The Merchant Marine Reserve U.S. Navy Reserve

 

The Merchant Marine Reserve, U.S. Navy Reserve Program was established in support of the declaration of policy in the Merchant Marine Acts of 1916, 1925 and 1936: "That the United States shall have a Merchant Marine, capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency."

 

The MMR program is designed to increase mutual support and cooperation between the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Merchant Marine by providing specialized naval training for qualified merchant marine officers interested in enhancing their professional career development are needed.

 

If you are planning to be such an officer, have the necessary talent, and are willing to meet the challenge, the Merchant Marine Reserve, U.S. Navy Reserve Program is for you.

 

The Merchant Marine Reserve maintains within the U.S. Navy Reserve an organization of merchant marine officers serving in two capacities. The majority is trained to operate and serve on merchant ships that can function as naval and military auxiliaries. Smaller groups are trained as a shore side cadre assigned to naval activities supporting strategic sealift readiness.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What are the benefits of joining the MMR program?

a. Student Incentive Payments total $4000 a year for four years. The funds are provided by the Maritime Administration.

b. You may activate your commission to go flight, submarine, or surface warfare in your senior year.

 

2. What are the benefits of a commissioned officer?

a. Paid annual training periods

b. Unlimited visits to military exchanges when commissioned

c. Eligibility for military retirement after completion of 20 years of qualifying service and reaching age 60

d. Space available travel on U.S. military aircraft within the continental U.S.

e. Unlimited use of military clubs, snack bars and marinas

f. Other military facilities such as golf courses, bowling lanes, gymnasiums. Lodging facilities, etc. may be available on a not to interfere basis.

 

3. Who is eligible for the program?

a. U.S. citizens or students in the process of obtaining citizenship

b. Students who can pass a military physical

c. Students who can maintain a 2.0 GPA

d. Students who have at least four semesters remaining prior to graduation.

 

4. What if I am not eligible for the Student Incentive Payment program, can I still participate in the Merchant Marine program?

a. Yes, you can join the MMR program without SIP. Each applicant is reviewed on a case by case basis.

 

5. Can I apply if I have been accepted for a Navy Scholarship?

a. No, you can only collect from one Navy fund.

 

6. Can I apply if I have applied for Navy college program?

a. Yes, you can be in both programs your first year.

 

7. What do I have to do to apply for the MMR and the SIP Program?

a. Contact LT Porell, the Recruiting Officer, by stopping by the Naval Science Department office A1 or (718) 409-7495.

b. Complete the MMR application. (MMR form, Medical form) and return to LT Porell.

c. Make an appointment with Mrs. Tacinelli at the Naval Science Department, office A1 or (718) 409-7269 to complete paperwork.

d. Fill out and sign the Maritime Administration (MARAD) contract and Student Incentive Payment (SIP) form and return to Mrs. Champlin.

 

8. Am I obligated after filling out these forms?

No, you have one year to make a decision.

 

9. Can I apply for the program in my sophomore year?

Yes, but certain restrictions apply.

 

10. What are my duties as an MMR applicant during my freshman year?

a. Naval Science Courses

b. Navy Physical Exam

c. Physical Readiness Test

d. Maintain a 2.0 average

e. Be in a licensing program

 

11. Am I in NROTC Battalion by applying for the MMR program?

Yes.

 

12. Can I resign from the program?

Yes, before your sign the obligating contracts in your sophomore year without penalty.

 

13. What if I am disenrolled from the school?

You are disenrolled from the MMR Program.

 

14. When will I receive the money?

After you are sworn in and signed the obligating contracts in the beginning of your sophomore year. You will receive a check retroactive for your freshman year for $4000. Then you will continue to receive quarterly payments equaling $4000 a year for the next three years.

 

15. What is my obligation after I am commission as an Officer?

a. Two weeks active duty training per year.

b. Can request active duty.

c. 8 years total (6 MMR and 2 inactive reserve)

d. MMRs must have a Coast Guard license and sail on their license (4 months out of every 2 years).

16. Where can I obtain more information about Student Incentive Payments (SIP)?

Call Mrs. Champlin, in the Deputy Commandant office, (718) 409-7352 or schaplin@sunymaritime.edu

 

17. Where can I obtain more information about the whole program? www.nrotc.sunymaritime.edu