Introduction to Naval Science (Freshman Year)

The course introduces Strategic Sealift (SSO) midshipmen to the organization of the Naval Service, varied career opportunities, long-held customs and traditions of the service, capabilities of the United States Navy, duties of a junior officer, and Navy policies on relative wellness issues. Additionally, the course prepares SSO midshipmen for their first experience onboard a Navy ship by imparting basic information concerning shipboard procedures. The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the basics of naval tradition, customs, ranks, communities, and chain of command of the Naval Service.  The Department of Naval Science, through this course and all its courses, is to support the mission of the United States Merchant Marine Academy by providing graduates with the academic, professional, and ethical tools needed to reach their potential as commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces, government servants, and responsible citizens.

Naval Science for the Strategic Sealift Officer (Sophomore Year)

Strategic Sealift provides an introduction to the role that the U.S. Merchant Marine plays within the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Sealift mission.  Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this course will study the history, role and function of the U.S. Navy / U.S. Merchant Marine relationship, the development and execution of Sealift as a part of United States Maritime Strategy, and the operational skill set required for Fleet interoperability. The primary objectives of this course are to provide prospective Strategic Sealift Officers a basic understanding of the Naval Reserve Officer community they are about to enter, the missions, functions and tasks commonly undertaken by Strategic Sealift Officers and the importance of Strategic Sealift as a Navy mission. Additionally, they will learn the fundamentals of Naval Operations with a focus on the differences between U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine policies and procedures in order to prepare them for future Navy / Merchant Marine interoperability.

Leadership and Ethics (Junior Year)

Midshipmen are required to develop an ethical foundation and the basic leadership tools needed to become effective junior officers. The course provides broad knowledge of various ethical and leadership philosophies to strengthen personal character and presents an overview of duties, responsibilities, and expectations of junior officers in the United States Navy. Develop a conceptual understanding and application of ethical leadership - in particular, how it is developed and executed in a variety of settings. The premise is that leaders are not born; rather leadership develops by exposure to the experiences of those who have exhibited it.  Accordingly, this course examines the ethical principles of leadership as drawn from experiences of leaders in both military and non-military settings, and through readings and case studies that consider historical models and contemporary issues.  

Advanced Naval Science for the Strategic Sealift Officer (Senior Year)

This course is an in-depth study of a series of procedures, policies, and practices that form the foundation of service as a Naval Officer.  It also includes an examination of your responsibilities as a future Naval Officer in the United States Naval Reserve. As a future Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve, you will be expected to understand and carry out these procedures, policies, and practices while completing your annual training in an active duty status or in the event of a recall to active duty for a national emergency.  You must have a working knowledge of these topics in order to successfully serve as a member of the Navy team.

Military Science for the Army Officer (Senior Year, for USA option MIDN)

This course adds depth to the Midshipman’s knowledge of the different leadership styles. Students will conduct a leadership analysis of famous leaders and self-assessment of their own leadership style. The Army Profession is also stressed through understanding values, ethics and how to apply both to different situations they may encounter as a leader. Army Values and Ethics and their relationship to the Law of Land Warfare and philosophy of military service are also stressed. Students are then required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during scheduled labs.

Marine Corps Junior Officer Practicum (Senior Year, for USMC option MIDN)

Marine Corps Junior Officer Practicum is an in-depth study of a series of procedures, policies, and practices that form the foundation of service as a Marine Officer in the Naval Service.  Its purpose is to be a capstone experience and lay a foundation that will be built upon at The Basic School and ensure USMMA MIDN are prepared for the rigors of life as a Marine Officer.

Aerospace Studies and Leadership (Senior Year, for USAF option MIDN)

A comprehensive course, recommended for any academic major entering military service, addresses the role of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force in national security affairs through a survey of the history of airpower and an emphasis on the current employment of air, space, and cyberspace power. Special emphasis will be placed on the influence of the Air Force and Space Force on the instruments of national power, the effects of the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 on joint operations and employment, and the modern presentation of air and space forces. This is a required undergraduate course designed to meet the Department of the Air Force requirements for newly commissioned officers.

Resources

Forms

Welcome Aboard Packet

Navy Summer Cruise Request

SSO Commissioning Packet

Active Duty Navy Commissioning Packet

DNS Welcome Aboard Packet

Please contact the Assistant Officer in Charge to attain the most up-to-date forms listed above.

Links

United States Navy Reserve

Navy Reserve Homeport

Navy Physical Readiness Program

USN Uniform Regulations

References

Strategic Sealift Officer (SSO) Program (OPNAVINST 1534)

Navy PFA Standards (OPNAVINST 6110)

Please search for or contact the Assistant Officer in Charge to attain the most up-to-date documents listed above.