Recent content by hokiesfan

Yep. That's basically what happened to DS and a number of others in his detachment (he was NROTC, not my Hokie). They weren't 'drafted', they were 'force-selected'. But, hey, the press release wasn't incorrect when they said everyone got one of their top three choice that year (subs had to be...

Agree with giving cash so he can get what he needs. Truthfully, about the only thing DS really wanted was a supply of energy drinks and a massive portable hard drive. I can't remember if we ever actually got him the upgraded rack curtain - the biggest attraction was that it had pockets and the...

Definitely go to the NPS graduation, it's definitely worth the trip to Charleston. At one point they were having a small graduation after Prototype but I'm not sure they still do. I know that at least for my son's class a fair few officers missed it because the last few days were crazy and not...

When my DS went thru he said it wasn't the level of the material, it was the pace. He had an engineering degree and said most of the material was on a first and second year level. The sheer amount to cover - and memorize - was what made it difficult.

Another thing to consider is how long it will take your son to graduate at Rutgers, so check with the detachment about their 4 year graduation rate (specifically that of engineering majors if possible). Many (most?) of the engineering students at younger DS' SMC took an extra semester or two to...

If you are looking for a military environment, consider one of the SMCs or JMCs. You'll get the structure you are looking for, the opportunity to participate in ROTC, and can continue on a non-commissioning track if the medical issues prevent you from having a military career. I think all of...

Check with the Norwich financial aid staff. I know many schools require the FAFSA and/or the CSS Profile be completed to receive the school's internal financial aid, even if a student is not eligible or applying for other outside financial aid.

Definitely speak to WP about timing, but also confirm that they will actually require your daughter to go thru the formal Canadian process to renounce citizenship (as opposed to signing US paperwork saying she is willing to renounce her citizenship) when starting at WP. There is a process to...

Agreed. Was recently in Manhattan and my old trick of grabbing on-street parking on the UWS was foiled by COVID-era outside dining areas and construction. Spot Hero saved the day - paid $21 to park for the day in a garage up near the Museum of Natural History. Much cheaper than taking the...

BTW, for those in the sub pipeline - if things get backed up and they want people to do SOBC out of order, try to avoid it. SOBC is relatively relaxed and it's a good time to get your ducks in a row for your move to your sub. Prototype, especially when things are backed up and getting...

Absolutely agree with this based on DS' experience. He wasn't given a choice, IIRC, because of delays in the nuke pipeline. He didn't find the academic level of nuke school especially hard but he found chasing signatures in prototype VERY frustrating. The crazy schedule and the constant push...

Confirm your specific circumstances with your school"s financial aid office or the national fafsa help desk, but you may be considered a 'veteran' for the purposes of filing the fafsa. I know of someone that left basic (enlisted) after a couple of days and IIRC that meant they were able to file...

Don't worry about waiting to sign the housing contract. Since your daughter will be in the VTCC she is guaranteed housing and her roommate will be assigned depending on which company she is in.

Visit, definitely. DS visited a number of schools, including Norwich, but his weekend at VT sealed the deal. He knew it was the right fit for him and never looked back. There used to be an overnight program for prospective cadets and hopefully that's back up and running this year. I know...

Not necessarily. Your DS's indoc sounds like it was great - my DS's (not the one that went to VT) was not. I think having a program that gives some degree of consistency for the majority of mids coming in for a given year is a good thing.