NROTC scholarship real value?

Blueridge - Agree with your issues and feel your pain. Had some of the same ones ourselves.

Pima - While AFROTC makes its financial commitment to the kids more clear up front and lets them pick their own colleges, I still like the NROTC "package" better. If my son had taken his Type 7 AFROTC scholarship, he would only be getting $56K total for three years of tuition at his private college. With NROTC, he gets the full $180K deal. Also, I don't like how the AIr Force is dropping some of its ROTC kids mid-stream, even when they have the min GPA. Further, AFROTC does not appear to do summer training cruises until just before senior year, whereas everyone at the NROTC units we have visited was still doing cruises all three summers in college. The training in those summers was beneficial to me when I was in NROTC, so I want my son those experiences if at all possible.

Would I care if he went into the Air Force versus the Navy? No. But, I do like the generosity of the NROTC program.
 
OOPS - Above, I meant $54K tuition from AFROTC - It would have been $18K per year for three years at an OOS or private school, or four years full tuition at an in-state school. That is the offer they give to 75% of their AFROTC recipients.
 
LTLONGAGO.

I completely concur.

The beauty of the AF is the scholarship can go almost anywhere.

The ugly issue is that they have types...7 is the worst.

Let's face it, if the college doesn't waive OOS for IS they are forced into 3 yr Type 2.

Stinks 5000 times worse if you are a non-tech because the odds are against you. AFROTC places emphasis on majors not schools.

AFROTC is far from perfect and anyone who says so has no knowledge of the system.


That being said let's get back on topic. The best, absolute best NROTC cadet is the one who has 1 dream, and that dream is to serve.

This is the NROTC system, one that everybody who applies accepts to abide by. NROTC IMPO has taken the best of both AROTC and AFROTC. A system that works for their branch. We would all agree that the Navy has a different mission than the Army or AF, correct?

Same is true regarding the scholarship process.

You don't serve in the Navy and say, BUT the Army and AF does it this way! You live by that branch's guidelines/directives, end of subject, period, dot.

I have to say, SORRY docgoatdad I don't get you.

1. It is your nephew. Love my nieces and nephews, but I don't pay the bills for their family. Why are you up in arms? Are you financially involved?

2. You have stated on other threads some very derogatory comments, i.e. the one about congrats and race. Wasn't it you who stated congrats as a white male you beat the odds to another poster?

3. You appear to only care about the dang 180K, and that is a slap in the face to those who worked just as hard academically and got the TWE.

Seriously, do you even comprehend how insulting you are to others when you say he only got 100K and the Navy should be ashamed of themselves for stating it is 180K?

Take a moment as a parent. 25K a yr plus merit in this world is envied...oops you are an UNCLE. and guessing not the person paying the tuition difference. Yet, you are beacching about a service your nephew is going to raise his right hand to and affirm an allegiance to.

Have you ever heard the cliche about a gift horse and it's mouth?

You have also alluded that you served in the military as an AD member? Please tell us when you went against the command. How did that work out for you? Tell me I am wrong when I say Service comes first?

Ban me. Go for it. I am happy to fall on that sword. I am happy to defend candidates who were just as worthy as your nephew and got squat. I am happy to fight for them.

OBTW, here's the sword I thrust in my chest.

Your nephew by not accepting the scholarship for NROTC because it wasn't 180K risked his military career.

He didn't place into the equation the DOD cuts, and that as a non-scholarship mid he will need Advance Standing as a cadet.

Military members always put service before self. He put self before service. I hope it doesn't bite him!

I expect a red card(ban) for this post. However, it was worth it and I could finally say what I have tried to hide.
 
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Pima,

It would be an Honor to be the one that pulls you off that Sword.
 
Thank you, Pima. AMEN.

Now, let's hope that's the end of it. GEEEESH.
 
Pretty educational thread so far, should be required reading IMHO

Lessons taught
-Don't turn down a scholarships with the idea that there is something better on the way (Bird in the hand...)
-Believe it when you have it in writing, hearsay is not a contract
-The devil is in the details, always hiding in the fine print
-Be proactive, check and double check everything, assume SNAFU will happen
-Have a backup plan and a backup backup plan
-Shoulda's, woulda's and coulda's don't get you very far
 
gojack,

I am LMAO because I never heard SNAFU until I met Bullet! Along with FUBAR.

