Any Benefits?

leapyear

5-Year Member
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Oct 15, 2010
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I apologize because I know this has been discussed, but I guess I'm too stupid to effective utilize the search function on this site. Do contracted ROTC cadets receive a regular military ID card? Are they entitled to any military benefits other than their scholarship award and stipend, e.g. commissary and exchange privileges, MWR activities, etc? I'm pretty certain that they do NOT qualify for medical or dental, even after contracting, unless engaged in a period of active duty (such as summer training,) right? Thanks
 
You do not receive a military i.d. card (CAC), thus don't expect to shop at the BX/PX/NX. You do not get any additional bennies other than what is stated in the scholarships, so make sure your folks keep you on their insurance.

For field training you don't want to use their medical facilities! Reason why? It means you are sick or injured at SFT. Even when you do the physical to attend SFT, at least for AFROTC, you attend your doc and use your insurance.

You will take a DodMERB for the scholarship, and that is the one they will pick up the tab. They will also give you another DodMERB prior to commissioning!

Finally, understand even after you get commissioned, until you go on AD, for the AF it can be 6-9 months, you are not eligible for medical or dental, you are not enrolled in TriCare or United Concordia. You don't get an i.d. card until you get orders, and that is about 30 days out to your NLT report date.
 
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Army ROTC Contracted cadets;

  • Are eligible for Military ID Cards and can use some of the services provided at some military posts. (and at least some cadets are required to have one to attend LDAC and some of the summer training programs and some of the study abroad programs)
  • Can fly Space-A travel in the US
  • Army cadet healthcare/insurance matrix here LINK
 
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When you contract you are enlisted in the reserves, so you can get an ID card if you want. Its not a CAC card, its just a normal reservist ID. I got one because I live near a base, and like to get cheap stuff from the commissary.

Thats really your only "benefit". When on orders, such as going to ROTC training and stuff, you are eligible for more benefits like SGLI.
 
Didn't know that nick, thank you for the info. Also as nick stated the only real need for it is if you live near a military base. Trust me as a wife who spent 20 yrs married to an AD officer, now a retiree, unless it is military items, you can get it just as cheap at Wal-Mart or Macy's on sale. The real difference you will have is the BX/PX/NX does not charge Federal or state tax. If your state has a large % in taxes, it would be beneficial. Since Bullet retired, I think I have shopped on base maybe 2x in 2 yrs. That was to buy DS's mess dress and stuff he needed for SFT. We have @5 bases in 30 miles, and it isn't worth the gas to go on base.

Oh yeah, I forgot it is worth it to go if high end items like Oakley's and Coach purses are on your list. Beware though, the BX's are like commercial retailers and rank them in an A,B,C order. If you live next to small installation the selection will be small. If you live near Bragg, Norfolk, Andrews the selection will be huge.

The space A issue has been a topic before. It is really important to understand how it works. Don't jump to the belief that you can fly to Hawaii from NC on a whim with a limited time period. Most AD members will fly commercial for vacations...that should be a hint to you. I am talking AF officers...you know the guys who would be flying you. Planes break down frequently, or get diverted for a mission short notice. You need to be flexible when it comes to space A, and you need a back up plan if you can't be flexible. Buying a 1 way ticket from Charleston to CA to get back home because the plane is not taking troops to somewhere costs a lot when it is only a 3 day notice.
 
gojack,

I don't know how intimate you are with the military health care system.

I think it is important that we show the reality. Yes, they are eligible, BUT look at the facts.

http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare/patient-priority-at-military-treatment-facilities

Due to staffing and resource concerns at Military Treatment Facilities, DoD had to create a patient care priority system. Authorized patients are to be seen and treated in accordance with the following prioritization:

1. Active duty service members.

2. Active duty family members who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime (survivors of military sponsors who died on active duty who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime are included in this priority group during the time period they are eligible). Active duty family members who are enrolled in TRICARE Plus fall into this category for primary care appointments only.

3. Retirees, their family members, and survivors who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime.

4. Active duty family members who are NOT enrolled in TRICARE Prime (survivors of military sponsors who died on active duty who are not enrolled in TRICARE Prime are in this priority group). These beneficiaries may enroll in the TRICARE Plus Program to receive primary care within an MTF (see that section on page 48 for additional details).

5. Retirees, their family members and survivors who are not enrolled in TRICARE Prime. These beneficiaries may enroll in TRICARE Plus (see that section for additional details).

6. All other eligible persons.

ROTC would fall in under number 6.

We live in NoVA, 7 military installations with hospitals (under a 40 mile radii) and satellites in towns, i.e. Fairfax and Prince William County have big time satellites, think 1st floor hospital.

That also doesn't touch on the ones I could go to:
1. Andrews
2. Belvoir
3. Bethesda
4. Bolling
5. Mead
6. Meyers
7. Quantico

You can see we are not talking small military installations. As a retiree it doesn't matter the service branch, just proof you are a retiree.

