Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) is now accepting applications for the FY27 Enlisted Marine Option Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (E-O NROTC) scholarship. This program sends qualified enlisted Marines to a four-year NROTC-affiliated university, and graduates who complete OCS commission as second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Applications close 31 January 2027, no extensions.
Bottom line: If you want to commission through NROTC, your application must be submitted online by 31 January 2027, and SMCR Marines need a conditional release via DD Form 368 before they're even eligible for the board.
Who it affects
Active duty and Ready Reserve enlisted Marines who want to pursue a commission through the NROTC path. Specific eligibility gates:
- U.S. citizen
- At least 17 years old by 1 September of the first year of college; younger than 27 on 31 December of the anticipated commissioning year
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Physically qualified per NAVMED P117 and within standards per MCO 6110.3A
- No disqualifying military or civil offenses
- Test scores: AFQT 74 or higher, ACT composite 22 or higher, SAT Math + Evidence-Based Reading 1000 or higher (same sitting), or CLT 72 or higher. No waivers on test scores.
- No more than 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of college credit at time of application
- At least one year of time in service as of 1 October 2026 (not waiverable)
- Must meet admission requirements of an NROTC-affiliated university
SMCR Marines must also have completed all Initial Active Duty Training before they can submit.
What you need to do
- Talk to your Career Planner or CO first, then contact a Recruiting Station Executive Officer (RS XO) from one of the six Marine Corps Districts. Find your district at
https://www.mcrc.marines.mil/unitsorhttps://rmi.marines.com/. - Submit your application online at
https://www.netc.navy.mil/commands/naval-service-training-command/nrotc/apply/. Expect a call within two weeks to schedule an interview. - If you're in the SMCR: get a conditional release via DD Form 368 through your Reserve chain of command up to the Commanding General, Marine Forces Reserve. The approval date on that release must extend at least 30 days past the board's projected release date.
- If you're in the Active Reserve (IMA): request a conditional release via DD Form 368 through the first O-6 in your chain of command to HQMC Reserve Affairs.
- Apply for college admission at your target NROTC school early. Do not wait for scholarship selection. University deadlines vary and will not align with the MARADMIN deadline. School list:
https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Program-Information/Navy-ROTC-Schools/ - Review GI Bill and education benefit implications. Contact the VA and your Base Education Office before accepting any scholarship, since selection may affect your Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement.
- Disclose all disciplinary or investigative history in full, including anything acquitted, dismissed, or unfounded. Omitting anything is disqualifying.
If selected, you will be transferred to the IRR before executing orders to your NROTC unit.
Key dates
- 1 October 2026: One-year time-in-service requirement date
- 31 January 2027: Hard deadline for online application submission. No extensions, no waivers.
The official version
Full details are in MARADMIN 333/26. Questions go to the MCRC G3 POC: jordan.harrison@marines.usmc.mil, phone 667-893-0880. The Officer Commissioning Manual (MCRCO 1100.2B) and MCO 1040.43B govern the broader program requirements.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.