The NROTC Marine Option program at Duke prepares midshipmen for the demanding and physically rigorous path to becoming an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Upon graduation, Marine-option midshipmen are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps.
Because the Marine-option community within the battalion is smaller, midshipmen receive close mentorship from the Marine Officer Instructors assigned to the unit. Marine-option midshipmen follow a different Naval Science curriculum and participate in Marine Corps–specific summer training in preparation for service as Marine officers.
Throughout the academic year, Marine-option midshipmen participate in all battalion activities, while also completing additional Marine Corps–focused training. Due to the Marine Corps’ higher physical fitness standards, Marine-option midshipmen conduct additional physical training each week. They also complete courses such as Amphibious Warfare, Marine Leadership, and Evolution of Warfare, which focus on the history, doctrine, and leadership principles of the Marine Corps.
Unlike Navy-option midshipmen, Marine-option midshipmen are not required to complete certain technical course requirements such as Calculus, Physics, or Computer Science, allowing greater flexibility in academic major selection.
Summer Training
Marine-option midshipmen participate in a series of summer training events designed to progressively prepare them for commissioning as Marine Corps officers.
Before beginning their first year at Duke, scholarship Marine-option midshipmen attend New Student Indoctrination (NSI) at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, alongside Navy-option midshipmen. NSI introduces new midshipmen to the expectations, discipline, and fundamentals of the NROTC program.
Before their sophomore year, Marine-option midshipmen attend Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID). During this training, midshipmen are introduced to the major warfare communities of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Following their junior year, Marine-option midshipmen attend Fleet Marine Forces (FMF) training, where they participate in Marine Corps–specific instruction designed to develop leadership, field skills, and familiarity with Marine Corps operations.
After their senior year, Marine-option midshipmen attend Officer Candidates School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia. At OCS, their leadership ability, physical fitness, and character are evaluated as they complete the final training required before commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps.