The Program
One of the most common programs Enlisted Marines use to transition from enlisted to officer is the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). MECEP offers qualified Marines the chance to go to a four-year college full-time, while maintaining active duty status and pay. MECEP is open to all active duty Marines and Marines in the Active Reserve (AR) program who meet the eligibility requirements. Selection is based on an individual’s potential for commissioned service as demonstrated by their service record, previous academic record, and evidence of career and academic self-improvement.
To see the most up to date information concerning the requirements and process for joining the MECEP program can be found at this link.
Applying
Marines that are accepted into the MECEP program must separately apply for admission into the university. NROTC informs the school if you have received a scholarship, but has no ability to assist with or impact the university admission process. Please direct all university admissions related questions through the school. Admission into the university is very competitive. The NROTC unit does not have any sway or ability to impact the university admissions process. Applicants are encouraged to contact the AMOI (richard.perry@duke.edu) during and throughout the application process. Once a MECEP is OCS complete and accepted into the university, Marines will receive orders to the NROTC unit at the University.
Life at the University
While academically challenging, life as a Marine while at the university is a far departure from life in the fleet. While still expected to uphold all grooming standards, Marines will be wearing proper civilian attire most of the time while they are at the university. Typically, NROTC students will only wear a uniform on the day of leadership lab, once a week.
Expectations
As an active duty student, you are expected to fully participate, be integrated, and participate within the Midshipmen battalion. Participation within the battalion includes events ranging from PT twice a week, weekly leadership labs, and holding battalion billets. Being a full-fledged member of the NROTC unit allows a MECEP’s development into an officer, the experience with interacting with their Navy and Marine Corps peers, and the opportunity to mentor Midshipmen about life in the fleet.
Academics
Marines can choose any major offered at the university. An overall and semester GPA of 2.5 or higher must be maintained in order to remain enrolled in the program. In addition to the required classes for one’s major and minor, MECEP Marines are required to take three Naval Science courses. Outside of this requirement, Marines are free to enroll in any classes they would like, as long as it allows them to graduate in the most expedient manner.