The VMI rate is lower than I recall hearing in the past. I’m surprised it’s that low, but I don’t come from a position of authority on the subject. I wonder about the impact the mix of branches has (plus civilian track). I also know that data can be interpreted a lot of different ways, so your answer could be in how the days between the two SMCs is being used.
Thank you for your help!
The 55-60% figure is about right. I expect that the 90% figure is likely people considering a commission, not necessarily dead set yet. I say that based on my observation that the number of people who went from wanting a commission to not, was smaller than the number of people who were not planning on commissioning, walking down the hill to get contracted with Army Department. Many non-comms have a change of heart when they’re time at VMI is winding down and they see their BRs getting ready to raise their right hand at the end of it all. The Army offers some “last minute options” there that muddy some of the stats.
Regarding VT (VATECH), I believe there are about 300 1/C (seniors) in VTCC that graduate each year (about 1,200 cadets total 4/c thru 1/c)? Of all cadets, about 80% are Military Track; 20% Citizen Leader Track (i.e, not AROTC/NROTC/AFROTC and not looking to the commission). With VTCC being the SMC program, the commissioning rate states seems fairly accurate if there are 250 commissions a year. When you add all graduates of VT outside of the Corp (when you add the "civilian" population of students), I see where you get the 3% but I am not sure that is not misleading when looking at the SMC aspect. DS is a cadet and, when applying, the focus was on the Corp when analyzing commissioning rates.
For VMI, I’m pretty sure PLC is already included and makes up a large number of the Marines we commission. I think they tried to adjust stats for OCS and other programs, but I’m unsure how complete they were able to get that data with people who already graduated.It would be interesting to know what percentage of SMC grads are commissioned via all sources / services within one year of graduation. That would include officers who commission via programs like USMC Platoon Leaders Course (PLC).
@Thomask4788 you likely know that all SMC graduates can commission Army if they meet the requirements. Here's the reference in US Code:
10 U.S. Code § 2111a - Support for senior military colleges
www.law.cornell.edu
60% of what total? Number of seniors in the C of C? Number of total members in the C of C? Number of each MS 1 class? UNG percentage seems low, they only offer AROTC, if they are at 25% does that mean 75% of the seniors in each class year are strictly drill and ceremony cadets not pursuing a commission?
Yea, it is pretty important to keep posts on this forum both accurate and relevant to students and parents considering colleges, and give to give the right context. Military commissions within ROTC, including SMCs, tend to eb and flo with needs of the services and availability of scholarships. Also, there are many more ways to serve the country today than in military service - eg Homeland and National Security.
Great question and great Army info, Glen. For Banjoppd, consider size of Cadet Corps at each school. The smallest by far is UNG, with about 700 cadets. They commission army-only through UNG’s program at around 110 each year. But they also have Cadets pursue other service commissions through alternative means. UNG provides some of the best army-only ROTC training in the country and was awarded the MacArthur award for best battalion nationwide this year. Impressive feat for such a small corps of cadets.
Sorry if the answer to this question should be obvious, but this means that 70% of students that are on ROTC scholarship at TAMU actually commission? That's my DS's plan B, still awaiting news from USNA. I honestly never thought about seeking out that information before these posts. I wish I'd found these forums earlier in his SA/ROTC journey.
Search this forum for TAMU, a grad posted a year end summary of the commissions by service. Pretty recent post - within a year.