You summed it up with your 6 points.

However, if you took those 6 points and rolled the together you would still end with one point.

SERVICE BEFORE SELF, that is the key to being the best cadet/mid.

I love one poster who pm's me frequently. He recently was recognized in his ROTC cadre as an award winner. He is a freshman. He got the Service before Self! He understood the big picture for the military and because he did he was rewarded by ROTC.

Beeaching about scholarship fairness is going to hurt in ROTC. They will see you as a whiner and NOBODY, especially the military likes a whiner. If your nephew follows your guide, he will be seen very quickly in a negative light.

Do you really want that?
 
SUSFU, TARFU, SCATFU, CRAT, CFB , BUF, STRAC, FNG, BFH, BFW, MFIC, CMFIC, COTDA, GIG...:cool:
 
Now now, we are diverting the thread into acronyms, and there is a sticky for that!:thumb:

End of the day every candidate and cadet, not the folks, grandparents or aunts/uncles need to ask the 64K question. Am I ready to give at least 8 yrs of my life to the military and this particular branch?

If the answer is NO, nobody will think less of you. If the answer is YES be ready to play by their rules.

The majority of posters who have served hold ONE issue in common. They all agree that the Devil is in the details, and read that fine print. When you sign it is a legal contract. It is binding and enforceable. This is not like signing your SAT or ACT.
 
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Pima has it tight and neat - SERVICE BEFORE SELF. My son only went after what he wanted, TO SERVE and knew he wanted to limit to NAVY - as he knows that's really WHERE IT ENDS - NEEDS of the NAVY will run his life for awhile. I believe that all should have a chance, that the best (in the eyes of the Navy) will receive - that's it. My son was one who reeived that huge check during a ceromony his senior spring - while a surprise and doesnt like attention to himself - he kept the cardboard check - whether he is really receiving $$ - he got his overall goal - TO BE A NAVAL OFFICER and SERVE. Ofcourse now being human, he is striving for a certain sub group - but well understands that the NAVY will decide. My only rant would be to all to seek a scholarship or appointment - IT SHOULD BE TO SERVE! not to tally up what you get! COngrats to all of this year's receiptants - I truly wish you well, hope that the adventure is all you hope it to be - thank you for standing up and being counted! larrys mom
 
Great posts, the head of the nail is being squarly hit.

I would add only one thing, something both Pima and I have said over and over again.

Your goal does not end with the scholarship, it is only just beginning. When you start school you will be just another cadet. This is where the work really starts. Not everyone is going to make it and that's a fact. Now is the time to start asking questions, try and get in touch with cadets from the school you are going to attend. Get as much information as you can. Be prepared for anything, even though you are attending a traditional college your life WILL be different, with new demands put upon you that others at your school will not understand. Do not underestimate the time you will spend on ROTC. Be prepared to have chunks of a certain part of your body chewed off by your Seargent or Chief, it will happen. There will be times when things don't go your way, it won't seem fair, welcome to the military. Your family will be there only for support, no one can help you but you.

Just remember, the only thing you have achieved so far is a way to pay for College, the hard work is yet to come.

Good luck to all of you, you are about to embark on a path that will test you everyday, and yes, it's worth all the hard work.

Oh, and yes, Service before Self should go without having to say it.
 
Note: I am pretty sure the new NROTC active duty commitment is a minimum of five years (not four anymore), plus, of course any extra years for flight school, nuc school, etc. Some on this forum have been referring to the next eight years, but it is really nine.

Service before self. While I get what you all are saying, I also think that at age 17 and 18, it is one of the last times in life where one can be selfish. What about taking care of self as best as possible while simultaneously preparing for service? These kids aren't in the military yet - They are in the phase of deciding if they will be in the military. I say go for the college that you want the most - Don't settle for a college you don't want, unless you have to at the end of the summer because you want the scholarship more than a school.

These kids don't know if they will continue in ROTC after the end of freshman year, or even after the first month of freshman year. I am so glad that I was able to have my cake and eat it too: NROTC at the college I wanted to attend - And, that is what my son now has. I guess that is what I want for all of these kids, where possible. I wouldn't criticize uncle and nephew for wanting this too. It's a little premature to put service ahead of all else, in my opinion.
 
Good information regarding time in service, I did not realize that the Navy had changed the requirement. Both sons ultimatly chose the Army.

