MORE QUESTIONS:
104-R: If this form is done prior to freshman year, do they just call their advisor and do it over the phone? Do they turn in a new form each time it changes? I would imagine a significant amount of changes.
Direct Deposit: for USNA son there were pretty much two choices that were strongly encouraged. I think army son is eligible for Navy Federal Credit Union. On the other hand the only ATM on campus is Bank of America. Any thoughts?
Tax Forms: We didnt claim our USNA plebe this year. I assume we wont claim our MS1 next year. accurate?
TIA
I can tell you how it went with my sons at their school/battalion, both went to the same school.
As far as the 104-R, both completed the form by talking with their advisor through phone calls and email. They told them what they needed and the advisor sent them a sample of what was required, for electives they just picked from the catalog. Make sure to ask how the university handles the MS classes and what they give credit for. My son's school gives 1 credit for MS1 classes, 2 credits for MS2 classes and 3 credits for MS3 and 4 classes, they also give 1 credit for each PT, Lab, Color Guard, and Ranger Challenge. Not all schools do this, make sure you check because these classes can be used to fill electives.
Depending on the Major, the MS classes may count as a Related Field, this will help lessen the class load.
You are right, the 104-R is a living document, I can tell you that the classes my older son ended up taking looked very little like the original 104-R. My son's battalion has a HR person that monitors each cadet's 104-R and Degree Audit to make sure they are on track. Changes in classes are not a big deal, they may have him update the 104-R from time to time, it's a quick and easy process. The only difficulty comes if a cadet wants to change their major to one that is not in their current ADM class, example, switching from Engineering to History, this requires approval from Brigade and CC.
Basically they just want an outline that shows the cadet will be able to graduate if 4 years, unless they are approved for longer for certain majors.
Both my sons just had the direct deposit go into their own account, B of A happened to be the account, any bank is fine.
As far as taxes go, it is different then a student at an Academy, you'll need to talk to your accountant about this.