AROTC Branching, OML, and General Questions

[AROTC2019]

Hi,

I am a little new to the ROTC program and I am joining a little late so I'm going to need some help with a few questions if possible. These may seem a little random and I apologize for that.

1) I am joining ROTC late. I would be joining at the beginning of next year and commissioning some time in 2019 if all goes well. The battalion's recruiting officer said that there were some scholarships still available for that commissioning time frame and I was wondering if it really works like that. Are there a certain number of scholarships given to a school for a certain time period? Is it school by school or are scholarships competed for on a national basis?

2) What impact does joining late have on my OML? Is it a cumulative score over the four years? If so, wouldn't I be at a huge disadvantage by participating only about two years?

3) As of now, I want to branch infantry. But, coming in late, it doesn't seem like that will be all too likely. I've heard of an option of enlisting and putting a trip to OCS in the contract (Army Enlistment Program 9D?). Is that true? Obviously, this would be after I graduate. (Sorry for this not relating directly to ROTC)

4) With a 4.0 GPA through my first 1.5 yrs in college, 32 ACT, 4.0 high school GPA, but no extra curricular activities or leadership experience to speak of, how likely is it that I would even be competitive for a two-year scholarship?

5) Does anyone know how, if at all, one's major plays into the branching process? I am an Econ major, and, besides medical and engineering, are any branches off the table right out of the blocks? Am I at a disadvantage for any branches?

6) I have an appointment with the recruiting officer, not an interview for a scholarship or anything, just an appointment (My second with him) and I was wondering, besides these questions obviously, what questions I should ask him about the program.

Thanks for all your help. This forum has always been so helpful. I'm sure I'll be coming back soon with more questions.

 

[txpotato]

Ok, I was hoping more knowledgable posters would chime in, but I will do my best and hope that if I miss something, I will be corrected.

Based on what you've said, you're currently a sophomore, and you'll be joining ROTC in the spring semester, right? Someone else will have to discuss catching up on MS classes. I am only going to try to address branching and OML questions.

First of all, it looks like you have a very strong academic record. Excellent! For component (that's whether you get Active Duty or Reserve/NG) and branching purposes, your MSIII (junior) year is very important. The Army likes to look at your academic, physical, and leadership components. I'm posting a link to a slide that shows how this year's national OML was determined. For FY17, the Active Duty cut-off was around 35 (which is pretty low). GPA, PFTs, extracurriculars, etc are all assigned weighted point values that add up to a score. After your MSIII year, you will attend Advanced Camp at Ft Knox where you will also take some standardized tests (part of the academic component). For branching purposes, it is my understanding that the Army is trying to do a better job of matching a person's skill set with his/her branch (I'll post that slide as well). For example, my oldest son wants to branch QM. Since his major is Operations Managements (with a specialization in logistics and supply chain management) this should be a perfect fit.

If I were you, I'd ask the ROO how you catch up with the military science courses and if you would be eligible for any of the summer training opportunities (like CULP). When you join the program, continue to excel academically and perform well on the PFTs. Distinguish yourself with the cadre so that your evaluations are outstanding. If you do these things, I believe you will be successful. Best of luck!

http://imgur.com/a/mjTYu (OML component explained)

https://branching-rotc.army.mil/res...and/consolidated-branching-talent-demands.pdf (Talent Management explained)

 

[AROTC-dad]

+1 @txpotato

Also regarding summer opportunities, I believe that because the OP is joining AROTC late, that he will be very likely sent to the Basic Camp ( AKA CIET) in order to catch up and move forward to MS III status. Be sure you inquire with your ROO about this possiblity. This will make other summer training more difficult (but not impossible) to schedule for next summer.

 

[k2rider]

With a 4.0 in college, you're already one the right track for sure. Count on smashing the PT test and then GET INVOLVED in everything you can w/o it affecting your grades. Without knowing all the possibilities at your particular college, some examples that my kids did were participating on the Ranger Challenge team, volunteering to work with kids at the local Boys & Girls Club, working at charitable races (5K runs for example), working events on campus (concerts, football games), unit Honor Guard, etc...

 

[caymandriver07]

One option that may be worth exploring is picking up a minor and/or another major to extend your time in school such that you get all 4 years of ROTC and with it the opportunity to build your OML score It doesn't matter how many years you've been in school, simply how many more years do you need in order to complete your degree(s). By adding another degree you may be able to get funding for 3-4 years via a scholarship. You might also consider joining ROTC in your spring semester '17 so as to start to participate in PT, MS1 classes etc. I don't know if they would let you in to the ROTC classes now, but if they do, then you might also be able to apply for Project GO, as it is one of the few programs that accepts non-contracted cadets.

I would advise against trying to rush through if you can avoid it.

 

[AROTC2019]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. My ROO did say that I could attend CIET over the summer to move into MSIII classes. As for staying in school longer, this would be my preference, but according to my ROO there are still scholarship and contract spots available for the commissioning class of 2019.