First class yearU.S. Merchant Marine Academy · First class

These milestones are described, with sources, in the sections on this page.

Academics and licensing

back on campus through graduation, with the Coast Guard license exam in the final trimester¹.

Privileges

First class had the latest liberty expiration (2100) at Parents Weekend 2025². Other first class privileges aren't publicly documented.

Service selection

Graduates choose how to meet the service obligation (see service commitment). "The majority of graduates will be appointed as ensigns in the Strategic Sealift Officer Force, U.S. Navy Reserve," though officer appointment applications "may be made to any armed force"³. USMMA's public pages don't describe a set service-selection night or date.

When it becomes binding: Midshipmen who have started second class year or later and fail to complete the program may be ordered to up to 3 years of Navy active duty³.

After graduation: Reserve commission in any armed force (most go to Navy Reserve SSO) plus a Coast Guard license³. Minimum obligation: 5 years in the maritime industry or on active duty, 6 years holding a license, 8 years in a reserve commission. See the USMMA page for how these combine³⁴.