Navy & Marine Option Third Class Cruise


During the summer between their freshman and sophomore year, scholarship midshipmen participate in a month-long active-duty program called CORTRAMID. The program is designed to give midshipmen exposure to all the major warfare communities of the Naval Services; it gives midshipmen an understanding of how the various parts interact and cooperate to form the total force structure of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Photo of naval academy personal midshipmen

Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen

This experience should give midshipmen an idea of the type of warfare community they would like enter.

The first week consists of orientation within the aviation community, where midshipmen are assigned to active-duty squadrons and complete basic training for backseat qualification in various naval aircraft. Many midshipmen are given an opportunity to spend time in various simulators. Qualified midshipmen are often given flights in naval aircraft and even get some stick time.

The second week consists of training and orientation related to the submarine community, where midshipmen gain experience in submarine operations. These include on-shore simulators, as well as an overnight stay aboard an active-duty nuclear submarine. Midshipmen are also introduced to submarine casualty simulators and torpedo attack simulators. Some midshipmen get to spend time with the Navy’s only submarine rescue unit.

The third week provides insight into the surface community. Midshipmen are given training in ship handling, navigation, and surface ship operation. This week also includes underway time on active-duty surface ships. Between underways, midshipmen are sent to trainers, where you fight a simulated flooding casualties with the same tools sailors do.

These three weeks provide a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Navy’s current- and next-generation training and equipment to fight on the high seas.

The final week is Marine Week, a physically and mentally challenging week where midshipmen learn and carry out the primary function of the Marine Corps, projection of power ashore. After being issued and held accountable for an M-16 rifle, you will see and participate in exhibitions of firepower throughout the week; moreover, you will perform activities such as storming a beach, attacking a city, and going on patrol through the woods.

Navy & Marine Option Cruises

Navy Option Cruises

Second Class Cruise - Enlisted Cruise

During the summer between sophomore and junior year, scholarship midshipmen go on an active-duty enlisted cruise and experience life as an enlisted member of naval units. This experience familiarizes midshipmen with ship operation and gives them an appreciation for the enlisted men and women that they will eventually lead as commissioned officers. Midshipmen live and work alongside an enlisted running mate that will show the midshipman the ropes aboard afloat units. These cruises can be on any type of surface ship or submarine in any part of the world.

First Class Cruise - Officer Cruise

During the summer between junior and senior year, scholarship and advanced standing Navy midshipmen are assigned to active-duty Navy units. Assignments vary widely and include: surface ships, submarines, shore-based and aircraft carrier-embarked air squadrons, special warfare officer evaluations, as well as vessels of foreign allied navies (offered on a competitive basis). Midshipmen serve in the capacity of a junior officer in their unit, with all of the rights and responsibilities thereof. They interact closely and live with officers of their unit. This includes training, watch-standing, ship-handling, flight planning, operations (for aviation cruises), and many other learning opportunities. Many midshipmen use this cruise to make their final decision about service selection.

Marine Option Cruises

Second Class Cruise - Mountain Warfare Training (RIP Mountain Warfare)

Marine Option midshipmen on scholarship will go to the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Pickel Meadow, California. Here they will participate in a two-week terrain appreciation course. During this time, midshipmen will perform hikes and tactical exercises. The experience at Mountain Warfare is designed to prepare you for Officer Candidate School.

First Class Cruise - Officer Candidate School

All Marine Option midshipmen will attend the 6-week-long "Bulldog" course at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. Everything these midshipmen have prepared for will be put to the test during this grueling six-week screening course. A future Marine officer MUST pass OCS or they will not commission as a Marine Corps Officer. It is of the utmost importance for Marine Option midshipmen to spend time preparing for this course.