MECEP & STA-21


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For those with previous military experience, pursuing further education and training at UCLA could be the right path for you.


  • Overview

    The Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) and Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) Program is designed to provide outstanding Marines and Sailors an opportunity to earn a college degree and become a commissioned Marine Corps and Naval officer. To learn more about these programs, visit the MECEP and STA-21 websites.

    Beyond having the opportunity to pursue a degree at a top tier university, the professional development of each student as a Marine or Navy officer candidate is the primary goal of the MECEP and STA-21 programs. The transition from enlisted to commissioned status is an important focus of pre-commissioning training. Attitude, perception, and professional values is instilled through active participation in leadership opportunities.

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    MECEP and STA-21 at UCLA

    MECEP, STA-21 and Midshipmen are all considered officer candidates and considered peers at NROTC Los Angeles Consortium. Although MECEP students retain their enlisted grade and title, they are considered officer candidates and will participate in the program fully integrated into a cohort of their peers consisting of STA-21 sailors and midshipmen according to their anticipated commissioning dates.  Every officer candidate (MECEP, STA-21, Midshipman) is expected to demonstrate the standards of character, patriotism, sense of duty, personal conduct and financial responsibility similar to those required of commissioned officers. These traits are developed through the required Naval Science classes and the Command and Leadership Training (CALT) program.

    Steel Sharpens Steel in the Bruin Battalion.  The Marine Officer Instructor is the academic advisor and military advisor/instructor for all MECEP and Marine-option midshipman students. Navy Officer Instructors are assigned as advisors to Navy-option midshipmen and STA-21 students.  All active duty staff instructors, regardless of branch of service, are integral parts of every officer candidate’s development.

    Every officer candidate (MECEP, STA-21, Midshipman) is eligible for assignment to any billet to include leadership roles within the NROTC Bruin (student) battalion organization. Regardless of any assigned billet, MECEP and STA-21 students have a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in developing their peers by leveraging their exceptional fleet experience while developing and honing their own leadership skills.

    All officer candidates (MECEP, STA-21, Midshipman) evaluate and are evaluated in the performance of their duties by their student chain of command, and the active duty staff. These evaluations will have two specific areas of performance:

    1.  1. Academic performance as measured against the host institution’s requirements and individual potential.
    2.  2. Aptitude for commissioned service as reflected in performance at the unit and accomplishment of professional development training objectives.

    MECEP and STA-21 students that are looking to be challenged academically, professionally, and personally while being a part of a cohesive and supportive Bruin battalion should contact us for more information.  Speak to our staff, midshipmen, or one of our MECEP/STA-21 students for more information.

  • MECEP & STA-21 Admissions

    If you have been selected for MECEP or STA-21, please reach out to the respective MOI/OI listed below to discuss your interest in the Naval ROTC program at UCLA. Following this initial discussion, you will be directed to the UCLA Naval Science Department Manager for further instruction.

    Do not initiate the UC admission application until you have been instructed to do so.

    MOI: Capt Kristen Gabel, kgabel@navsci.ucla.edu
    AMOI: GySgt Izmael Loria, iloria@navsci.ucla.edu
    MECEP (Student) Liaison: GySgt Christopher Angle, Christopher.angle03@gmail.com

    OI: LT Jonathan Laredo, jlaredo@navsci.ucla.edu


    STA-21 Selectees:     As STA-21 status requires you to complete your degree program within 36-months, please use the following resources to help you draft your degree completion plan. This will help you determine if your intended major or overall educational plan can be completed within 36-months at UCLA.