ROTC backup plan

[vampsoul]

So, I received an AROTC scholarship. In case I get injured before CBT (knock on wood) can I accept the scholarship and explain the situation, or do I have to decline it?

[11BRAVO]

Good question. For most, they get the AROTC offer (and accept) way before the SA offer so this is sort of in reverse.

[marciemi]

From what my son was told about AFROTC, he had until May 1 to accept or decline, just like the academies. He couldn't accept both USAFA and AFROTC, and if he didn't accept by then, it would automatically default - ie become declined for him. So you could hold it until May 1 but not after.

[The OC Josh]

For AROTC you only have a month to decide. However, I believe that you can accept it now and then turn it down later if you are able to make it to the academy.

[Just_A_Mom]

Originally Posted by vampsoul

So, I received an AROTC scholarship. In case I get injured before CBT (knock on wood) can I accept the scholarship and explain the situation, or do I have to decline it?

If you have both a AROTC scholarship and an Appointment to WP then holding onto one is really of no benefit.
If you get injured before CBT, they will hold your spot for next year. It happens, though rarely.
IF the injury is very serious then you might not be qualified by the fall anyway and would not recieve your scholarship.

I advocate back up plans - however if you have both a scholarship and an appointment; I think you need to pick one and go with it.

[mmb5]

"If you get injured before CBT, they will hold your spot for next year."

Is this correct? I've read that a turnback is an option if a cadet starts but can't complete CBT due to injury, but I thought they had to get to the point of taking the oath and starting. Would make son breathe slightly easier if true.

[marciemi]

Originally Posted by mmb5

"If you get injured before CBT, they will hold your spot for next year."

Is this correct? I've read that a turnback is an option if a cadet starts but can't complete CBT due to injury, but I thought they had to get to the point of taking the oath and starting. Would make son breathe slightly easier if true.

I thought the same thing - that you had to take the oath. I know for AF it is true because last year there were stories of someone getting hurt getting off the bus on I day. Thought if you were hurt before I (R) day, then you had to redo the whole application process.

[Just_A_Mom]

A friend of my daughter from prep school seriously damaged his knee two weeks before R-Day. His appointment was held over for the next year.
I know this for a fact since her Regional Commander and she were discussing it in line on R-Day. He said it's not a problem just that he would be in the next class.

Look, if you have an appointment then it's for a reason. West Point wants you. Really!!! If they can't have you this year then they want you next year - they already spent a lot of money on you.

My advice is this:

Anyone who gets sick or injured close to R-Day should definitely call your Regional commander. This is the officer in admissions who is handling you file. He will give you instructions.
When you are traveling to R-Day, make sure you have this phone number for a contact number. If you get sick, injured or delayed then you need to call.

Another story - a young woman and her family traveled to West Point for R-Day and she became ill on the way. Fortunately they arrived two days early to get acclimated to the time zone. The day prior to R-day she woke with a fever. Her parents, of course, were frantic and they called their Regional commander on Sunday morning. He made arrangements for her to be treated at Keller. She was successfully treated with antibiotics and was able to report.

[America's Finest]

Originally Posted by marciemi

I thought the same thing - that you had to take the oath. I know for AF it is true because last year there were stories of someone getting hurt getting off the bus on I day. Thought if you were hurt before I (R) day, then you had to redo the whole application process.

That was my understanding as well. Obviously, there will always be some exceptions and some people will have their spots held but I believe the majority have to have the oath taken before the have certain chance of having it saved.

[Just_A_Mom]

I can't imagine why they would hold one person's spot and not anothers. This is, indeed, a rarity. might happen to one or two kids out of 1300.

My point is - I don't think folks should make a judgment on this forum based on experiences at another academy or just because it is what they *think*.
Don't worry about injury or illness and if it happens to you please contact admissions immediately. They are there to help you - not hurt you.