Carnegie Mellon University
Life as a Midshipman

Life as a Midshipman

On top of an already difficult undertaking as college students, Midshipmen have to balance regular college life as well as the demands and responsibilities placed upon them by NROTC. Going through college as a midshipman is a difficult task, but at the same time it is very rewarding. As future officers in the United State Navy and Marine Corps, Midshipmen are held to high standards: academically, physically, and morally. If the standards in any of these three categories are not reached, then a midshipman will not receive a commission into the military. However, if these standards are obtained, in only four years’ time, midshipmen will be responsible for the lives and welfare of the sailors and marines in their command. Through these rigorous expectations each midshipman will be prepared to be a leader in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.     

The early morning wake-up calls and the late night study sessions will stress and test a midshipman on a daily basis; however, at the end of the day a midshipman will realize what he/she has accomplished and be proud of their endeavors. NROTC events occur 2 to 3 mornings per week, typically from 0600-0700. In addition to physical training and Naval Laboratory requirements, midshipmen must complete one Naval Science course per semester, to be taken at the host unit. A full course load is required of every midshipman in their respective majors. To keep grade point averages within standards, multiple hours of studying/homework are necessary after classes are done. Even after a full days’ work, many midshipmen still find time to take part in extracurricular activities such as the warfare clubs offered through NROTC, intramural sports, and other clubs offered through their respective universities.

The key to being success in the NROTC program is proper time management. The ability to plan out one’s time to be able to fit in sleep, class, physical training, homework/studying, extracurricular activities, and leisure time is the mark of a good midshipman. Throughout the 4 years at CMU NROTC these skills will be tested repeatedly and will prepare a midshipman for their career in the Navy or Marine Corps.