As a new thread contributor let me first say the most important thing: Congratulations to each and every DS/DD for making the decision to serve our great country. I am amazed each and everyday of the quality of young men and women like you. You will find that service to country and those you will be charged with is a hard but extremely rewarding profession. Good luck to everyone in your pursuit of a scholarship. You have already shown you are winners, not matter the outcome!
A lot has been said about many things throughout this thread. Various thoughts and ideas as to what is the hold-up, when will the madness end, etc. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the discussion. If anything it helps pass the time away
There is no doubt we are in trying times both on the world stage and domestically with the incapability to pass a single appropriations bill and a surging national debt. Here is my 2 cents as to the present situation:
The present wait is in fact related to budget but not necessarily based upon the country operating on a CR. From all of the budget documents I have reviewed both the current CR, FY12 proposed budget, etc. the ROTC roles have not been specifically targeted. Army ROTC like any company or large organization that has a budget does so with a certain process. ROTC uses something called the Scholarship and Mission Set Model (SAMS). I found a presentation at the following link:
http://www.mors.org/UserFiles/file/2010 Personnel/WG6/Roederer Briefing Wed morning cleared.pdf
This document gives a great overview of how AROTC conducts their budget planning process and seems relevant in that it is dated Jan 2010 and the corresponding numbers tie into the Army budget.
Couple of key takeaways that may pertain to what we are seeing:
1) Between 2010 and 2011 there is a planned reduction in new MSL I level scholarships. Historically (2010) there were 3,808 new scholarships versus a planned 2,600 for the current year. This may explain 3 boards vs. 5. The purpose of ROTC is relatively simple - provide a source for commision officers for the US Army. It does this alongside the academy and OCS. The present plan calls for a continued 5,350 comissions begining in FY14. This is a reduction of an average of 5,600 ROTC has been producing. Less required officers = less required cadets.
2) Slide #9 shows an expected deficit of $17M in what was forecasted to be required versus what was in the President's POM for FY11. This is further exacerbated by the fact that the current CR is funded at 2010 levels which just adds to this potential shortfall. This could explain why board results have not been released. CC is in the process of determining where scholarships will be offered. The same holds true for CC that holds true for trying to privately finance your DS/DD's education...it is much cheaper to attend an in-state public university vs. an out-of-state private institution ( a methodology for closing the gap). Currently ROTC plans on an average outlay of $18K per year per cadet in 2011 $. If that average can be reduced = less budget required.
At the end of the day the board has met and the scholarship winners have been determined. The hold-up is in the determination as to where scholarships will be offered. Our DS/DD's desires will be considered and based upon the OML will be addressed. However, the most significant factor in my opinion will be how it all adds up to the bottom line - effect on planned budget.
Keep in mind that all services have been asked to identify areas of savings per the SECDEF. The Army was one of the first to tackle this effort through portfolio reviews, etc. to identify redundancy and potential savings. The good news here is that typically personnel accounts remain pretty sacred and items such as operations and maintenance and research and development take the biggest hits. The same looks like it holds true for the current FY12 proposed budget by the Army. The take away is that there doesn't appear to be any specific target hits against reduction of ROTC Battalions, etc.
I hope and trust that this helps in the understanding and doesn't muddy the waters further. I know that CC is working diligently to figure everything out and make offers ASAP. Someone from an earlier thread mentioned the concept of "hurry up and wait." I believe that everything in life can be somehow, someway turned into a learning experience for our children as a parent. Two things come to mind in this case - specifically from my own experiences:
1) Hurry Up and Wait is real - Get used to it
2) This will not be the last time in your careers that your desires/wants won't necessarily align with those of the Army and Congress.
Again, best of luck to everyone. I'm sure good news will be forthcoming.