University of Missouri Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) students are here to achieve two goals:

• a college degree
• a commission in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps

For students, life in the NROTC means combining a typical college course load with Naval Science classes and labs, physical training and extracurricular activities.

Mission

The Mission of the Naval ROTC Unit headquartered at the University of Missouri is to develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically, and to imbue them with the highest ideals of honor, courage and commitment. Our goal is to commission as officers, college graduates who possess a technically professional background, awareness of human relations, a motivation towards a career and the potential for further development in mind and character needed to assume the highest responsibility of command, citizenship and government.

NROTC at Mizzou

The NROTC Unit at the University of Missouri was established on July 1, 1946. More than 1,400 Midshipmen have received commissions at the university since the program was started.

The Unit occupied temporary buildings until 1952, when it moved into the former Naval Armory Building. The anchor in front of the building was installed in 1960, and the flag staff erected in 1962. In January 1972, the unit was moved to Crowder Hall and the anchor and the flag staff were installed on the south side of Crowder Hall. To further enhance the nautical appearance of the new quarters, running lights were installed above the Navy entrance.

NROTC History

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program was established in 1926 to provide a broad base of citizens knowledgeable in the arts and sciences of naval warfare. The program provided an opportunity for young men to undertake careers in the naval profession.

In the beginning, there were six NROTC units located at University of California at Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, the University of Washington, Harvard University, and Yale University.

In June of 1930, 126 midshipmen graduated from college and received commissions in the United States Navy. At least three of the graduates went on to obtain the rank of flag.

The Marine Corps entered the NROTC Program in 1932, offering qualified NROTC graduates commissions in the United States Marine Corps. In 1968, Prairie View A&M became the first historically black college to host the program. In 1972, the Secretary of the Navy authorized 16 women to enroll in the program and choose from four colleges. Women may now participate in the program while attending any NROTC-affiliated college or university. In 1990, the NROTC Scholarship Program was expanded to include applicants pursuing a four-year degree in nursing, leading to a commission in the Navy Nurse Corps.

Program Overview

The NROTC Unit at the University of Missouri molds civilians into Naval Officers. We do this while the student completes a bachelor’s degree program. Immediately upon graduation and completion of NROTC requirements, students are commissioned as Ensigns in the U.S. Navy or Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mizzou NROTC introduces the fundamental principles of the United States Navy and Marine Corps⁠—personal integrity, honor, individual responsibility—and provides an educational background that facilitates continuing education in Navy and Marine Corps related fields.

The NROTC Program not only provides an outstanding opportunity for students to become commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, it also aids in developing moral courage, mental acuity and physical strength. Being a member of the NROTC Program will allow you to become a leader and discover traits you never knew you had.

Utilize Your Resources

The University of Missouri NROTC program has various resources available to Midshipmen. These include a computer lab, study room facility, lockers, and tutors and mentors (if requested).

Become A Leader

The University of Missouri NROTC is an ideal program in which to build leadership ability. Daily operations are run by the midshipmen staff with billets ranging from fire-team leader to Battalion Commander, providing students with regular opportunities to hone leadership skills.

Compete in Regional Drill Meets

The University of Missouri NROTC program competes in regional drill meets every semester against other NROTC programs. Events include an endurance race, flag football, platoon drill, squad drill, color-guard, rifle/pistol qualifications, pull-ups and more. In 2018, Mizzou NROTC participated at both the Ohio State University and University of Wisconsin drill meet and placed second and first respectively. These drill meets are challenging, fun and build camaraderie within the unit.

MECEP & STA-21

For those who already have previous military experience, pursuing further education and training at the University of Missouri could be the right path for you through the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Educational Program.

For the Regulations for Officer Development in the NROTC Program click here.  You will read and become familiarized with NSTC M-1533.2 – Regulations for Officer Development (ROD) Programs and Appendices A-O.

For the Directive at NSTC, click here.

MECEP

You will be fully engaged with the NROTC Program. As a MECEP, you will attend and successfully complete all the prerequisites identified in the area of your choice to study. You will interact with current Midshipmen in the program and begin the process of becoming a commissioned Marine Corps Officer. To learn more about this program, visit the MECEP website.

Mizzou’s active duty staff will ensure a successful transition from the Fleet Marine Force to the collegiate environment.

The standards set for Marines entering the program will not change as expectations increase. The active duty staff provide the knowledge and resources you will need in order to be successful in the program.

If you are considering attending the University of Missouri as a MECEP, click here and apply to the university.

All MECEPs accepted to the university should contact the Marine Officer Instructor, Capt. Connor Koukol, by calling (573) 882-6653 or via email at connor.koukol@missouri.edu.

STA-21

The Seaman to Admiral 21 Program was created to provide outstanding sailors with a college education and to enable them to become commissioned officers. More information can be found through the Navy’s STA-21 website.

If you are considering attending the University of Missouri or have further questions, you can contact Captain Connor Koukol, Marine Officer Instructor, at connor.koukol@missouri.edu.