AFROTC does not automatically re-board everyone. The WCS is given and from there the types are handed out.
Re-boarding is something to be optimistic about because it traditionally means they are on a cusp somewhere and need to see a larger pool to determine the outcome.
Where that cusp lies nobody here knows. He could be on the cusp between a 1 and 2, 2 and 7, 7 and nothing.
Remember 1 big difference between AFROTC and A/NROTC is that there is no requirement of matching the ROTC unit and the candidate. The candidate selected can take it to any college anywhere that accepts AFROTC without requesting permission to change. The only time they need permission is:
1. Type 7 to 3 yr Type 2 conversion
2. Tech to non-tech.
It really is a good sign.
As far as the AFA and AFROTC system regarding scaling back it is important to understand why the AFA scaled back. It was not a budgetary reason per se. By federal law the SA's are capped at 4400 cadets for yr end strength, they may request a waiver, but the AFA opted not to so they could get back under the 4400 number. 1050 this yr, 1150 ly, and the graduating classes of 12, 13 and 14 are still larger than they had anticipated which is why they need to cut. You will notice they have announced 17 will be going back up to 15 next yr.
AFROTC has their own budget too and again a lot has to do with manpower needs for FY17.
AFROTC is the red-headed cousin in the ROTC system, not only do they have a different selection process (no college tie, type 1,2,and 7), but also they are the ones that will cut contracted scholarship cadets after C200 if they are not selected for SFT.
SFT selection rate will vary depending partly on the AFA. Look at AFROTC C300/400's they had the lowest rate in yrs. Now compare that to the AFA class size for 12/13, it is one of the largest in yrs. The AF still only needs X amount, so how do they trim those class yrs? They reduce the selection rate for AFROTC SFT and dis-enroll these cadets. This places them back on track for their manpower strategic goal.
You are also seeing that IS scholarships are starting to open up for 14, very, very few, but still it is a good sign because they probably realized that when they started the real AFROTC cuts back in 14, they cut too hard, and now need to bring some back in the fold.
The way anyone will get an eyeball on guesstimating where AFROTC is going now will be in the end of Feb., when the SFT aka EA results are released. If the % accepted has gone over the 60% national rate, it means they are coming out of the abyss. If it is below LY of 55%, they are still trimming away.
Now many of you will say I don't care about that because I only care about the scholarship, and that has nothing to do with scholarships. Yes, it does have something to do with scholarships. The reason why is because it means they have equalized their need with the demand. They don't want to waste even 80K (36 Type 7- 2 yrs., 6K stipend, 2K books) and cut loose that kid 2 yrs later. It is a bad ROI. The higher the selection rate = more POCs that were probably on scholarship. I.E. Better Return on Investment because as a POC they own you. C100/200 you can still walk.
Caveat: For AFROTC scholarship recipients remember this mantra:
Scholarship recipients DO NOT get extra points for SFT selection. It will not guarantee a commissioning from AFROTC!
In 2 yrs you will meet another board and now this board will determine if you keep that scholarship and if you become an officer. AFROTC HSSP will feel like a cake walk emotionally. I know you don't believe me, but you will in 2 yrs when everyone in the unit is biting their fingernails and everyone you talk to all talk about the same thing...will I be here next yr?