Pima
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2007
- Messages
- 13,900
Can and will the AF actually deliver scholarships this semester to these students and will they be back next year if the AF doesn't? I think we'll find out within the next month or so....
I agree!
However, if we all took a step back, removed emotions and took a good look at the writing on the wall. I think we all can come to the same conclusion.
Time warp back 12-18 months ago, for the class of 14, and the AFROTC boards were stunned to see how many qualified candidates that got the thanks, but no thanks. There were candidates that got nothing via AFROTC, but got AFA apptmts. Some of those that got that letter had out the door stats and it was mind boggling to read they were rejected.
That should have been seen as a pre-cursor. Add in the fact that OTC was canceled, on top of force re-shaping and the writing was on the wall where they stood for manpower....that was before the whispers in the wind that the AFA would be appointing less candidates this yr; AFA candidates usually use AFROTC as Plan B, and are highly competitive.
That's the thing, there are always signs, it just happens to be do you want to see them, or ignore them and hope it will go away?
I think for 16 the tide will turn, but for those in college right now it is going to be competitive...especially after today when they said the economic outlook for unemployment is going to be bad for 5 yrs.
It is important to understand how they come to these ROTC numbers. In essence it is long term strategic planning regarding man power.
The military tries to keep a ratio of Flag (Gen) to Field (O4/5/6) to Company (O1/2/3) to enlisted. If the O2/3's aren't diving than they don't need to replace as quickly. Right now because of the economy they aren't diving, and that creates a cog in the system. No need to put more on the payroll when they have enough already...also another reason why there may be a RIF if enough AD members don't dive.
I know I sound like a broken record on that fact, but until it is understood and accepted that is the system, people will keep asking why?