Frequently

Asked

Questions

1. What is Raider Company all about?

• Refer to our Mission Statement www.usnavy.vt.edu/Marines/raiders.html

2. What are the requirements to be eligible for a Marine Option Scholarship, and how do I go about applying for one?

• Eligibility Requirements:
• U.S. Citizenship  
• Not less than 17 years old by Sept. 1 of year starting college and no more than 23 on June 30 of that year
• Must not have reached 27th birthday by June 30 of year in which graduation and commissioning are anticipated  
• Applicants with prior military service may be eligible for age adjustments for amount of time equal to their prior service, on month-by-month basis, for maximum of 36 months, if they will not reach 30th birthday by June 30 of year graduation and commissioning are anticipated  
• High school graduation or equivalency certificate by Aug. 1 of year of entrance into four-year NROTC Scholarship program  
• No moral obligations or personal convictions that prevent conscientious bearing of arms and supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic  
• Physically qualified by Marine Corps standards  
• Apply for and gain admission to NROTC colleges (not required during selection process, but notification of admission must be received before scholarship can be activated)
• Qualifying scores on Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT)  
• Marine Corps option:  
• SAT: 1000 composite  
• ACT: 22 composite  
• SAT/ACT Math and English / Critical Reading scores must be from same test; applicants cannot combine best Math w/ best English / Critical Reading scores to achieve qualifying score   
• Students w/30 or more semester hours or 45 or more quarter hours of college credit upon application or students already enrolled in NROTC College Program are not eligible for four-year NROTC Scholarships; these students should see professors of naval science at host university's NROTC unit to discuss other scholarship opportunities
• Active duty Navy applicants are ineligible to apply for NROTC program through COMNAVCRUITCOM. Active members of other branches of the military may apply if granted a conditional release. Individuals who are scheduled for boot camp may apply provided they complete all required application evolutions (i.e. officer interview, etc.). NSTC will accept teacher evaluations, transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores dated after the applicants ship date.
• Marine Corps applicants should apply through Marine Corps recruiting offices
• You may start the process of applying during the second semester of your junior year of high school. Before the application can be finalized and forward for selection consideration, you must ensure that a copy of your complete transcript including your entire junior year is forwarded to your recruiter.

3. Do I have to be in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets if I am a part of the NROTC unit as a scholarship Midshipman?

• Yes, as a scholarship Midshipman in the NROTC unit you are required to be a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.  To learn more information about the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets please refer to their website at www.vtcc.vt.edu.

4. I’m interested in being a Marine pilot.  What does the Marine Corps offer in this regard?

• Flight school.

5. I’m interested in the Marine Corps PLC (Platoon Leader’s Class) program.  Can I be in the PLC program and still be in the Virginia Tech Raider Company?

• Yes, you can be a part of the Virginia Tech Raider Company while in the PLC program; you just won’t belong to the NROTC.

6. Is it possible to apply for a 4-year scholarship via the Internet?

• Yes, Marine Option NROTC applications are now available on line.  Once submitted, the application will be forwarded to a local recruiter for processing.  You should receive a call within two weeks to set up an appointment to gather any additional information required for completion of your package.   Click here for the application.

7. Does an NROTC scholarship provide free room and board?

• No, the NROTC Scholarship does not pay for room and board, just tuition. Additionally, scholarship students receive a uniform stipend to help cover the cost of VTCC uniforms. Any NROTC required uniforms will be issued.

8. I’m applying for an NROTC scholarship and want to join the Corps of Cadets, but I don’t have the money to rent an apartment before school starts.  Can I move in the Corps of Cadets barracks early?

• This is handled on a case by case basis.  If you need to move in early due to certain travel plans, contact the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.  The Corps of Cadets will do their best to accommodate your needs.  You can e-mail the Assistant Commandant of Recruiting, Major Rewa Mariger, with your situation at rmariger@vt.edu.

9. I hear that it’s easier to get accepted for a Navy 4-year Scholarship than a Marine Scholarship.  Should I submit for a Navy Scholarship and then request a transfer, if I get accepted?

• No, if you want to be a Marine, apply for a Marine Option NROTC scholarship.

10. I’m a transfer student from another university.  Is it possible for me to join NROTC, even if I only have 2 years left?  If not, what other options are available?

• You can either apply for a 2 year Marine Option scholarship, or apply for the PLC program through your local Officer Selection Officer (OSO). The Roanoke OSO is 1stLt Makeeff at 540-387-1942 or email makeeffbd@marines.usmc.mil

11. Are there any other programs that give out scholarships? If so, how do I find out information about it?  Who would I contact?

