Disenrollment

[nofodad]

Not to be a Debbie downer, but a reminder that this can and does happen. No, not my DS. But it did happen to my son’s two roommates about a year ago. The one was SMP and got a DUI, he was dis-enrolled by the battalion and could not commission. I believe he will have to fulfill his obligation as enlisted. The second was one of the top cadets in the program, great grades, great pt scores, ranger challenge… but he was extremely arrogant, had no patience for “lesser” cadets and was dis-enrolled for insubordination, hazing and alleged sexual harassment. The last charge is disputed by many in the battalion as it occurred at a party that he did not attend. This is real, it happens and it really put a dark cloud over DS’ living arrangements last year. We reminded him more than once that he could learn a lesson from their experience. They’ve both graduated now so I thought I’d share the info. On another note, my son’s very competitive and successful NJROTC battalion that produced 7 scholarship recipients, only has one midshipmen left, his best friend who just completed OCS last week, so as others have said, it’s not just getting the scholarship, but keeping it.

 

[QA1517]

To support the instance above, DS had a roommate kicked out his first year for failing grades (kid liked to party and sleep in too much). That same year 4 commissioning cadets were expelled 1 week before commissioning for plagiarism on their finals.
This past year one of the commissioning cadets didn't get his bar due to failing the final pt test.

I worried constantly about DS being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Fortunately he made it through.

Reality can be ugly.

 

[USMCGrunt]

It happens every year but the vast majority get through by focusing on the goal.

The scholarship, advance standing and the opportunity to commission carry some obligations. Grades, personal conduct, physical fitness, weight and responsible use of alcohol are all areas to manage responsibly in order to avoid disenrollment. In my view, these are not too onerous.

 

[Jcc123]

I worried constantly about DS being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Fortunately he made it through. Reality can be ugly.

Keep in mind, he made it through ROTC, which is only the beginning. Throughout their careers, these officers must constantly do the right thing or risk separation and much larger consequences than mere disenrollment.

My DS texted me from IBOLC about the recent news of the SF SFC being separated due to a minor incident several years ago involving an Afghan criminal. This SFC was my son's dive instructor at CDQC and by all accounts an exemplary soldier. Except, apparently, for that one moment when he wasn't.

Putting aside whether or not you think the Afghan "had it coming" or what have you, for one brief moment, this SFC did the wrong thing and it tanked a brilliant career.

I understand that Congress is now looking into the incident, etc., but regardless of the outcome, I think the message is clear. When faced with a decision regarding your actions, choose wisely, because reality is ugly.

 

[parentalunit2]

I very much agree with the sentiment that a ROTC scholarship is not a scholarship. It is a loan that is forgiven upon meeting *all* of the program requirements and thus becoming commissioned.

 

[EDelahanty]

I very much agree with the sentiment that a ROTC scholarship is not a scholarship. It is a loan that is forgiven upon meeting *all* of the program requirements and thus becoming commissioned.

Actually, the loan extends beyond commissioning. The fine print of the AROTC scholarship contract (Para. 5c)states that if you voluntarily or because of misconduct fail to serve the required term of active/reserve duty, you will be obligated to repay the United States the amount of money, plus interest, that bears the same ratio to total financial assistance you have received as time unserved bears to the total period of duty you were obligated to serve.

 

[Jcleppe]

Those darn pesky little details.

I often heard parents sigh with relief when their son/daughter graduated and commissioned, only to get that worried look again when they heard the rest of the story.

Older son will be at the 4 year mark this upcoming May, he can uncork the bubbly then.