Advice Needed

QNS was received this morning. Is a West Point education worth reapplying and taking six years to complete an undergraduate education? I am going to be a sophomore at Texas A&M next year in the engineering program, which is highly regarded around the nation. Or should I complete my undergraduate at TAMU and go to OCS. Thank you for all the advice, support and intel that everyone has given to me over the past six months.

Try to be apart of the Corps of Cadets in A&M. They have a great corps.

No matter where you're from, everyone graduates as a 2nd LT. Where you graduated has no bearing.

I love the service academies. That said, there are many ways to achieve success, especially if your goal is truly to serve as an officer in the Army. At your stage, it sounds like you're well on your way to a prestigious degree and an opportunity to serve after graduation.

Once commissioned your rank would be the same as any academy grad. You won't have the academy ring, but you'll have a different ring. Your promotion path will be the same and your pay will be the same.

If you like your current situation, it could be wise to stay the course. If you're dissatisfied, you can consider the possibilities.

You have some college under your belt. You will undoubtedly experience some culture shock if you begin anew at an academy. I have heard from many grads at academies that the Navy/Air Force/Army DOES NOT look down at those commissioned from other sources. A & M is a great school. Most Aggies are quite proud of it.

Good luck

WestPoint2017 said:

QNS was received this morning. Is a West Point education worth reapplying and taking six years to complete an undergraduate education? I am going to be a sophomore at Texas A&M next year in the engineering program, which is highly regarded around the nation. Or should I complete my undergraduate at TAMU and go to OCS. Thank you for all the advice, support and intel that everyone has given to me over the past six months.

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If you decide to stay at Texas A&M and wish to join Army ROTC. Talk to their Army ROTC department. Do it sooner than later.

Look into
LEADER'S TRAINING COURSE

Cadets take part in the Leader's Training Course when they enter Army ROTC going into their junior year. This course, made up of four phases, allows Cadets to "catch up" to those who joined in their freshman or sophomore years. The first phase introduces Cadets to the Army and prepares them for the next three phases consisting of team building, leadership development and Field Training Exercises.

Aggie Army ROTC link
http://www.armyrotc.com/edu/txam/training.htm

WestPoint2017 said:

QNS was received this morning. Is a West Point education worth reapplying and taking six years to complete an undergraduate education? I am going to be a sophomore at Texas A&M next year in the engineering program, which is highly regarded around the nation. Or should I complete my undergraduate at TAMU and go to OCS. Thank you for all the advice, support and intel that everyone has given to me over the past six months.

Click to expand...

DD#2 had a similar question, she received her QNS last week. We live in TX and she had researched the options as part of her Plan B. She also has an additional resource in DD#1, she is a MS4 AROTC cadet and will commission in the near future.

TAMU and USMA have excellent engineering programs, so either way you will receive an excellent education

TAMU and USMA both has strong alumni organizations, albeit TAMU has a larger alumni organization. This could be an advantage in your post Army career.

TAMU has one of the largest AROTC programs in the country. The Corps of Cadets is approx. 2000 cadets, albeit not all of those in the corps are enrolled in ROTC and will commission as military officers.

The big difference between the two options is:
USMA -you are in the military and going to school
TAMU - you are going to school and preparing to go into the military (wROTC option)

As my DD#2 FFR stated (he is a WP alum) "WP is a great place to be from, not necessarily a great place to be at".

I think the fundamental questions you need to answer are:
What "brand" do I believe will give me an advantage in achieving my lifetime goals?
Am I willing to give up some of my current freedom in exchange for being part of a special and unique expereince?
Do I really want to invest another 2 years of my life and have to repeat courses I have already demonstrated competency?

Keep in mind that AROTC commissions 3000+ 2LTs vs. 1000 at USMA and the last time I checked we still have the finest Army in the world. ROTC is a different expereince not a lesser expereince than USMA.

My advice to you would be:
Begin the process of reapplying to USMA

Enroll in AROTC at TAMU. If it "scratches the itch" over the next year you have your path to becoming an Army officer defined. If not, you have the potential to attend one of the finest leadership institutions known to man.

Certainly OCS is another option, but enrolling in ROTC now without a commitment might be the smart play as you may find that military service is not for you.

Good luck.

The other bit of advice would be to seek out former USMA cadets who transferred to A&M, they would have an interesting perspective that may prove to be invaluable.

Thank you all very much