Naval ROTC

Message from the Commanding Officer – Colonel Tracy Perry, USMC

Thank you for your interest in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Unit at the University of Southern California (USC).  By choosing to explore a career in the United States Navy or Marine Corps, you are considering a path that is both challenging and immensely rewarding.  Service to our nation is a noble endeavor, and as a prospective Midshipman at USC, you will be part of a proud tradition of excellence.  The USC NROTC program is designed to develop leaders who are committed to upholding the values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and who are prepared to make significant contributions to our national security.  Your interest in serving our country through Naval Service is commendable, and we are excited to share more about the opportunities and experiences that await you in our program. 

       While many career fields offer impactful positions, few provide the scope, leadership responsibility, and relevance to national security that you will experience as a commissioned officer.  Choosing to serve in the United States Navy or Marine Corps is a profound commitment to protecting and defending our nation’s freedoms.  Our program is designed to prepare you for this noble path by providing you with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in military service.  NROTC is an excellent starting point for your military journey.  As a member of the USC NROTC Unit, you will join a community dedicated to selfless service. 

We prepare Midshipmen for commissioned service by developing them mentally, morally, and physically, while instilling the highest ideals of duty and loyalty.  Leadership is at the heart of what we do here at the Trojan NROTC Battalion.  From the moment you join, you are immersed in an environment that challenges you to lead with integrity, honor, and courage.  Our comprehensive training includes naval science classes, physical training sessions, and weekly leadership laboratories.  Additionally, each summer, you will participate in challenging training events at Navy and Marine Corps bases, as well as aboard ships.  These experiences will hone your leadership abilities and prepare you to take on the enormous responsibility of leading Sailors or Marines.

       NROTC is a highly competitive program with multiple paths leading to a commission.  Some of our Midshipmen are exceptional enlisted Sailors selected for the Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21), while others are high-performing enlisted Marines chosen for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP).  Most, however, applied for an NROTC scholarship while still in high school.  We also welcome college-programmers who apply and if accepted into the unit, will compete for an NROTC scholarship.  Based on your situation, you can choose to apply our scholarships to cover FULL tuition and fees or elect to receive a $11,500 annual stipend to help cover your room and board expenses ($5,750/semester).

       Upon successful completion of the NROTC program and your academic degree at USC, you will be commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy or a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.  This commission represents the culmination of your hard work and dedication, and the beginning of a career filled with leadership and service.  Our Navy programs include tracks in submarines, surface warfare, and aviation.  Marine options can contract for ground or aviation assignments and compete for positions such as cyber officers or pursue follow-on law degrees. 

       The USC NROTC program is a gateway to a lifetime of leadership and service. Whether you serve for five years or thirty, the experiences and skills you gain will serve you well, both in the military and beyond.  Our alumni have gone on to achieve great success, both in their military careers and in civilian life, continuing to lead and inspire in various roles.  

         As a part of our unit, you will join a community that values excellence, camaraderie, and a commitment to making a difference.  Your journey toward becoming a commissioned officer is one of the most honorable paths you can take, and we are excited to support you every step of the way.  If you are driven to live a life of selfless service and seek meaningful personal and professional challenges or simply have questions about the program; I encourage you to reach out to our recruiting officer at [email protected] or by going here to start your application process to become a member of the USC NROTC Trojan Battalion.

Chart the Course: Building tomorrows Naval leaders, today!  

Fight On!

NROTC Cadre

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Contact Us

University of Southern California
Physical Education Building (PED)
3560 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089
[email protected]
(213) 740-1839