How does the Department of Defense relate to the Merchant Marine Academy?

I'm considering applying to the Merchant Marine Academy and I know there's some connection with the Department of Defense. Can someone explain that relationship?

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is one of the five federal service academies, which include institutions like the U.S. Naval Academy and West Point. The USMMA, however, is unique among the five in that it is not directly overseen by the Department of Defense. Instead, it falls under the Department of Transportation.

So where does the Department of Defense come in? Well, while USMMA graduates are not required to serve active duty in a military branch (though they have the option), they are required to maintain a license as a merchant marine officer for six years after graduation. During this time, they must also maintain a reserve commission in any branch of the U.S. military - Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, or even Space Force, the latest sixth branch. This reserve commission is where the connection to the Department of Defense comes in.

Maintaining this reserve commission means being ready to serve if called upon, hence tying the USMMA back to the military and, by extension, the Department of Defense. This connection emphasizes the vital role that the merchant marine and its officer corps play in supporting the nation's defense. These officers are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods, including military equipment and personnel, in times of war and peace alike.

So, while there isn't a direct connection between the USMMA and the Department of Defense, there's certainly an indirect one that underscores the importance of the merchant marine to the country's overall defense infrastructure.