Uniformed Service Commissioning Opportunities

Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program

The Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program develops Strategic Sealift Officers for the Navy Reserve. Strategic Sealift officers are commissioned Naval Reserve Officers who hold Unlimited U.S. Coast Guard Licenses with STCW. They volunteer their commercial maritime experience and expertise to the United States Navy through Strategic Sealift. In a time of war, the SSOs can be called upon to crew up MARAD's Ready Reserve Fleet and transport military cargo to our troops overseas. In a time of peace, SSOs sail as civilians in the maritime industry and only commit a minimum of 2 weeks of Active Duty Training per year for a minimum of 8 years post-graduation. It is a very rewarding community to be a part of, on top of having a maritime career as SSOs gain additional skills and incur military benefits.

License Option cadets interested in joining the SSMP should review the official Navy program and eligibility requirements here: Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program.

The SSMP will require 3 courses on top of the License Option degree as well as 1 additional corps activity.

• Intro to Naval Science: NVSC 101 (2 credits)
• Merchant Marine Officer: NVSC 200 (3 credits & Required for LO Cadets)
• Leadership & Ethics: NVSC 402 (3 credits)
• Corps Activity Period - Navy: ZOPT 200 (0 credits)

Qualified SSMP cadets will have the option to apply for the Student Incentive Program (SIP) after contracting into the Navy Reserves with an incentive of $64,000 for Summer Sea Terms, uniforms, books, tuition, or subsistence.

• Freshman - Sophomore Year: $2,000 per Semester
• Junior - Senior Year: $14,000 per Semester

*Direct Deposits run Mid-Semester

Cadets who join later will receive larger payouts and will still receive the full $64,000 if they are within good standing and graduate in 8 semesters since enrollment to TAMUG. SIP is not a scholarship, it is an incentive bonus and does not count against any sort of financial aid or scholarships. For more information on SSMP and SIP, please contact tamma@tamug.edu.

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps

As a member of the NROTC program, students learn firsthand the roles and missions of the Navy team. In addition, the focus on academics, leadership development, and personal fitness prepares students for success in a very dynamic and highly competitive work environment.

For those pursuing an Active Duty commission in the Navy, students participate in rewarding training opportunities with Navy units in both the U.S. and overseas. NROTC students fly with Navy pilots, embark on ships and submarines, and work with Special Operations units.

For those pursuing an Active Duty commission in the Navy, students participate in rewarding training opportunities with Navy units in both the U.S. and overseas. NROTC students fly with Navy pilots, embark on ships and submarines, and work with Special Operations units.

For those pursuing a Reserve commission in the Navy via the SSMP program, students work to earn their U.S. Merchant Marine License and complete training at sea through the Maritime Academy during Summer Sea Terms. For those looking for a challenging and rewarding experience join NROTC or SSMP at Texas Maritime Academy.

Navy ROTC and SSMP Application Process & Admitted Students

In addition to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy application, applicants must also submit the Authorization for the Release of Records and Information Form and the NROTC College Program Application. These forms should be uploaded to the Applicant Information System (AIS) or emailed to admissions@tamug.edu.

Direct Commission Maritime Graduate (MARGRAD)

Academy Graduates have education and training that enhances the Coast Guard's ability to carry out its missions. The Direct Commission Maritime Academy Graduate Program is available to individuals who hold a qualifying degree.

Cadets Swearing into Coast Guard After attending a five-week Direct Commission Officer (DCO) School at the USCG Academy in New London, CT, you will be commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. Based on your experience, education, and qualifications, you will be commissioned as either an Ensign (O-1) or Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2).

Upon completion of DCO School, you will be obligated to serve for three years on active duty, after which you may apply for an extension for the chance to continue to serve as an officer in the Coast Guard.

Direct Commission Selected School (DCSS)

Graduates of Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Maritime Academy are eligible to apply to the Coast Guard’s DCSS program. DCSS seeks to offer direct commissions to high performing individuals who have already proven their leadership ability and desire to serve others through rigorous programs. Typically, a broad range of mission fields are available to DCSS graduates for their initial assignment in the Coast Guard. These possibilities include but are not limited to assignment to a Coast Guard sector as a member of the response or prevention department, or assignment afloat on a Coast Guard cutter.

