Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS)

What NAPS Is

Per MCRAMM Chapter 2 Section 5, the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) provides academic preparation for Marines selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. NAPS strengthens academic qualifications for candidates who need additional preparation before Naval Academy entry.

NAPS Purpose

• Strengthen academic preparation
• Address specific subject area weaknesses
• Prepare candidates for the rigorous Naval Academy curriculum
• Support diversity in Naval Academy admissions

NAPS Location

• Naval Education and Training Command site
• Newport, Rhode Island
• 10-month program

NAPS Eligibility

Members might attend NAPS when meeting these.

• Selection by Naval Academy Admissions
• Specific academic qualifications requiring preparation
• Recommended by board for NAPS attendance
• Specific physical and other requirements

Path to NAPS

Standard path for a Reserve Marine.

Step 1 - Application

Member applies for Naval Academy admission.

• Standard Naval Academy application
• Naval Academy reviews qualifications
• Decision on direct admission vs NAPS attendance

Step 2 - NAPS Selection

If selected for NAPS.

• Member receives NAPS designation
• Reports to NAPS for 10-month program
• Active duty status during NAPS

Step 3 - NAPS Completion

After successful NAPS completion.

• Direct entry to Naval Academy as plebe (freshman)
• 4-year Naval Academy program
• Commission as Marine officer upon graduation

Step 4 - Naval Academy

Standard Naval Academy attendance.

• 4-year academic and military program
• Marine Corps option for some midshipmen
• Commission upon graduation

Step 5 - Commission and Marine Service

After Naval Academy graduation.

• Commission as Marine Second Lieutenant
• Initial officer training (TBS, MOS school)
• Active or Reserve service per program

Performance Steps for I&I Admin

Step 1 - Brief Member on NAPS Process

If member expresses interest in Naval Academy.

• Brief on application process
• Brief on NAPS as preparation pathway
• Brief on overall officer commissioning timeline

Step 2 - Coordinate Application Support

Support member's application.

• Provide service records as needed
• Support recommendations
• Coordinate physical readiness

Step 3 - Process NAPS Acceptance

If member is selected for NAPS.

• Coordinate transition from drilling SMCR to NAPS active duty
• Process status change in MCTFS
• Update OMPF with NAPS designation

Step 4 - Maintain Member Records

During NAPS attendance.

• Coordinate with NAPS for academic progress
• Maintain Marine Corps service records
• Coordinate any administrative actions

Step 5 - Process Naval Academy Transition

After NAPS completion.

• Transition from NAPS to Naval Academy
• Update MCTFS records
• Continue to support member's career

NAPS Pay and Benefits

During NAPS attendance.

Active Duty Status

NAPS attendees are on active duty.

• Active duty pay
• Active duty BAH and BAS
• TRICARE Prime
• All active duty benefits

Specific NAPS Provisions

• Specific allowances per Naval Academy
• Coordinated with NAPS administration

NAPS Reserve Member Path

For a Reserve Marine attending NAPS.

Pre-NAPS

• Drilling SMCR Marine
• Standard reserve participation
• Application for Naval Academy

NAPS Attendance

• Active duty status during NAPS
• 10-month program
• Successful completion required

Post-NAPS

• Naval Academy plebe class
• 4-year academic and military program

Commission

• Commission as Marine officer upon graduation
• Initial officer assignment

Common NAPS Issues

Application Process

Member needs support for Naval Academy application.

• Service records readily available
• Officer recommendation
• Physical readiness verification
• Academic transcripts

NAPS Performance

If member has issues at NAPS.

• Might affect Naval Academy admission
• Possible return to enlisted status if NAPS not completed
• Specific procedures per MCRAMM

Member's Career Path

NAPS represents significant time commitment.

• 10 months at NAPS
• 4 years at Naval Academy
• Significant officer career obligation
• Member should fully understand commitment

Documentation Required

For NAPS processing.

• Naval Academy application materials
• NAPS acceptance documentation
• Member's service records
• DEERS verification

All filed appropriately during transition periods.

Quality Control on NAPS Processing

Common errors.

1. Member uninformed about NAPS pathway. Brief Marines on Naval Academy and NAPS options.
2. Application support inadequate. Provide thorough support for application.
3. NAPS transition not coordinated. Coordinate Marine Corps records during NAPS attendance.

Coordination Touchpoints

NAPS processing touches.

• U.S. Naval Academy Admissions: For application and selection
• NAPS Newport: For program attendance
• HQMC Officer Manpower: For Marine Corps officer programming
• Member's chain of command: For application support

NAPS Contributing to Marine Corps Officer Pool

NAPS supports diversity in the Marine Corps officer corps by allowing members from varied backgrounds to attain Naval Academy admission and commission.

Related Roles

NAPS affects Marines pursuing Naval Academy commissioning.

• Marines apply for Naval Academy and might attend NAPS as preparation.
• Leaders counsel members on NAPS as commissioning pathway.
• Commanders at I&I support member application and transition.