Enlisted Commissioning Paths
Commissioning through STA-21 & MECEP Programs
For those enlisted members of the US Navy and Marine Corps aiming to ascend to commissioned officer ranks, Cornell NROTC presents an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. Through the Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) and Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), you will experience a blend of Cornell’s rigorous academic environment with the discipline and leadership training inherent in military programs.
Furthermore, Cornell boasts a thriving veteran community, underscored by its recently inaugurated Veterans Program House. Here, camaraderie meets academic rigor. Our dedicated student veteran advisor, Mary Fisk (1stSgt Ret. USMC), remains committed to assisting every veteran applicant, ensuring a smooth transition and successful academic journey. For an in-depth guide and frequently asked questions pertaining to veteran services, kindly refer to our dedicated section at the bottom of this page.
STA-21: Seaman to Admiral Program
Overview: The term “Seaman to Admiral” is historically linked to former Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Boorda. Ascending from the enlisted ranks through an enlisted-to-officer commissioning program in the early 1960s, Admiral Boorda was the pioneering CNO with such a background. This program, initially known as the Integration Program, was crafted to transform enlisted personnel with outstanding naval potential into commissioned officers. Admiral Boorda reinvigorated this historic initiative, emphasizing opportunities for excellence, irrespective of traditional starts. Since its rejuvenation in 1994, the program, while evolving, has remained committed to its foundational spirit, offering participants scholarships to prestigious universities while retaining their active duty benefits.
Program Highlights: By opting for the STA-21 pathway at Cornell, sailors meld the academic excellence of Cornell with naval traditions, comprehensive leadership modules, and an environment that fosters growth and mentorship. The program assures a comprehensive preparation for a distinguished naval leadership career.
MECEP: Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program
Overview: The Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) is a prestigious commissioning pathway designed specifically for high-achieving enlisted Marines aspiring to commission as officers within the Marine Corps. This transformative program is not only about attaining a baccalaureate degree but also about cultivating future Marine Corps leaders. By being part of the Cornell NROTC battalion, MECEP candidates are fully integrated into an environment that champions excellence in both academia and military leadership.
Cornell University, renowned for its world-class instruction, offers unparalleled support to its student veterans. As an esteemed institution, it stands as the premier choice for veterans and active-duty service members aspiring to commission. When you join the Cornell NROTC as an active-duty Marine through MECEP, you don’t just become a student; you step into a role of a “player-coach”. You will enrich our Naval Science courses, professional development laboratories, and leadership activities with your invaluable experience and expertise.
Application Process: The journey to join MECEP begins with a rigorous selection process overseen by the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC). Upon selection, candidates embark on an intensive course at the Officer Candidates School. This is followed by their enrollment in an undergraduate program within an esteemed NROTC unit, like Cornell NROTC, where they undergo further education, training, and leadership development. By choosing Cornell’s MECEP program, you are not just selecting an academic institution; you’re embracing an institution that values, nurtures, and amplifies the Marine spirit.
Your Next Steps:
If you’re considering this path towards commissioning, begin by applying to Cornell University. To streamline your application and as well as your transition into Cornell NROTC, please reach out to the respective contacts below.
Cornell NROTC remains steadfast in its dedication to guide enlisted sailors and marines through this monumental transition, merging world-class academic rigor with foundational military values.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
STA-21 Applicants: LT Tyler Durst, Navy Recruiting Officer, at tad228@cornell.edu
MECEP Applicants: Major Ted Powers, Marine Officer Instructor, at ep472@cornell.edu
