Average week for a MECEP

The MECEP students at Mizzou are expected to set the example academically, physically, and professionally for the entire NROTC Battalion.  The typical MECEP takes 15 credit hours of course work every semester.  An average week also includes three days of PT.  Two of those days are spent with the Semper Fi Society and the other Marine students, while the third day is spent with the NROTC Battalion. During winter semester prior to attending OCS, there is a fourth day of PT under the guidance of an OCS graduate.  There are also various weekend events such as fundraisers, parking for football games or field training. Every Wednesday, Marines are required to wear the uniform of the day to class and attend a NROTC leadership lab. As members of the Semper Fi Society, MECEPs provide mentorship to Marine-option Midshipmen.  A MECEP will mentor through one-on-one interaction and formal training. During a MECEP’s tour he or she will have at least one billet in the NROTC Battalion (Company Commander, Battalion Commander, SGTMAJ, Ops, etc.) or as Semper Fi President. Finally, during the first or second semester of a Marine’s tour he or she will be required to participate in the Battalion Drill Team or Rifle/ Pistol team. Nevertheless, despite these various extracurricular commitments, Marines will find that they have more free time than they would operating with the FMF.  Whether you are married or single, this is one of the best programs in the Marine Corps!

• What's the scoop on MECEP Prep at San Diego?
• Am I integrated into the NROTC Battalion or independent of them?
• What about pay? What should I expect?
• Can I get promoted while in the program?
• When will I attend OCS?

What's the scoop on MECEP Prep at San Diego?
-- Before you head to college, you'll go to MECEP Prep for approximately 10 weeks. There, they'll place you in classes to prepare you for college: English, History, Chemistry, Physics, math of some sort. Not everyone there takes the same classes. You are split into groups, based on your major and how well you did on the SAT/ACTs. Its purpose is to ready you for an environment that requires a book in hand, instead of an M-16.

Am I integrated into the NROTC Battalion or independent of them?
-- You are a member of the battalion, assigned either as a member or as a billet holder from squad leader to battalion commander. As with Officer Candidates (Navy commissionees), your experiences as an enlisted man or woman will be used to guide younger members and to set the example for the entire battalion.

What about pay? What should I expect?
-- Your pay is the same as it was in the fleet. You will draw base pay, BAS, and BAH as usual. You will also have the option to draw on your G.I. Bill; however, the rules are slightly different. You are not allowed to draw the full amount. Instead, the G.I. Bill will pay the full amount of your tuition and no more. In another words, if tuition is $2,400 for the semester, you will be paid $2,400 in additional income from Veteran's Affairs. You also may apply for any scholarships you desire and apply for financial aid at FAFSA.

Can I get promoted while in the program?
-- Absolutely. If you are a Corporal, you will be promoted to Sergeant once you meet TIG/TIS requirements, regardless of the cutting score. As a Sergeant or SNCO, you will look at your previous MOS's zones and will be non-competitively promoted accordingly. The Marine Corps Promotion Manual has more information on MECEP promotions. Keep in mind also that if you are removed from the program, you'll return to the fleet with whatever rank you left it as.

When will I attend OCS?
-- During your first summer at the University. You will attend a six-week program, called Bull Dog. The MOI and AMOI will properly prepare you for OCS through classes and rigorous PT.

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Checking In?

OMBUDSMAN / KEY VOLUNTEER

It is every ombudsman’s goal to aide in the fostering of self-sustaining families. In keeping with the conceptual roots of the program, your Command Ombudsman will be accessible and act as a troubleshooter, advocate, intercessor and interpreter for the command and its families.

The OMBUDSMAN / KEY VOLUNTEER can be reached at:

Email: navy_ombudsman@missouri.edu
Toll Free: 1-888-MU-NROTC

Please contact the OMBUDSMAN/KEY VOLUNTEER for information about local community services such as utilities, housing, the City of Columbia, etc.

Financial Aid

1. The financial aid office on campus is located in the basement of Jesse Hall.  They have a website at www.sfa.missouri.edu, which has a lot of good info.
2. FAFSA is federal aid that offers grants, loans, etc… and you can download the application from www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Due around March.
3. A grant that is specially designed for MECEP’s and similar program is the Admiral Mike Boorda scholarship.  Information on this and the downloadable application can be found at www.nmcrs.org/boorda.  Due in May.
4. A good website that has comprehensive financial aid information is www.finaid.org.
5. You should start working with the VA representative from Mizzou over the summer for the GI Bill but you will not receive any money until Oct. ( www.admissions.missouri.edu/veterans/)

Jobs for Military Spouses

1. Wives can post their resume at www.monster.com or www.insourcesol.com,  which can be viewed by any employer.  The websites makes this process fairly painless.
2. There are numerous temp agencies in the Columbia area.  The three most popular agencies are: Alliance Company  (573) 874-7909,  Manpower Temp Service (573) 817-2552, and
   Caroline and Company  (573) 449-3109
3. Classified Adds are commonly used and the local classifieds can be viewed on the internet at      www.showmenews.com or www.showmeclassifieds.com.

Childcare

1. If you have access, the local phone book yellow pages give many listings and usually include a description and limitations.
2. For daycare use the website www.daycaredirectory.50megs.com/missouricolumbia.html
3. If you have older children the Columbia area has a nationally ranked public schools system and information can be found at www.columbia.k12.mo.us.  An entire list of schools can be viewed at www.columbiamo.net (click on schools and ed.) or www.greatschools.net/modperl/bycity/mo/?city=colubia