• Yes there are other programs that give out scholarships.  One program is called Platoon Leader Class (PLC).  As stated on www.marines.com, “[PLC] is the most popular route to completing [Officer Candidate School (OCS)] and becoming an officer.  For freshmen and sophomores, the program consists of two six-week training sessions between school years at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia.  For college juniors, it is one 10-week training session.  You are paid for your time, so it’s like a summer job that will change you forever.  Additionally, travel costs to and from Quantico, all your meals, textbooks, materials and clothing are furnished free of charge by the government.  During the school year, you will not be called to active duty, and you are not required to wear a uniform.  Upon graduation, you’ll be commissioned as a Marine Second Lieutenant and advance directly to The Basic School.”  To find out more information please refer to http://officer.marine.com.

12. How can I join Raider Company?

• 4 year Marine option scholarship.
• Submit Raider Company request chit.

13. What are the requirements to be able to join Raider Company?

• 3.0 in previous semester
• Pass Marine PFT with 225 or higher
• Be recommended by your chain of command and your class advisor

14 What if I have a Navy scholarship?  Is there a way I can change my scholarship to Marine Option?  How would I go about doing that?

• Submit a follow on scholarship package for Marine option (3yr, 2yr, 1yr). This may be done twice a year, December and June. You will not lose your Navy option scholarship just by submitting for the follow on Marine option scholarship.

15. What is the difference between the Platoon Leader Class and Marine Option route?

• Marine option provides full scholarship. PLC does not.

16. What obligations do I have as a Marine Option Midshipman?

• Commissioning:
• Scholarship students that graduate and receive their commissioning are obligated to serve 8 years of commissioned service, 4 years of active duty and 4 years inactive reserve. If students go to flight school as Pilots or Naval Flight Officers, their obligations increase to 5 years of active duty from their winging date.

17. What standards must I hold as a member of the NROTC unit, Raider Company, and as a scholarship Midshipman?

• Physical:
• As future military leaders, midshipmen are expected to keep themselves in good physical shape and maintain their weight/body fat percentage within acceptable standards. Navy option midshipmen are required to take a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) every semester. The PFA consists of a weigh-in, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Marine Option midshipmen take a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) on a similar schedule, where pull-ups are required rather than push-ups and the run is lengthened to 3 miles. Failure to pass the PFA/PFT for two consecutive semesters can lead to disenrollment. Midshipmen are also required to demonstrate basic swimming proficiency by their sophomore year. Specific physical standards can be found on the NROTC website
• Academics:
• Scholarship and College Program Midshipman must maintain a 2.5 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale, have no failing grades in any subject required for their major or commissioning, progress on a prescribed timeline for graduation, and have a full academic load every semester (15-18 units).

18. What weekly commitments does membership in Raider Company entail?

• Click here to see a copy of the Raiders weekly schedule

19. What are the eligibility requirements and application procedures for the Emerging Leader Scholarship?

• WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
  
• High School seniors who have indicated an interest in ROTC are eligible for consideration. The applicant must be offered and accept admission to Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. ROTC participation is encouraged but not required. Applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate Virginia Tech as a recipient institution (VT Code is 0003754). The FAFSA is available in most school guidance offices and can be filed electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is required regardless of financial need and must be filed annually to keep the scholarship in force.
  
• WHAT IS PROVIDED?
  
• For in-state students the Emerging Leader Scholarship provides $2,000 per year totaling $8,000* over the four years of college. Out-of-State students are awarded $3,000 per year totaling $12,000* over four years. ELS winners must remain a cadet in good standing with the university and the Corps of Cadets to renew the scholarship each year. Also, at the conclusion of the sophomore year and junior year, the awardee must meet Corps physical fitness standards and must have attained a cumulative 2.5 grade point average minimum to continue the scholarship.
  
• HOW MANY ARE AWARDED?

• Up to 100 in-state and 100 out-of-state scholarships may be awarded each year. Over half our entering freshmen cadets have been awarded this scholarship in recent years.
  
• HOW IS THE SCHOLARSHIP DECIDED?
  
• The scholarship is awarded based upon merit. Awardees typically have “B+” grade point averages or above and recent SAT averages are approximately 1175. These academic standards must be matched by evidence of leadership potential such as involvement in student government, athletics, scouting, Junior ROTC, or work and other extracurricular experiences.
  
• HOW DO I APPLY?
  
• Submission of your Virginia Tech application, along with the other documents described above, ensures your consideration for the Emerging Leader Scholarship. Make sure you have met the criterion listed above and indicate you are a “cadet” applicant when completing the application for admission. Potential awardees are screened during the admissions process and notified of their scholarship status soon after their admissions status.
• The Emerging Leader Scholarship may be reduced if, when added to other scholarships being received, total benefits exceed the cost of education (tuition, fees, books, room & board)