Civillian ROTC vs SMA

This is a huge advantage that I have being in VA. I will definetly end up at one of those 3 schools if I come up empty on both the SA's and scholarships (academic or ROTC). I'm not really considering Norwich all that much, all though it is not out of the picture.
 
While there hadn't been any Aggies in our family before, as I said, now I have two of 'em, and given my financial contribution to the effort feel that I can use a bit of their lexicon; so in that vein, you are getting "Good Bull" from all of the individuals who bring a variety of perspectives. http://texags.com/forums/5/topics/2324899. A distinction between the Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) and the federal academies is that not everyone commissions. Not everyone at VMI, not everyone at VT, not everyone at The Citadel, not at the UNG, or Norwich. I've learned from reading Bruno's postings that at VMI it used to be that everyone had to commission but that this was changed some years ago. One of the reasons that people in general, perhaps rightly, hate us lawyers is that we can argue anything. Sad but true. From my experience in life I've come to the conclusion that often our strengths are our weaknesses, or as I like to say in my pithy way, there is a little ying in every yang. At the extremely focused institutions like The Citadel and VMI the cadets are going to be in a more cloistered environment, and as a result, have the opportunity to bring a laser like focus on their academic pursuits while combining that focus on their military instruction and training. One need only look at their alumni pride and support of their respective institutions to see what tremendous institutions those schools are. One can, and many do, make a compelling argument for attending them, and cite as one of reasons to do so that atmospherics of the schools.

As for not everyone commissioning at A&M I would observe the following. Our daughter went there with the intent to commission but decided not to. It is her trail and she'll need to walk it as she thinks she should. She was required to take two years of ROTC while there and she's learned a great deal from the experience, as she did from four years of an SMC lifestyle. Given that most individuals who do indeed commission won't make an entire 20+ year career in the military I think one could reasonably observe that learning how to effectively integrate with civilians in college is an important skill set. Similarly, I think it would be reasonably observed that the armed forces greatly benefit from institutions such as the Corps at A&M and Virginia Tech. The cadets that don't commission are going to know many cadets who do; and I suspect, they will be able to bring their experiences and friendships with serving officers to bear as there are office/home conversations that involve things military as well as in public debates involving budgeting and support for the military as they go about their adult civilian lives. With less than one percent of the population serving the armed forces any force multiplier for support and appreciation is a very valuable commodity for the Department of Defense; particularly at budgeting time.

As one of the posters observed, as least from my perspective as an outsider, which unit or "outfit" you are in at A&M is a significant factor in your institutional identity. Some of the other posters are, I think, absolutely correct that there are many ways to the top of the mountain. Another Scout Dad was a career Naval Academy graduate with a graduate degree from Harvard, his second son went to VMI and loved it. Another career officer went the PLC route into the Marine Corps and had a great career, and his son will be starting at Holy Cross next month with an NROTC scholarship. One of my office mates in my home district (I'm on detail) had a daughter who went to the University of Michigan as an NROTC nursing student and is now on active duty in Norfolk and loving it. Students at smaller schools are going to be able to interact more with professors than freshmen and sophomores will at a huge research university. Our kids love the pomp and circumstance of going to football games with 110,000 at Kyle Field, loved the Midnight Yells the night before when 30,000 kids show up at midnight on a Friday night, like Silver Taps, Muster, and the other TAMU traditions. Again, wherever you go, embrace it and it will turn out just fine. Good Luck.
 
This is a huge advantage that I have being in VA. I will definetly end up at one of those 3 schools if I come up empty on both the SA's and scholarships (academic or ROTC). I'm not really considering Norwich all that much, all though it is not out of the picture.
PS, apply sooner rather than later. Seriously, work on the applications, look at your scores, see if you need to retake any tests, write and re-write any essays you might need, and apply as soon as you can.
 
Thank you! So basically, if I want to commission and be a career officer, any of these schools can help me do that. My school will only be what I make it. The decision now just comes down to wether or not TAMU or VT will be tough enough for me.
 
Thank you! So basically, if I want to commission and be a career officer, any of these schools can help me do that. My school will only be what I make it. The decision now just comes down to wether or not TAMU or VT will be tough enough for me.

No problem. On the first day your battalion meets, feel free to voice your concern to a few of the upperclassmen.
 
Thank you! So basically, if I want to commission and be a career officer, any of these schools can help me do that. My school will only be what I make it. The decision now just comes down to wether or not TAMU or VT will be tough enough for me.
You've got to find your way, and I'm sure you will.
. Now I don't have any children in H-1, but they are known for their emphasis. Listen, all of the SMCs are going to have "clubs" (associations, groups, organizations - I don't know the right terminology) that are geared towards the Rangers, towards SEALS, getting ready for Marine OCS, etc. You are, I suspect, young and still in high school. So, in answer, yes, many career officers in all of the branches have gone each of the SMCs (understanding UNG is principally Army focused). General Powell, a four star and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs went ROTC to CCNY. The most effective discipline is the kind you'll put on yourself. The Edelahanty response is perfect, I took it as a variation on the "The Nail That Stands Out Gets Pounded In" truism. Good luck
 
Thank you! So basically, if I want to commission and be a career officer, any of these schools can help me do that. My school will only be what I make it. The decision now just comes down to wether or not TAMU or VT will be tough enough for me.

Any school can help you be a career officer. Your school will carry you to graduation. After that, it's you who will carry yourself through a career.
 
You've got to find your way, and I'm sure you will.
. Now I don't have any children in H-1, but they are known for their emphasis. Listen, all of the SMCs are going to have "clubs" (associations, groups, organizations - I don't know the right terminology) that are geared towards the Rangers, towards SEALS, getting ready for Marine OCS, etc. You are, I suspect, young and still in high school. So, in answer, yes, many career officers in all of the branches have gone each of the SMCs (understanding UNG is principally Army focused). General Powell, a four star and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs went ROTC to CCNY. The most effective discipline is the kind you'll put on yourself. The Edelahanty response is perfect, I took it as a variation on the "The Nail That Stands Out Gets Pounded In" truism. Good luck
Wow, that looks amazing. That really changed my view of the civilian colleges, thank you for sharing!
 
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