, Naval Engineering, Ocean Engineering, and even Computer Programming to good use on any of the number of the Navy vessels from Aircraft Carriers to Submarines.

If you possess the dedication and the drive that the U.S. Navy encourages all of its members to have, the NROTC may be the perfect starting point for a promising future.