Navy

The following provides a brief overview of what a typical Midshipman can expect during their time in the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program through commissioning.

Each semester (regardless of year)

• Maintain both term and cumulative GPA greater than 2.5
• Attend all routine Battalion events:
  • Military Lab (NS-1111, 0 credits): Mondays 1600 - 1800
  • Battalion Physical Training: Wednesdays 0600 - 0700
  • Military Drill and Rifle Training: Fridays 0600 - 0700
• Support, as directed, additional scheduled Battalion events, such as:
  • Community service (typically one Saturday in a semester)
  • Battalion social events (typically one per semester)
  • Army vs. Navy flag football game (each fall)
  • Navy Birthday observance (each October 13th)
  • Open House events (as scheduled by the Academy)
• Pass official Physical Fitness Assessment (minimum of Good-Low for 20-24 age group)
• Complete Navy 3rd class swim qualification (repeat until qualified; successful qualification required to commission)
• Complete Navy 2nd class swim qualification (repeat until qualified; successful qualification not required to commission)

First year students

• Preliminary selections are made in September of Fall semester based on academic record and aptitude
• Complete a DoDMERB physical examination to verify medical eligibility
• Students must agree in writing to apply for, and accept if offered, a Reserve officer's commission
• Complete participation in the Navy SSMP New Student Orientation (typically in October and separate from the Academy Orientation process)

Sophomore year

• Pursue greater leadership roles within Battalion

Junior year

• Begin active duty selection package, if applying
• Pursue greater leadership roles within Battalion

Senior year

• Complete all processing and apply for a commission
• Pass the U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License examination and meet all degree completion requirements.
• Be commissioned at graduation as an Ensign in the SSOP, USNR or USN.
• Must pass Navy physical fitness assessment and 3rd class swim qualification

Academic courses necessary in addition to degree requirements

• NS-2111 - Naval Science for the Strategic Sealift Officer (NS-1)
  • Typically during First Year or sophomore year
• NS-3111 - Strategic Sealift Officer (SSO) I
  • Typically during sophomore or junior year
• NS-4111 - Leadership and Ethics
  • Must be taken during the fall semester of senior year
• NS-4211 - Strategic Sealift Officer (SSO) II (Commissioning Seminar)
  • Must be taken during the spring semester of senior year

* These courses will satisfy free elective requirements.  NS-2111, NS-3111, and NS-4111 are 3.0 semester credit courses; NS-4211 is a 2.0 semester credit course.

To be eligible for this program, a student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, and be at least 17 years of age (upon enrollment at Massachusetts Maritime Academy)
• Be enrolled in a Bachelor of Science Degree Program leading to a U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License
• Be able to complete a Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) exam and be deemed medically qualified
• Complete a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) with active duty staff at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (to include body fat assessment, push-ups, plank, and 1.5 mile run)
• Possess satisfactory records of academic ability and moral integrity, and demonstrate those characteristics desired of a Naval Officer
• Demonstrate a 2.5 cumulative and 2.5 term GPA
• Have no moral reservation or personal conviction that prevents the bearing of arms
• Cadets currently at Massachusetts Maritime Academy enrolled in either Marine Engineering or Marine Transportation may submit an application to join SSMP up to and including Fall Semester Junior Year
•  Interested students should download and complete the application below to start the process of joining the SSMP. Completed applications, as well as any questions, may be submitted by encrypted email to Todd Franks at tfranks@maritime.edu or hand delivered to the Department of Naval Science in Kurz Hall. If submitting via email, please ensure you leave SSN and DOB blank and Password Protect the document. Once we are in receipt of the document, we will contact you for the Password. 

SSMP APPLICATION

Program Requirements

SSMP Midshipmen who commission into the Navy Reserve will have an eight year military service obligation.  The following is a list of the obligations and responsibilities of a commissioned Strategic Sealift Officer (SSO).  If an SSO fails to fulfill a program requirement, he/she may be placed into Inactive Status and dishonorably discharged from the Navy Reserve.

ACTIVE DUTY FOR TRAINING (ADT)

• All Strategic Sealift Readiness Group (SSRG) members are required to complete 12 days of ADT each fiscal year (FY). ADT will be scheduled for all SSRG officers each FY between 1 October and 31 March.
• Also required to liquidate DTS travel voucher within 5 days after departing from ADT.

ANNUAL REPORTING

• Required to report current contact and civilian employment information.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Required to answer official correspondence, maintain NSIPS and inform SSO Program Office of all address, phone number, employment, and email changes.

PHYSICAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT (PHA)

• Required to obtain a PHA every 365 days.
• Includes height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, visual acuity, immunization status, labs, lipid screening, annual dental examination, and dental readiness.
• Maintain and ensure Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) is accurate and current, to include immunizations/boosters/etc.

PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT (PFA)

• Required to complete one PFA per calendar year (1 January through 31 December).
• Failure of the BCA or any individual portion of the PRT constitutes an overall failure of the PFA.
• Includes:
  • Medical screening
    • PHA (must be current)
    • Physical Activity Risk Factor Assessment (PARFQ)
    • Pre-physical activity questions
    • Body Composition Assessment (BCA) - within height and weight standards
  • Physical Readiness Test (PRT)
    • Curl-ups for two minutes
    • Push-ups for two minutes
    • 1.5 mile run within prescribed time (or pre-approved alternative cardio such as elliptical, bike, or swim).

MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE USCG MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL (MMC)

• Must be Unlimited Tonnage/HP on Oceans.
• STCW endorsement must be valid (OICNW or OICEW).

Please refer to OPNAVINST 1534.1 (series) for program compliance, guidance, instructions and warfare qualification requirement

IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO QUALIFY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP IF I GET ACCEPTED INTO THE STRATEGIC SEALIFT MIDSHIPMAN PROGRAM (SSMP)?

SSMP Midshipmen do not qualify for ROTC scholarships. However, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) offers the Student Incentive Pay (SIP) Program. Please review the SIP tab below for more information.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SSMP AND NROTC?

NROTC offers active duty commissions into the Navy and Marine Corps and gives academic scholarships to qualified Midshipmen. The SSMP primarily offers reserve commissions into the SSOP and offers students the ability to enroll in Student Incentive Pay funded by MARAD.

HOW DO I PROCEED?

If you are interested in the SSMP and want to start the application process, you can contact the Department of Naval Science (DNS) Administrative Officer / Interested Applicant Coordinator, or you can stop by the DNS office, Kurz 228.
Mr. Todd Franks
tfranks@maritime.edu
Office: (508)830-5022

I AM AN INCOMING FRESHMAN AND CONCERNED ABOUT ADDING EXTRA COMMITMENTS TO AN ALREADY BUSY SCHEDULE. HOW MUCH EXTRA TIME IS REQUIRED AND HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THIS?

This is a very common concern for incoming freshmen. Participation in our program requires 4 hours per week outside of normal academic schedule on a regular basis. There may be an occasional week with an extra time commitment, however, we plan well ahead and you will be made aware in advance so that you can plan and communicate accordingly. Most of our Midshipmen have found that their time management skills improved greatly and actually ‘found more time’ in their week for other activities. DNS Staff also work with the Commandant of Cadets, Faculty, and other departments to mitigate overlapping time requirements. Many of our Midshipmen are also members of at least one sport and are able to manage their time and commitments easily. Again, DNS staff provide years of experience and many ‘tools’ to help those that may need to improve their time management and prioritization skills.

HOW DOES THE DODMERB MEDICAL EXAMINATION WORK?

You must be cleared by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) in order to be accepted into the MMA SSMP. You will receive information on how to complete this exam by DNS staff once you start the SSMP application process. Seniors in high school may and are encouraged to complete the DODMERB exam before the start of their first term.

DO WE HAVE TO PASS A PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST?

In order to be accepted into the SSMP, prospective Midshipmen must pass (“Good-Low” for 20-24 age group or better) the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), which consists of the Body Composition Assessment (BCA) and Physical Readiness Test (PRT). High school seniors who have started the SSMP application process will be able to complete a PFA during the first few weeks of their first term. Current SSMP Midshipmen will be tested by DNS staff on a recurring basis.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST?

To get the best information, contact the DNS Interested Applicant Coordinator who will provide you with accurate and up-to-date material. The current physical fitness test consists of push-ups, a timed plank, and a 1.5 mile run.

WILL THERE BE AN INTERVIEW?

DNS staff will interview all prospective midshipmen. The interview is generally the final step in the application process, and may be conducted before a student starts his/her first term.

IS THERE A GPA REQUIREMENT TO ENTER/STAY IN THE PROGRAM?

Yes. Current midshipmen must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 term GPA to be in “good standing”. Failure to maintain academic standards will result in disciplinary action up to and including disenrollment from the SSMP.

THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY OFFERED TO MARINE TRANSPORTATION AND MARINE ENGINEERING MAJORS. WHAT HAPPENS IF I ENTER THE PROGRAM AND LATER DECIDE TO SWITCH OUT OF ONE OF THESE TWO MAJORS?

If at any point you decide to pursue a major other than Marine Transportation or Marine Engineering, you will no longer be eligible for the program.

CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE SSMP AND GO ACTIVE DUTY UPON GRADUATION?

There are opportunities to apply for active duty, however because an active duty commission is not guaranteed it is recommended that you consider other options if you strongly desire to go active duty.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES THAT THE SSMP BATTALION PERFORMS?

SSMP activities are very similar to that of Navy ROTC. Military/Leadership Labs are conducted on Monday afternoons for two hours. Physical training is conducted Wednesday and Friday mornings before class. Rifle Drill is conducted on pre-selected Fridays by the DNS staff during the morning PT block. There is typically one community service event and one social event per semester. Additionally, Battalion staff (senior midshipmen) and DNS staff provide General Military Training and instruction on the Navy Core Values during regularly scheduled meetings.

WHAT ACADEMIC COURSES ARE SSMP MIDSHIPMEN REQUIRED TO COMPLETE?

Midshipmen are required to complete four Naval Science courses: Naval Science for Strategic Sealift Officer, Strategic Sealift Officer (SSO) I, Leadership and Ethics, and SSO II (Commissioning Seminar). The first two courses are offered every semester and the last two are offered in the fall and spring of Senior year. All courses taught by the Department of Naval Science are treated as normal courses by the Academy and most are worth 3 credit hours.

Click the link below for the most up to date information regarding the Student Incentive Payment Program (SIP). Enrolling in SIP is not a requirement for SSMP students, however students interested in receiving $64,000 for their participation in SSMP will apply for SIP after taking the reserve oath of enlistment. All SIP related requests and inquiries should be routed through CDR Colleen McRae at cmcrae@maritime.edu.

Student Incentive Payment Program