Why OU NROTC?
If you have come this far, then you are probably considering becoming a Midshipman, which is an outstanding decision. There are many Universities that offer NROTC programs, so the question you may have is: Why should I choose The University of Oklahoma’s NROTC program?
Well, there are many reasons why:
Atmosphere: The University of Oklahoma is a major university set within the town of Norman and is only a half an hour drive from Oklahoma City, a major metropolitan area. Students have the ability to earn their degree in a small town with the option to engage in big-city life at their leisure. In 2010 U.S. News & World Report named OU one of the top 100 public universities in the nation and was ranked first in enrollment of National Merit Scholars, per capita, and among the top ten in the graduation of Rhodes Scholars. While academic success is a great metric to use when deciding which school to attend, you will more than likely view a school’s athletic success as well. OU has a very successful athletic programs, in fact, you could say that winning is the hallmark of our athletic teams. Currently, the Oklahoma Sooners sports teams have won 26 National Championship in both men’s and women’s sports. Our football team is the most visible athletic program on campus with the Sooners perpetually finishing in the top ten, nationally, and winning more games than any other school over the last decade. As a member of our Battalion you will have the opportunity to attend every home game as an usher in the student section. There are very few students who can boast the fact that they attended every home football game during their four years on campus. Also, OU is also located close to a large military base (Tinker Air Force Base). Tinker provides support to our active duty personnel and aviation tours with Navy Squadrons for our students.
Camaraderie: Being a member of OU NROTC is similar to that of a fraternity or sorority but without the fuss of joining one. Each freshmen class takes part in New Student Orientation (NSO) week. During NSO week, incoming freshmen are given a brief first-hand look into military life. New Midshipmen are tried and tested during this week and as such develop a strong bond with their fellow classmates. Once NSO week has concluded, our remaining battalion members arrive for the fall semester and are introduced to their new shipmates. Throughout the school year you will participate in multiple activities, bonding further with your fellow Battalion members. You will quickly learn the art of time management, garnering tips and knowledge from your peers and our staff. The trials and tribulations of Midshipman life creates a bond between students that is unlike any you will experience while in college, creating friendships that last well beyond your graduation.
Leadership Development: You are a potential future leader of enlisted Sailors and Marines. Throughout our history we have developed a structured leadership training regimen that will ensure that you graduate with the tools necessary to effectively lead your Sailor or Marines in the Fleet. We understand that you must learn to follow before you can learn to lead. As such, everyone spends their first year as squad member, learning how to interact within the Battalion. As you progress through the academic ranks you are given additionally responsibilities. Due to the leadership structure of our Battalion, everyone will have held a major leadership role by the time they graduate and commission into the Naval Officer Corps.
Mentorship: With a 15:1 student to advisor ratio at OU NROTC, Midshipmen are afforded one-on-one advising sessions unmatched by any other department within the university. While every student is assigned a university appointed academics advisors they usually share that advisor with more than 100 other students and have to schedule appointments in advance. As a member of the NROTC Battalion you are assigned an active duty commissioned Naval Officer whose sole purpose is to mold aspiring Naval Officers. The relatively small size of our unit enables our staff to personally help midshipmen in every way possible, from offering academic advice and tutoring, to assistance in solving everyday problems. Our unit staff provides a wealth of knowledge and mentorship unparalleled to anything you would receive as a non-NROTC student at OU. Additionally, every Midshipman is assigned an active duty enlisted student mentor. Our active duty enlisted pass knowledge about the officer-enlisted relationship from their prospective. Their prospective will aid you in the development of a future Naval Officer.
Tutoring: The Navy and Marine Corps is adamant that all students are successful, academically, within the unit. With that in mind, OU NROTC hires Calculus and Physics tutors every semester, ensuring that our Navy option students have additional assistance in passing these required courses. The University of Oklahoma also provides numerous tutoring activities within the university and our NROTC Advisors are in constant contact with their fellow instructors with knowledge of additional tutoring support. Unlike most NROTC units, OU NROTC has a swim tutor who instructs students on the proper techniques of the four survival strokes and the prone float. You must be able to properly demonstrate these swim techniques by the end of your first year at the unit.
Extra-Curricular Activities: The University of Oklahoma NROTC unit is unique in that the Battalion is extremely active throughout the school year. While not every event we participate in is mandatory their attendance is highly encouraged, which allows students to be as active as they want. Our attendance policy also affords our students the opportunity to join various clubs within and outside of the unit. Throughout the school year we attend various events to include: NROTC Drill meets at The University of Colorado and Memphis, Navy and Marine Corps Dinning-Out, Midshipmen Dinning-In, NJROTC Drill Meets in Alma, AK and Oklahoma City, and Marine Field Training Exercise (FTX). We offer various Navy/Marine Corps oriented teams to include: Color Guard, Riffle/Pistol Team, Close Order Drill Team, Sail Team and the Endurance Team (E-Team). Although participation on these teams is not required, practically every student will decide to join one at some point during their tenure at OU.
As you can see, there are many things that make The University of Oklahoma NROTC unit an ideal place to earn your Bachelor’s degree and Commission into the Naval Officers Corps. If you have any questions or would like visit please contact us to schedule an appointment to tour our facilities.
