What is the service commitment after attending the Merchant Marine Academy?

If I attend the Merchant Marine Academy, how many years am I expected to serve after graduation? I'm trying to understand the long-term commitment involved and how it might affect my career plans.

Graduates of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) have a service obligation after they earn their degree, which is set out by the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation. You're right to consider this when making your decision as it has a substantial impact on your immediate post-graduation plans.

When you graduate from the USMMA, you will have several paths that you can take to fulfill your service obligation. In total, your commitment will typically last 8 years, but it can be fulfilled in a variety of ways:

1. Serve as a commissioned officer on active duty in one of the U.S. Armed Forces for a minimum of 5 years. After your active duty service, you will transfer to the reserves and serve the rest of your commitment there.

2. Serve as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Reserves, National Guard, or any Department of Homeland Security in an unpaid status, while simultaneously working in the maritime industry aboard U.S.-flag vessels, for a minimum of 5 years.

3. Serve in any Federal Government position that is national defense related, also for a minimum of 5 years.

Also, regardless of which path they choose, all graduates must maintain their U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Marine License for 6 years and, if qualified, take the necessary steps to maintain security clearance.

These obligations are important for securing the highly valuable and subsidized education, and serving the nation in crucial defense and transportation capacities. Keep in mind that these options allow graduates considerable flexibility in meeting their service obligation while working in rewarding military or civilian maritime careers.