So out of 9. In Oct 2008, I was told "Sorry, Mrs. Bullet, we have no room for you as a retiree, we will place you on the waiting list"

As of today, I cannot get me or our children into any of them because I am still on the waiting list. Notice my family is no.3 and again ROTC is no. 6.

I am not trying to insinuate you are incorrect in your information. I am only trying to illustrate why no ROTC cadet should believe they can get into the system.

OBTW, we retired out of SJAFB, a small town of less than 50K, prior to Bullet's retirement in 08, they told us you will go off base since they were over burdened. My point is big or small town, don't assume.

Yes, it exists for ROTC as a perk, but don't assume it will be there. Stay on your folks health insurance.

Again, IMPO the only times you will see a military doc prior to AD are:
1. DodMERB for scholarship
2. Injured/sick at training
3. DodMERB for out processing physical prior to commissioning.

Break your foot, you won't be using them. Get mono you won't use an MTF.
 
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That they are only covered by military insurance at certain times,
obviously means that they must have health insurance of their own.
In the event of a cataclysmic event during military training, it is comforting
to know that the military health care system would care for them.
Military training and service are not without risk.
 
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Just as gojack said health is only covered during certain times, life insurance (SGLI) is only covered during certain times. Just for clarification.

Other than that, Gojack and Nick have been 100% accurate.
 
Actually I was not talking about training from the Matrix.

If you notice on the link you provided there are multiple parameters.

1. Attending ROTC classroom instructions, All enrolled Cadets.

Yes, Military Treatment Facilities

~~~This is where I was coming from.

2. Participated in Authorized, Supervised Scheduled Field or HazardousTraining. All Cadets.

Yes, Military Treatment Facilities.

~~~ This is where you were coming from.

Now for me as an OP if you said when I asked for bennies, including medical and you provided the link. I would have assumed that it would have been what I listed as number 1.

It states if you are attending ROTC you have health insurance.

As I have always stated the Devil is in the Details. If you don't know the system and ASSUME, you are boffed!

OBTW, before you go to LDAC or SFT, they do what Nick stated earlier. That is when you get SGLI. Injure yourself there they will patch you up, get you back to where you were prior, but once they have you there, you are back on your insurance.

Additionally, as I stated Tri-Care takes 2nd place in billing. You may see a doc as an MTF, but your personal insurance will be billed 1st. Tri-Care picks up the rest. So please don't think if you break your leg doing PT that your insurance won't get billed. It will. The difference is TriCare will pick up the difference.

I am not trying to slam Tri-Care or the military system. I am trying to disseminate the facts.

Reality is when SOD Gates says health insurance premiums are on the table for budget cuts regarding retirees (no.3 on the list), I would not tell future cadets that health care is a bennie or to expect to use it; unless G forbid! Even at that point the cost is not going to be an issue, raising your right hand and taking the oath will be. If you have to use the MTF you are now in the DodMERB world.

Remember to get commissioned you will take another DodMERB physical shortly before graduation. They will determine if you can serve, just like in the scholarship process.

DS is AFROTC, UPT AFSC. He was sent on orders to OH for 5 days. 4 of them for medical testing. You think that 90 minute physical was a pain, and you worried over being DQ. Just wait, get a UPT, and they are hooking up EKGs to you, plus x-raying every part of your body. You don't want to give them a reason to look deeper medically:rolleyes:

Again, I am coming from an AF POV, you are coming from Army. We need to do the best to make sure that every candidate/cadet understands every branch is different and every career field is different when it comes to qualifications.
 
Again, just for simple clarification, SGLI is set up not before LDAC, but when you first contract. Reason is, it can be used (God forbid) before LDAC. I already have the details on my policy.
 
-Bull-

Maybe true for AROTC, but was not the case last yr for AFROTC. DS was contracted and did not have to fill out SGLI paperwork until he was going to SFT as a sophomore.

I recall the phone call and it was a few weeks before the school semester ended, way, way after contracting. Mom, want you to know I placed you as my SGLI beneficiary. Yes, I know he was contracted since he was lining on stipend, book reimbursement AND that gift of tuition.

Again, we need to remember that every branch is different. If I am correct AROTC offers the highest stipends and book allowance. AFROTC is next and NROTC is lowest.

We should not ever allow candidates to assume that just because they are all DOD that every ROTC cadet receives the same payments or there is a flat premise. That would be like assuming every cadet that passed the DodMERB was "rated/pilot" qualified. Heck, the Navy will kick out on vision, and the Army/AF will say no problem.

Same with commitment. AROTC does not require/force to go AD, but AF/NROTC does. Guard is rarely an option for the latter.

Just like AFROTC scholarships are tied to the cadet, not the school, yet A/NROTC are tied to the school and the cadet.

I am not trying to set up an argument. I am trying to make sure when an ROTC question comes down that they (new poster/lurkers) understand the differences between branches.

OBTW SGLI is insanely the best benefit. DO NOT SAY NO TO IT!
 
Probably should've clarified, but as an AROTC Cadet, I only speak for it and never claim anything else.

SGLI is great.
 
ROTC cadets really have very few benefits- IMO the only one that might have any value is the eligibility of Space A flight - using your ID Card (which you can get with orders prepared by the unit- you will get an old style Reserve ID card). You are eligible for emergency treatment in a Military treatment facility for injuries incurred during training until you can be transferred to a VA or civilian facility and that's about it. Technically you have part time SGLI coverage but keep in mind the details of when you are eligible for that coverage. SGLI eligibility is not Service Dependent It's covered by a DoD regulation -excerpt below. It's not a huge benefit to an ROTC cadet(- especially in the Army- note that LDAC is 28 days long). You aren't covered by it when you are out doing your field training - or for that matter when you go to Airborne school. I might add that SGLI is LIFE INSURANCE- so the happy Cadet won't see it- you gotta die to pay off in any case:eek:!
http://comptroller.defense.gov/fmr/07a/07a_47.pdf
DoD 7000.14-R, VOLUME 7A, CHAPTER 47
“SERVICEMEMBERS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (SGLI) PROGRAM”
The Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance Program is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Eligible members, as defined in section 4702, who receive basic pay for 1 or more days per month or members of the Reserves who drill for points or meet the requirements in paragraph 470206 are responsible for the payment of SGLI premiums, unless eligible member waive coverage. Coverage and premiums are discussed in sections 4703 and
4706, respectively.
4702 DEFINITIONS
470201. Active Duty. Full time duty in the Armed Forces other than active duty for training and full time duty as a cadet or midshipman at a Military Service academy.
470202. Active Duty for Training. Full time duty in the Armed Forces for training purposes performed by members of a Reserve Component, full time National Guard duty and full time duty as a cadet or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps while attending field training or practice cruises
4703 COVERAGE
470301. Full and Part Time Coverage

B. Part-Time Coverage. Part-time coverage is provided for the following
members while performing active duty or active duty for training for an ordered period of less than 31 days:
1. Commissioned, warrant, or enlisted members of the Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserves.
2. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve during 1-day call ups.
3. Members of the Army and Air National Guard while performing DoD Financial Management Regulation Volume 7A, Chapter 47
* December 2010 47-8duty under 32 U.S.C 316 and 32 U.S.C. 502 through 505.
4. Members, cadets, or midshipmen of the Reserve Officers Training
Corps while attending field training or practice cruises.
The eligible member is insured during the days of actual duty performance and becomes eligible for full-time coverage when the member performs active duty or active duty for training for an ordered period of more than 30 days.
 
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Very true Bruno and another reason to understand as an ROTC cadet do not assume you are treated like an AD member regarding bennies. It is best to just act as if you are a college student that will be in the military in 4 yrs. Not that you are in the military as a college student.
 
Never seen any ROTC cadets think they were anything but AROTC and on the books of the USAR Control Group (ROTC). Could be wrong though...
 
One nice benefit my DD found is that she gets military discounts at some retail facilities using her military ID. This seems to be especially true at airports. I'm not sure all cadets get an ID. She received hers in preparation for a CULP trip (which starts on Sunday).
 
I haven't either, but for clarification I stated what I did in the previous post to place a strong emphasis on how to view ROTC as a cadet.

Many posters have never experienced the military life, and they buy into the hearsay out there. It is important to explain to newcomers that hearsay and reality very rarely meet. I would hate for a candidate to believe because they are on stipend and contracted for the scholarship that they are actually AD when they are not.

Granted once in they realize that fact very quickly!

mariner116 said:
I'm not sure all cadets get an ID.

AFROTC cadets, scholarship or not, get it once they become a POC. You become a POC by attending/graduating from SFT. Currently that is about 50% of C200's. C200's class size is usually about 2/3rd of C100. If you do the math, 100 enter, 66 go onto 200 level, and 33 go to SFT.

I just wanted that clarification out there when it comes to how many cadets who enter as a freshman actually get the ID in the AFROTC system.

The reason they do it after SFT, is because at that point you are on the hook with the military.

Again, you may get some bennies, but IMPO not enough to give a rat's arse about.
 
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For field training you don't want to use their medical facilities! Reason why? It means you are sick or injured at SFT.
Not following your reasoning here, Pima. Of course if someone needs to utilize the military medical facilities at SFT, they are 'sick or injured'. Why else would they need to use them? And again, for us more dense, why would they NOT want to use them?
 
I think Pima is saying you don't want to be sick or injured at SFT and therefore have to use the military medical facilities. The sick or injured is the issue not the medical facilities.
 
I think Pima is referring to the fact that if youre sick/injured at FT, you will have to miss training days and most likely be sent home. And then come back the following year and do FT all over again. It happens alot, so most cadets avoid revealing an illness/injury at all costs.
 
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