ERAU,
I t might not have been more stiff, they may have had fewer cadets requesting rated this year.
AVT,
Yes, the rated AFROTC slots always come out Feb/Mar of their 300 year. It has been this way for eons because if the cadet that requested rated does not get a rated slot, than they will compete in the fall with the 400s that are going non-rated. Additionally, rated will be sent for 3 days over the summer to Wright Pat AFB for their FC1 physical. It is required by the FAA. It is not the 45 min. DoDMERB, it is full day physicals, including EKGs. They also start their TS clearance at this time and it takes about 6 months to process them.
~~~ If they don't give them out at this point, than those that fail the FC1 would not be able to meet a non-rates board since they are released in Sept/Oct. If they gave out in Oct of 400 year, it would also hiccup the TS because it takes so long to get it that plays into manpower for rated schools. How do you assign class dates in Feb/400 yr if these two issues are not solved?
The AFA cadets do not get their AFSC until the equivalent of the AFROTC400 year, but the AF leaves more than enough slots for them. Basically, unlike AFROTC where you need to be certain GPA range, and tech gets an edge over non-tech, they just need to graduate from the AFA.
~ Plus AFA always goes 1st, AFROTC goes after them. They will sit and wait at home for 3-6 months, and than could be on casual status for 3-6 more months. Their DOR is the average of commissioning and report. AFA it will be commission.