ROTC does afford the cadet a luxury that the thousands of enlisted personell do not have at the age of 18, the opportunity to leave the program if they decide it is not for them.

In regard to Service before Self, even a cadet will find that there will be times he has to miss traditional college experiences due to ROTC. They will have to make the choice between that Frat party and working on extra training for an upcoming FTX. I realize these kids are not in the military yet but that dedication of service will become a large part of their life. I'm sure ROTC has not changed that much since you were in school and your son is so lucky to have someone like you to gain insight on what is to come.

I have told my younger son who will leave for college this Fall the same advice you have given, make sure you really want to do this, take the year to decide for sure. He is also aware of the sacrfices he will have to make while he is in ROTC, of course missing a Frat party isn't as much of a sacrifice to me as it might be to him the first year.

For scholarship awardees once they start their second year they are under an obligation to the military by way of payback in money or service. For the Army you don't get to decide which one, they decide for you. Service before Self may come quicker then they think.

I would never criticize someone for wanting the best for a family member, just how they handle the situation when it does not work out.
 
NROTC Scholarship Video

This is a video NROTC might want to correct. Does not say "UP TO 180,000" does not address in state schools vrs. out of state schools.

Really hope these issues will be addressed, and when a recipient is wait listed, it should be explained about the different wait lists, etc. In state, out of state, etc. Really hope NROTC adopts AROTC information regarding true value of scholarship. It would be great to give a value and then let recipient choose the school.

A cadet is a cadet, with or without a scholarship.

The misleading information needs to stop. These hardworking students deserve better. You expect them to be 100% honest, why should they not expect the same of their scholarship application process, and scholarship award?

Naval Rotc http://goo.gl/JXY8T
 
DocDadGoat said:
This is a video NROTC might want to correct. Does not say "UP TO 180,000" does not address in state schools vrs. out of state schools.

Really hope these issues will be addressed, and when a recipient is wait listed, it should be explained about the different wait lists, etc. In state, out of state, etc. Really hope NROTC adopts AROTC information regarding true value of scholarship. It would be great to give a value and then let recipient choose the school.

A cadet is a cadet, with or without a scholarship.

The misleading information needs to stop. These hardworking students deserve better. You expect them to be 100% honest, why should they not expect the same of their scholarship application process, and scholarship award?

Naval Rotc http://goo.gl/JXY8T
Click to expand...

Can't argue with you on that one.

I would just hope future applicants do not base their applications and desires on a 2 min. video.

If nothing else this discussion has brought to light the need to ask questions regarding all ROTC scholarships.

Meet with ROTC programs well in advance of the application date and ask questions about:

Value of scholarships
Can I transfer if I get an offer from a school I do not want to attend
How do transfers work between in state and out of state schools
What is the service obligation
How do you select your branch or career path
Can I lose my scholarship and how might that happen
What are the requirements to stay on scholarship and in the program

These are all important questions, they are questions my son asked several different batallions. I guess we were lucky, everyone who answered my son's questions were honest and made the process very smooth, there were no suprises. It is true, the recruitment information in the ROTC brochures are lacking in detail, this is why you ask questions. Don't count on your POC to have all the information. Ask questions from several sources and all the ROTC programs at every school you list. When my son asked about transfers he got the same answer from both the Navy and the Army, "Transfers are possible, they are on a case by case basis, they are never a guarentee" This may be contrary to what is written in some places but it is information that will help with your decision making.

Things can change on a moments notice and sometimes without notification. Make sure you keep in contact with your ROTC program, find out if there are any changes to the process along the way. Be proactive in this process. If you plan to try for a transfer don't rely on blanket information, keep in contact with both schools and keep informed with any changes that might occur.

And if you are applying to the NROTC, the Navy website clearly states that the scholarship is worth "Up To" $180,000.00. Ask any NROTC unit and they will tell you the same. Do not look at a video or brochure and base your information from that.
 
Provide a link

jcleppe I have provided a link to misinformation , and multiple locations of misinformation.

Could you do the same. Where does it say that?

These young men are far too intelligent to go by a 2 min video; you must not think they are very bright to think someone would do that.

Misinformation should be corrected. It hurts the NAVY.

Have you read the NROTC scholarship site? Have you read the brochures that are placed in the high schools?

