New Student Orientation

The Department of Naval Science at The Ohio State University annually conducts an orientation program for all incoming midshipmen the week prior to classes starting in the fall. The New Student Orientation (NSO) program is designed to provide students with detailed information concerning the NROTC program, structure and obligations, and to familiarize them with the activities and expectations of our NROTC.

The week includes focused periods of instruction that introduce basic military subjects: customs and courtesies, organizational structure, uniform wear, close-order drill and physical fitness sessions. 

Dates: August 15-19, 2024

  • Students will arrive at 1000 on indoctrination day (August 15) to begin the administrative in-process.
  • Students should contact the University Housing Office at 614-292-8266 to coordinate their dorm move-in process.
  • Parents will receive a Welcome Aboard Brief from NROTC unit staff members at 1100 in Hitchcock Hall Room 131.
  • Following the Welcome Aboard brief, parents are invited to attend lunch while students remain in training to complete administrative matters with the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI).
  • Following lunch, parents are free to leave while the students receive military uniforms and continue their training before being dismissed to their dorm rooms in the evening.
  • Scheduled training begins early in the morning until late evening each day.
  • Students are released each evening to sleep in their dorm rooms.
  • It is highly recommended that students are fully moved in to their dorms prior to NSO, as they will not have time to do so during NSO.
  •  The final day will culminate with an early-morning company run and 2nd Lieutenant / Ensign bar placement ceremony. This ceremony is for students only.
ROTC cadets grouped in discussion on the Ohio State oval.

Parents' Welcome Brief – 1100 Thursday, August 15, 2024

  • Brief will be provided in person only at Hitchcock Hall Room 131.
  • Lunch to follow at Converse Hall.

Additional Orientation Information

Navy-option Midshipmen

  • Physical fitness requirements — All Navy-option MIDN must score “Good Low” in every category for the 20-24 age group, regardless of current age, to activate their scholarship and remain in good standing with the unit. Failing to achieve these standards constitutes a failure, and the unit shall take appropriate action. Students should ensure they are within height/weight standards and are able to meet the physical fitness standards. It is important to note that the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) will now use an abdominal plank, rather than curl-ups.
  • Navy height/weight guidelines can be found in the Navy BCA Guide.
  • Navy Physical Fitness standards can be found in the Navy PRT Guide.
  • Grooming Standards — Students are expected to arrive at NSO within U.S. Navy grooming standards. Review the Navy Grooming Policy prior to your arrival to ensure you are within standards upon your arrival.
A group of ROTC cadets listen to an instructor in a large domed gym.

Marine-option Midshipmen

  • Physical fitness requirements — All Marine-option MIDN and MECEPs must obtain a PFT score of 200 upon entry. Failing to achieve these standards constitutes a failure, and the unit shall take appropriate action. These are the minimum standards and Marine-option midshipmen should seek to exceed them.
  • USMC height/weight guidelines
  • USMC Physical Fitness standards
  • Grooming standards — All Marine-option midshipmen shall arrive at NSO with a fresh haircut and be in accordance with the USMC grooming standards found on pages 1-11 through 1-18 of the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations.