Naval ROTC Program at Virginia Tech:

A terrific deal for the individual, for the sea services and for the nation!

For the individual, the Naval ROTC program at Virginia Tech offers a significant scholarship for qualified college students that can substantially offset the increasing costs of higher education. While completing Naval Science courses and gaining leadership experience, you are fully integrated into the prestigious Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and the exciting environment of a modern university. The advantage of a relatively large land-grant public university like Virginia Tech is the wide range of academic programs, the diverse special interest groups and service clubs, the social opportunities, and the elite intercollegiate athletics – all valuable components for a well-rounded collegiate career. As a result of the Naval ROTC program and your status as a midshipman, you’ll participate in various “training cruises” that are offered during the summer academic recess periods to observe and engage the Navy or Marine Corps at an early stage. Our midshipmen have “cruised” around the world to the Mediterranean Sea, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and in the waters off Southern California, Hawaii, Japan and even Australia serving with our operating forces and even assigned to foreign navy units in exchange programs. Upon graduation, you are guaranteed a position in an exciting profession, whether you choose and qualify to fly high performance aircraft, sail in missile cruisers or nuclear submarines, serve in a special warfare/commando units or enter the nation’s premier 911 force, the Marine Corps. If you are undecided on a military career as most young people are, initial service as a commissioned officer for four or more years is an exceptional foundation for any other path you may seek in life.

For the service, the Naval ROTC program provides the Navy and Marine Corps the opportunity to recruit someone of your caliber. The current 57 Naval ROTC units at the finest universities in the country are collectively the largest annual source for new Ensigns and Second Lieutenants for the two services – more than the Naval Academy or Officer Candidate School. The newly commissioned officers continue to demonstrate a commitment to national service, a willingness to explore new horizons and a selfless dedication to prepare themselves intellectually, physically and morally for the challenges of leadership in highly technical military operations around the world. While the entry standards are demanding and the selection process competitive on a national level, Navy and Marine Corps senior leaders value the technical and leadership abilities of Naval ROTC graduates and fully support our program.

For the nation, the Naval ROTC serves as one component of the bond between our citizenry and the sea services. All ROTC programs significantly expand the population base from which the nation draws its military leadership. In a democracy, it is essential for the citizens to hold a good understanding of both the limits and the capabilities of the military, for ultimately, the citizens endure the responsibilities and consequences for the basic choices we make as a nation. The Naval Service is a significant element of our nation’s statecraft – we serve to deter conflict and war, but if called upon, we understand we must fight and win to preserve the ideals of our Constitution. If our military becomes an isolated enclave of American society, this is neither in the best interest of the military nor the nation. The Naval ROTC program is one conduit for civilian university students to enter the officer corps.

Naval ROTC at Virginia Tech is not for everybody. However, in seeking this Web page, you have begun the journey by investigating opportunities through which we may assist you in attaining your personal goals and serving our great nation. You owe it to yourself to check out the Naval ROTC program at Virginia Tech. Surf the remainder of this Web Site for specific information and links to other helpful sites.