Many students do not have active military family that can explain all of the misconceptions and deceptions about the scholarship. You seem to think the students applying AND their family should know that what is said is NOT what is meant.

Again, the courtesy of a link to your information is appreciated. I am especially looking for a link to the in-state school vrs. out of state school information.
 
Not about money

Risk a career over refusal of a scholarship? What a farce, and where are those links jcleep?

It is not about money....READ...it is about deception and misinformation on PRINTED material, and letters, and emails.

Some of you can't handle the truth can you. NROTC needs to get their act together.

PIMA BEECHING....is that your word?

Scholarship recepients deserve the truth. They should not be deceived by the written word and spoken word of the NROTC. Even in writing, you are agreeing that it can't be counted on....good as all need to hear this.

Where is the link to in state and out of state schools. READ what the NROTC page says.

Tell the applicants the truth. You demand it of them.
 
DocDadGoat said:
This is a video NROTC might want to correct. Does not say "UP TO 180,000" does not address in state schools vrs. out of state schools.

Really hope these issues will be addressed, and when a recipient is wait listed, it should be explained about the different wait lists, etc. In state, out of state, etc. Really hope NROTC adopts AROTC information regarding true value of scholarship. It would be great to give a value and then let recipient choose the school.

A cadet is a cadet, with or without a scholarship.

The misleading information needs to stop. These hardworking students deserve better. You expect them to be 100% honest, why should they not expect the same of their scholarship application process, and scholarship award?

Naval Rotc http://goo.gl/JXY8T
Click to expand...

I think I may just be super tired and it may be to late to be on these forums. But I am taking offense to posts such as these.

The video says $180,000 paid, but I did not see where it says tuition only. It is a combination of fees. And as stated before after all is said and done in four years way more than $180,000 will be invested in one cadet.

If you are set on going to a certain school and can afford it, great. Decline the scholarship, you obviously don't need it, and join up with the College Program. You get your choice of any NROTC School with the college program. Go where ever you want, with absolutley no restriction, pay for it yourself, and still serve if that is what you truly want.

No one said you would not get the school you want at all, it just may not be in the time frame you would like. Waitliststs are worked all the way up until school starts.
Patience is virtue, I lack it sometimes as well. I am pretty sure your nephew was also told, that he is not guarenteed a requested school, but if he truly wants to utilize his scholarship, the placement office would assist him in finding a school that has availability.

Most ROTC's look at in and out of state. They just do it differently. Air Force tells you straight up "Hey, you can only go instate." Navy and Marine give you the chance for any school that is affiliated with the program.
 
P-Flying17 said:
I think I may just be super tired and it may be to late to be on these forums. But I am taking offense to posts such as these.

The video says $180,000 paid, but I did not see where it says tuition only. It is a combination of fees. And as stated before after all is said and done in four years way more than $180,000 will be invested in one cadet.

If you are set on going to a certain school and can afford it, great. Decline the scholarship, you obviously don't need it, and join up with the College Program. You get your choice of any NROTC School with the college program. Go where ever you want, with absolutley no restriction, pay for it yourself, and still serve if that is what you truly want.

No one said you would not get the school you want at all, it just may not be in the time frame you would like. Waitliststs are worked all the way up until school starts.
Patience is virtue, I lack it sometimes as well. I am pretty sure your nephew was also told, that he is not guarenteed a requested school, but if he truly wants to utilize his scholarship, the placement office would assist him in finding a school that has availability.

Most ROTC's look at in and out of state. They just do it differently. Air Force tells you straight up "Hey, you can only go instate." Navy and Marine give you the chance for any school that is affiliated with the program.
Click to expand...

You have every right to take offense;

I have seen only praise for you and gratitude for all the help you have given applicants from this board.

We have tried to spin something positive for future applicants from the rantings of this poster. We have also tried to be as polite as we could given what was written.

I know that the best way to end this dribble is to just ignore it, but future applicants that read this board should not be swayed by incoherent posts that offer no help whatsoever.

The Mods of this board have done a great job monitoring the discussions, I would hope they would please stop this person from posting his personal rants. This is in no way helpful to anyone.
 
It's not about what the Navy can do for YOU. I hope your nephew doesn't have this same attitude, or he may be better suited in another career field. If he wants to serve, take what the Navy gave him and drive on. There is no time for anything else.
 
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