I have read alot on the forums referring to ROTC as plan B. For my son it turned out to be that the "B" stood for the BEST plan. He did not get into USNA after all the paperwork, interviews, etc. For him it was a blessing. After his candidate visitation weekend he came home with a different perspective. HE wanted both the navy and the complete college experience. He already had received his ROTC scholarship so it worked out well. He had a good freshman year at the college of his choice. He enjoys his freedom/choices, etc. Discipline was self taught. He has learned to be responsible for paying his rent, buying groceries,cooking for himself and budgeting his money. He knows he wants to be a Naval Officer. He has great friends at his unit. I could not be more proud. After just a few weeks at CORTRAMID, he sounds like he has grown and matured even more. He got to be Platoon Commander for Marine week and learned what it means to be the "go to" person. Amazing life for an 18 year old. Those of you considering ROTC as plan B do not need to think of this as the lesser road.