Military Programs
Military Opportunities
There are many advantages of military service. Immediate benefits include educational and/or career training through graduate degrees, opportunity to become a commissioned officer through ROTC or military academies, travel, specific guaranteed training upon entry, a community with a variety of attractions, free medical and dental care, lower cost commissary and post exchange service, guaranteed pay, promotion opportunities, access to a cadre of trained consultants and counselors, and free legal assistance.
Long-term benefits may include the new G.I. Bill awards, scholarships and fellowships, pay bonuses, 30-day paid vacations every year, development of leisure-time skills, certain housing, medical, and educational services for families, low-cost life insurance, FHA loans, lifetime retirement benefits after 20 years of service, and job retention rights over all non-veteran federal workers.
Terms of Enlistments: There is a mandatory eight-year service obligation for all branches of the military, which is split between active duty and inactive reserve duty. The required proportion of time spent on the active duty and reserve duty varies with each branch of the military. Check with the military recruiters for details.
Qualifications All prospective recruits take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Test results on the ASVAB determine your qualifications for enlistment and for job training opportunities. The ASVAB is given at high schools or testing arrangements can be made with the military recruiters.
ASVAB Testing
ASVAB Testing The Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is multi-aptitude test battery that is administered and scored by the military. The military test administrators then release test results to the school and the student. Participation is optional. Interpretation of the test results and how the student’s aptitude compares with identified interests is a tool to help students make military or non-military career decisions.
United States Merchant Marine Academy
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is one of the five federal service academies that include West Point, Annapolis, Air Force, and Coast Guard academies. The admissions process and academic requirements are unique for service academies and this session is open to all high school students and college counselors.
Federal Service Academies are not for everyone but we encourage those students looking to serve their country and accept a demanding academic schedule to apply. Like all federal service academies, there is no application fee for USMMA.
Our rigorous four-year academic program is highlighted by the Academy’s Sea Year experience. Through this unique program, every student gains real-world leadership experience working aboard commercial ships sailing to ports around the world during three academic terms. Our students pursue a degree in one of five majors offered through two Academic Departments: Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation. Students receive full tuition, room and board, and books at no cost.
Graduates of the United States Merchant Marine Academy earn a Bachelor of Science degree, a U.S. Coast Guard license, and a commission in the United States Armed Forces. Our graduates have an option to work as ship’s officers in the United States maritime industry or serve as commissioned officers on active duty in any branch of service.
More information about the Academy can be found here.
Area Admissions Officers are as follows:
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Northeast Admissions (CT, DE, NH, MA, ME, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT):LCDR Joe Becker - beckerj@usmma.edu |
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Midwest Admissions (AR, IA, IN, IL, KS, KY, MI, MO, OH, OK, TN, TX, WI, WV):
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West Admissions (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY) and Diversity:
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Southeast Admissions (AL, DC, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, VA):
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We look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
Marilyn Livi '82
Senior Vice-President
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc