Dropping AROTC on scholarship

Headstrong13

5-Year Member
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Jan 13, 2014
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I am a freshman in Army ROTC on 4 year scholarship. I am also a contracted cadet. I just completed my first semester at my university, and I have decided that I want to be an Air Force Officer. How do I drop Army ROTC? I know in my contract, it said I wouldn't face a forced enlistment or paying the government back until the first day of my sophomore year. What are my options? I want to transfer to another university to participate in Air Force ROTC. This decision was not easy and I would greatly appreciate only helpful comments.
 
The first thing you should do is schedule some time to speak with your PMS. They will know the steps to disenroll from the program.
 
All you need to do is set a meeting with your Cadre and let them know you're withdrawing from the program, then get in touch with the AFROTC Detachment at the school you want to transfer. Not my h more to it then that.
 
Will I be forced to repay the money that the Army has already invested in me?

No, since your leaving before your sophomore year your good. If they have paid your tuition and book money for the second semester they will take that back if you withdraw now.
 
No, since your leaving before your sophomore year your good. If they have paid your tuition and book money for the second semester they will take that back if you withdraw now.

I planned to stick this semester out and then transfer to the AFROTC program this fall. Thank you for your help. I just wanted to know the repercussions of breaking my contract.
 
I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir, but I'd be sure to have Mom and Dad on board even before speaking with the PMS. Or at least don't blind-side them.
 
Headstrong13, think long and hard about this before you pull the trigger. As many on this forum can attest getting an AFROTC scholarship is difficult in the best of times.
1) Consider the AF is reducing its ranks by 25,000 over the next few years.
2) AFROTC scholarships are different than AROTC scholarships in terms of majors allowed and what they will pay for.
3) You can fly in the Army
4) If you had/have a medical waiver it clearly is good for the Army but it MAY not be good for AFROTC. ( think color blindness)
These are just some thinks to think about. Talk to your parents, PMS, friends, AFROTC cadets. Good luck with your decision. :thumb:
 
Headstrong13, think long and hard about this before you pull the trigger. As many on this forum can attest getting an AFROTC scholarship is difficult in the best of times.
1) Consider the AF is reducing its ranks by 25,000 over the next few years.
2) AFROTC scholarships are different than AROTC scholarships in terms of majors allowed and what they will pay for.
3) You can fly in the Army
4) If you had/have a medical waiver it clearly is good for the Army but it MAY not be good for AFROTC. ( think color blindness)
These are just some thinks to think about. Talk to your parents, PMS, friends, AFROTC cadets. Good luck with your decision. :thumb:

In response to your concerns, are you familiar with the Army Accessions process? Going into AROTC, I didn't know that Active Duty had to be competed for. Going Active Duty is certain for Air Force Cadets. Also, have you seen how much the Army is cutting back? It's outrageous across the board. It's not a matter of flying, although the option is enticing, I just don't see myself as an Army Officer. After being in AROTC and hanging out around the AFROTC Cadets, I would much rather be in AFROTC. I prefer the Air Force Officer positions to the Army Officer branches.
 
Just a heads up - there were no AFROTC in-college scholarships offered this semester at all. So if you're counting on an AFROTC scholarship, there may not be any available.

Also, read your AROTC contract if you want to know the exact terms of the contract. You should have been given a copy of it when you contracted. It will let you know the exact repercussions for breaking the contract. There shouldn't be any since you still have the 'freshman option' but read it again anyway! Good luck with transferring to AFROTC!
 
that's too bad about not enjoying AROTC, and especially about not seeing your future as including being an Army officer.

Here's the thing -- there is far less chance of getting an AFROTC scholarship at your new school that there was of you getting your AROTC scholarship, which you already have. So if you're prepared to participate in AFROTC without a scholarship, then best of success to you!

You should also know that a good % (two years ago it was 45%) of AFROTC cadets are asked to leave the program after their second year. So while it is true that you have to compete in AROTC for an active duty commission... let's call that top 60%, if you don't qualify you still become an officer in Reserves or National Guard. However, in AFROTC, if you don't qualify for Advance course, you're basically out. There is no Reserve Component option.

The last thing you should know regarding finances: AFROTC has Type 1, Type 2, and Type 7 scholarships. YOu need to research what each pays for, in the slight chance that you do get an AFROTC scholarship.
 
Just a heads up - there were no AFROTC in-college scholarships offered this semester at all. So if you're counting on an AFROTC scholarship, there may not be any available.

Also, read your AROTC contract if you want to know the exact terms of the contract. You should have been given a copy of it when you contracted. It will let you know the exact repercussions for breaking the contract. There shouldn't be any since you still have the 'freshman option' but read it again anyway! Good luck with transferring to AFROTC!

If that's the reality of the situation, then so be it. I do want to be an Army Officer. It's as simple as that. If I don't get an AFROTC scholarship, I don't get one. The money is great, but I want to serve in some capacity. I'm aware of the downsizing military and how difficult scholarships are to come by. I would rather be happy and in debt, than miserable with minimal debt.
 
Headstrong13, Yes, I'm very aware aware of the Army accessions process as my DS is a contracted freshmen just like you. You seem to have done some research and for that you should be applauded. Not trying to talk you out of anything at all. I'm sure you know if you don't get AD in the Army then you have the option for reserve or guard. No such option is available for AF. I believe if you don't get selected for SFT your done. Before you go much further please read some of the posts from PIMA and seek her knowledge on the subject as she knows a great deal about the AFROTC world. If in the end you do end up switching I applaud you for having the maturity to seek the information you have asked for so far. Again best of luck in your decision. :thumb:
 
Headstrong13, Yes, I'm very aware aware of the Army accessions process as my DS is a contracted freshmen just like you. You seem to have done some research and for that you should be applauded. Not trying to talk you out of anything at all. I'm sure you know if you don't get AD in the Army then you have the option for reserve or guard. No such option is available for AF. I believe if you don't get selected for SFT your done. Before you go much further please read some of the posts from PIMA and seek her knowledge on the subject as she knows a great deal about the AFROTC world. If in the end you do end up switching I applaud you for having the maturity to seek the information you have asked for so far. Again best of luck in your decision. :thumb:

I apologize if I came off as questioning your knowledge. I only came here because I don't know where else to go. I know I'm very fortunate to have been awarded a 4 year scholarship, I just don't want to be in the Army anymore. I've considered National Guard/Reserves, but that doesn't change the fact that I prefer the AF Officer positions. I'm aware that the AF route is harder, but neither myself, nor your child would be where we are without hard work and dedication. If I'm asked to leave a program, then clearly there is something else waiting for me in this life.
 
Headstrong13, no offense taken at all. It sounds like your decision has been made. Best of luck moving forward.
 
Just a couple things to consider and research.

AFROTC requires the cadet to compete for SFT which takes place the summer after your sophomore year. If you transfer to another school and start there as a sophomore you will need to consider where you will be starting AFROTC. This is where a in depth conversation with the AFROTC Det. at the new school will be important. In the best of all worlds you would complete the first two years of AFROTC before applying for SFT. Doing just one year before applying to SFT (If that's even possible) will put you way behind and as it's been said, no SFT, no commission. There is a possibility you would need to start over and complete the full four years. This is the most important thing you need to discuss with the AFROTC Det.

Leaving AROTC will be easy, just a couple signatures and your done, getting into the AFROTC and making SFT will be the challenge as a transfer student with only 3 years left. Just be aware the the AF is terminating some new AFROTC grades even after they commissioned and are also terminating some AFROTC cadets in their senior year.

Nothing wrong with not wanting to continue with the Army, just have a plan B because AFRTOC will be an even bigger challenge at this point.

Best of luck to you.
 
AFROTC will be a challenge but it is definitely possible to be a great cadet starting sophomore year. Coming in as an AS250, you'll have to work hard to catch up and learn what the AS200s learned during freshman year. But AS250s can be just as successful (if not more) than cadets who start freshman year. My detachments top cadet was an AS250 and is now about to commission. So was our Fall Semester Wing Commander. I just want to encourage you - AFROTC is a great program, just give it all you've got and you'll do great!

If you have any questions about AFROTC, go ahead and ask. I'm a current AS200 preparing for Field Training. I hope all goes well!
 
AFROTC will be a challenge but it is definitely possible to be a great cadet starting sophomore year. Coming in as an AS250, you'll have to work hard to catch up and learn what the AS200s learned during freshman year. But AS250s can be just as successful (if not more) than cadets who start freshman year. My detachments top cadet was an AS250 and is now about to commission. So was our Fall Semester Wing Commander. I just want to encourage you - AFROTC is a great program, just give it all you've got and you'll do great!

If you have any questions about AFROTC, go ahead and ask. I'm a current AS200 preparing for Field Training. I hope all goes well!

Thank you, I greatly appreciate your help! What do you have to say to the person that says that nearly 45% of cadets were dropped by the AF a few years ago? Do you see that happening? Also, are FT slots that are competed for, or is it necessary? Sorry, very ignorant to AFROTC.
 
Acceptance and successful completion of SFT is required.

It's good your starting to learn about AFROTC, read through a lot of pasts threads that deal with AFROTC. Ask a lot of questions of the AF Cadets at your school and even try and talk to Det. at your school. The more information you have, the more informed decision you'll be able to make.
 
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