Program Overview

Program Overview

The Capital Battalion is composed of four universities. The George Washington University (GWU) serves as the host unit, with three crosstown institutions: The Catholic University of America (CUA), Georgetown University (GU), and Howard University (HU). Crosstown midshipmen are required to travel to GWU for Naval Science classes and weekly training.

Prior to their first semester as a Midshipman, students will attend New Student Indoctrination (NSI) More information can be found in the prospective student tab. NSI Attendance is required in order to activate the NROTC scholarship.

Weekly Schedule

Naval Science Classes  Midshipmen commute to the George Washington University campus twice per week for Naval Science class, held Monday through Friday from 0800–0915. Naval Science classes can be found here.

Leadership Lab  All Midshipmen attend a weekly Leadership Lab hosted on the GWU campus. Leadership Lab is a Professional Military Education program designed to develop well-rounded naval officers. Through structured guest panel discussions and targeted instruction, Midshipmen gain exposure to the leadership principles, professional knowledge, and broader competencies essential to effective leadership as future Navy and Marine Corps officers.

Physical Training physical fitness is a core requirement of naval service, ensuring that officers are prepared to meet the physical demands of their duties and lead by example. In order to implement the discipline of military-style workouts, the Battalion hosts weekly physical training (PT) sessions. Those who do not meet unit fitness standards will be placed on a Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) and must attend an additional PT session each week. The Fitness Enhancement Program is a unit-run program aimed to provide structure, motivation, and guidance for Midshipmen working towards meeting the unit's physical fitness standards.

Tactics (Marine Option) Marine Option Midshipmen attend a weekly tactics lesson hosted on the GWU campus. Typically led by upperclass midshipmen, tactics sessions cover infantry-based small unit maneuver and leadership fundamentals.

Unit Standards

Academic Requirements

• All Midshipmen must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• All Midshipmen must be enrolled full-time (no fewer than 12 credits per semester).
• Navy option midshipmen must complete Calculus I & II and Physics I & II prior to the completion of their Junior year.  More information on other required courses can be found in the academics section.

Fitness Requirements

• Navy Option Midshipmen must achieve a minimum score of 235 ( Good Low) on the Physical Readiness Test, a fitness assessment used to assess the general fitness of Navy Midshipmen. Use the Navy PRT Calculator to check your score.

Navy Good Low Score Guide

• Marine Option Midshipmen must achieve a minimum score of 265 on the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), a 3 phase test measuring overall strength through pullups, a plank, and a 3-mile run. Use the Marine Corps PFT Calculator to check your score.

Marine option Midshipmen must also meet the OCS minimum PFT standard:

Medical

• All Midshipmen seeking a scholarship must pass the Department of Defense Medical Exam Review Board (DoDMERB). DoDMERB is a comprehensive medical screening process that determines if a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) applicant meets the medical standards for commissioning.  Completing the DoDMERB physical is required to activate a scholarship. Scholarship recipients will receive instructions for completing the physical.  It is highly recommended that midshipmen complete the physical as soon as possible to ensure on-time scholarship activation.  Do not wait until the term begins. More Information regarding DODMERB can be found here.