DCSSs work with a Coast Guard assignment officer following selection. The assignment officer will review the individual’s education, experience and qualifications, in addition to their expressed assignment interests, and assign orders to a position at a Coast Guard field unit that best aligns the selectee’s talents & potential with the needs of the Coast Guard. Following commissioning (which occurs approximately 30 days prior to attending the Direct Commission Officer (DCO) course in New London, Connecticut) new officers will execute permanent change of station (PCS) orders and report directly to their first unit for a brief period. DCSSs will then receive temporary duty assignment (TDY) to the DCO course. The DCO course will be 4-5 weeks in duration. At DCO training, DCSSs receive initial indoctrination to the traditions and programs of the service, and training on service specific administration essentials needed for their success as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard. Following completion of DCO training, DCSSs will return to their unit.

During subsequent assignments, DCSS officers can expect to broaden their experience within the operational community to which they were initially assigned with increasing levels of leadership and management exposure with progression in rank. DCSS officers have opportunities for special assignments and assignments within sub-specialties, including intelligence, human resources, engineering and C4&IT, international affairs, legal, recruiting, financial management and training.

Learn more about Direct Commissioning Officer Programs (MARGRAD and DCSS)

College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI)   

CSPI is a scholarship program for motivated college juniors and seniors who demonstrate academic and leadership excellence and a desire to serve in the Coast Guard.

As a CSPI scholar, you’ll become an active-duty Coast Guard member with the rank of Officer Trainee and receive the military benefits of the E-3 pay grade, including salary and healthcare. You’ll be assigned to your university, where you’ll complete your degree as a full-time student with tuition, books, and fees paid annually.

The first summer you first join CSPI, you’ll attend boot camp to learn the basics of the Coast Guard. You’ll then return to your school for the fall semester as an Officer Trainee.

During academic breaks and for four hours a week during classes, you’ll report to your recruiting office to maintain your military readiness and assist with recruiting duties. During longer breaks, you’ll get temporary orders to learn and train with Coast Guard units performing operational missions. You’ll also be assigned an officer mentor to guide you as you prepare to start your career.

After you earn your degree, you’ll attend the Coast Guard’s 12-week Officer Candidate School (OCS), where you’ll learn the fundamentals of being a Coast Guard officer. Upon completing OCS, you’ll become an officer and begin the first assignment in your exciting career.

When joining CSPI, you’ll enlist under a four-year contract. If you complete OCS, your enlisted contract will end, and you’ll have a three-year active-duty commitment as an officer. When joining CSPI, you’ll have the rank of Officer Trainee (E-3) once you complete boot camp. After completing OCS, you’ll become an Ensign (O-1).

Learn More about CSPI

NOAA Officer Corps   

The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is one of the nation’s eight uniformed services. NOAA Corps officers are an integral part of NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and serve with the special trust and confidence of the President.

With approximately 360 officers and growing, the NOAA Corps supports nearly all of NOAA’s programs and missions. The combination of commissioned service and scientific expertise makes these officers uniquely capable of leading some of NOAA’s most important initiatives.

The NOAA Corps traces its roots to the former U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, which dates back to 1807 and President Thomas Jefferson. The corps was established in 1917 as a commissioned service of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, whose mission was to provide critical environmental intelligence to the nation both in times of war and peace. In 1970, NOAA was created to develop a coordinated approach to oceanographic and atmospheric research and subsequent legislation converted the commissioned officer corps to the NOAA Corps. Learn more on the Our History page.

After initial selection, officer candidates receive basic training at the NOAA Corps Training Center at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Upon successful completion of the training program, officers are commissioned as ensigns and start their career with NOAA marine or aviation operations. All of our officers serve aboard NOAA ships and/or aircraft during their career. About 80 percent of NOAA Corps officers go to sea.

Officers generally rotate between assignments on a cadence of every 2-3 years for mariners and 3-5 years for aviators. Officers typically serve in a land-based assignment between each sea or aviation assignment.

While at sea, NOAA Corps officers operate ships that map the seafloor, monitor oceanographic and atmospheric conditions, and support fisheries research. Our aviators pilot NOAA’s aircraft, including Twin Otters, King Airs, and our famous P-3 Orion and Gulfstream IV "hurricane hunters." These aircraft collect data essential to hurricane and flood prediction, nautical charting, disaster response, and resource management.

When not at sea or in the air, NOAA Corps officers apply their operational experience, expertise, and training to advance new technologies, lead program and project teams, and respond to severe weather events, oil spills, and other emergencies.

Officers have the ability to tailor their career to specific interests and aspirations. The NOAA Corps has qualifications for uncrewed system operators, divers, and small boat handlers.

Officers in land assignments support nearly every part of NOAA, facilitating scientific efforts as small boat operators, divers, logistics coordinators, liaisons, and more. As an officer's career progresses, so does their level of responsibility and leadership.

Learn more about the NOAA Corps