Naval ROTC

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Naval ROTC Unit is to develop midshipmen mentally, morally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to commission them as naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the naval service and have a potential for future development in mind and character and are prepared to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government.

The Naval ROTC Unit provides two programs in which cadets may enroll, US Navy or US Marine Corps. Successful completion of the NROTC curriculum will satisfy VMI's military requirements for graduation and will lead to a wide variety of career and reserve opportunities in the Navy and Marine Corps. 

The NROTC Unit at VMI is one of four NROTC units in Virginia and 77 nationwide, merging the finest traditions of VMI and the Naval Service.

GOALS

The primary goals of the NROTC program are to provide students with: 

  • an understanding of the fundamental concepts of naval science;
  • a basic understanding of associated professional knowledge;
  • an appreciation of the requirements for national security;
  • a strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility;
  • an educational background which will allow them to successfully undertake, in later periods of their careers, advanced/continuing education in fields of application and interest to the naval service; and 
  • a high state of physical fitness for the purpose of health and performance

 

Naval ROTC midshipman uses simulator equipment.
Navy ROTC cadets at VMI visit US Navy ship during spring training.
NROTC cadets training to commission as US Marines
Marine ROTC cadets within the Naval ROTC Program train in the field and carry a US Marine Corps flag.
NROTC cadets at VMI train with pipes to simulate possible tasks in the US Navy.
Navy ROTC cadets at VMI learn naval rope skills during FTX
Marine Corps option ROTC cadet with NROTC unit trains with weapons.
Female leader speaks during Marine Corps training with the Navy ROTC battalion at VMI.
Navy ROTC graduates smile following their commissioning ceremony.
Female cadet at VMI receives US Marine Corps insignia pins from family during Commissioning
 

 


CORE VALUES

HONOR

I am accountable for my professional and personal behavior. I will be mindful of the privilege I have to serve my fellow Americans.

COURAGE

The value that gives me the moral and mental strength to do what is right, with confidence and resolution, even in the face of temptation or adversity.

COMMITMENT

The day-to-day duty of every man and woman in the Department of the Navy is to join together as a team to improve the quality of our work, our people and ourselves.


THE PROGRAM

There are three programs available to qualified Virginia Military Institute cadets:

  • National ROTC Scholarship Program
  • NROTC Sideload Scholarship
  • College Program (Advanced Standing), USN/USMC

NROTC programs require application separate from the VMI application and have enrollment requirements beyond the baseline for acceptance to the Institute. Midshipmen are provided different financial assistance and monetary allowances dependent on the program into which they are enrolled. Additionally, midshipmen are required to complete the entire academic program specified by NROTC in addition to VMI academic requirements.

 


NROTC Unit History and Notable Alumni

The Naval ROTC Unit was established at VMI on 1 July 1974. NROTC classes commenced with the beginning of the school term in August 1974.

The establishment of the VMI NROTC Unit is a continuation of the long-standing tradition of mutual respect and service between VMI and the Naval service, especially the U.S. Marine Corps.

 

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders