Question about medical condition.

I posted this in the wrong sub-forum so I will be brief. I am a freshman Software engineer in AFROTC. Back in high school I was diagnosed with depression and during a stressful part of my senior year I attempted suicide twice (was hospitalized for both). First semester of college my psychiatrist said she thinks i have Borderline Personality Disorder (don't think it was official diagnosed, but not sure).

I have a lot on my plate right (I joined second semester and have been playing catch-up with the rest of my flight) and have given some consideration to dropping. I know the military doesn't care for people with mental illnesses, so I'm thinking it would be best to drop if I am going to be kicked out anyway and focus on bettering my self in other areas.

So my question is, am I more or less guaranteed to be kicked out? How does dropping out of ROTC work? Any advice would be appreciated, this is really bothering me (I feel like dropping would mean I'm a failure).

You are not contracted, so the dropping process is simple.

Leaving at this point is common. I would hate to think you think you are a failure. The fact is scholarship and SA cadet/plebes get to walk with no penalty their freshmen year. Statistically, only about 75-80% of academy cadets will commission 4 years later.

Our DS in AFROTC started with over 100 cadets as a freshmen, they lost 30 that year, ending with 70. As a sophomore the class started with over 100 again {200/250). He commissioned with 26. Add the numbers and basically, 25% commissioned 4 years later. His det won the best in the nation the year he commissioned. It wasn't a Beetle Bailey unit (showing my age...don't know it Google it).
~ Some medically were DQd, others decided this was not for them.

Just putting it out there that failure in your scenario is not a word that I would associate to you.

I would also tell you that if you are DQd there are other paths when it comes to serving our country
~~~ WWW.usajobs.gov. is one I would look at.

Our DD wants to give back to the country like her father and her brother, but wearing a uniform in her mind is not on her top ten list. She is a sorority girl. She has her goals set on teaching for the DOD overseas because as a military brat she thinks she can help the students and the unique lifestyle.

My cousins husband works for the Army, was hired straight out of college as a GS employee. He was medically DQd by the Army. They do 4 year tours like the military. He was in DC for 4 years. Went overseas for 3 years. They have been back for 3 years now and are looking/choosing their next assignment...overseas or stateside or get out. The beauty of GS is you can walk if a better join opportunity presents its

Last, but not least, there is the State Department if travel and serving is what you want.

Just wanted to put it out there that there are sooooo many doors open at this point that you have yet to imagine when it comes to working in/with the AF.

Qwurty2 said:

I have a lot on my plate right (I joined second semester and have been playing catch-up with the rest of my flight) and have given some consideration to dropping.

How does dropping out of ROTC work? Any advice would be appreciated, this is really bothering me (I feel like dropping would mean I'm a failure).

Click to expand...

1. You're not a failure for dropping it (class).

2. I don't think you are on scholarship and you just signed up this semester for the class (right?), so basically they can't kick you out for just taking the class, finishing it for the semester and getting a grade in it! It will be an elective class on you're transcript.

3. You're command knows you just signed up, they don't expect you to be at the same level as that guy that has been in JROTC, CAP, or 1st semester ROTC. So no worries, relax, learn, try you're best, show you want to be better than that JROTC guy, and enjoy the learning curve of mistakes.

Now for actually qualifying for the military, being picked to serve and passing medical - you'll have to go through the application and medical process if you choose that this is what you want to do with you're life. Someone already pointed out two people to PM on this.

I would finish the class, it will look good on your transcript that you finished not dropped it. It seems you are just worried that you aren't that top cadet in the class. If it helps, I have a lot more respect for the ROTCers that have to hold down a job while also taking classes than just the regular ROTCer. You may not have time to 'hang-out' with the cadets but its cool you have the skills to fit in work. You're command will notice that you have a job and respect that. Good luck, have some fun learning with the class while earning a grade.