VMI Football

So I'm an accepted cadet to the VMI class of 2015+3 and will attend there if USMA and USNA decline. I've been playing football my entire life and it's one of the things in my life I've dedicated my soul to. I love the game. I really want to play in college at VMI (Or at a SA, but that's another topic). I've been heavily recruited by DIII schools in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Now DIII is a very different game than DI AA and I'm obviously not being recruited by the Institute. How to I express my interest of walking on? When can I try out?

Also, I am very dedicated to the idea of commissioning as an officer in the Army at VMI. That is my main priority. Will football detract too much from ROTC and the Ratline? When I visited, my cadets seemed to resent the football players.

If this isn't the best place to ask these questions, let me know. Thanks in advance.


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lets take your questions 1 at a time:

1) will being on permit (football) distract from ROTC and Ratline - yes to ratline, no to ROTC.

I was a Track 'Nut' and when on permit (what an athlete is called) you are not as integrated - especially for Rat Training.

That can be good or bad depending on how much of the military aspect you want. For me - I was perfectly happy missing some of the Mickey Mouse stuff.

If you wish to make a career in the service will it be a big deal - not really. I have 5 Brother Rats from that Track Team that were Special Forces.

I also have 2 BR's that were not on permit that are somewhat famous - 1 3xstar Air Force, 1 Col. that snagged S Hussein.

so being an athlete does not matter long run as re Career.

as for other cadets resenting football players ... so what? don't run your life based on what others think of you

pick a lane and stick to it (I think we have had that discourse before)

2) How to express interest in playing football? Call the Coach.

3) Aren't you the guy that was also determined to be a Marine Officer?

I ask because you seem all over the map.

It is okay to be unsure as you have never done any of these things ... just don't straddle the fence as the only thing you'll get are splinters in your privates.

My advice - if football is important to you then go for it. (Lord knows VMI could use someone that can actually play the game)

If you want Army - do that. Or if Marine Corps - then pick that lane.

But whatever you do - get off the 'X"

be decisive and be willing to make mistakes, back up if a dead end and re-direct.

Thats all the wisdom from Room 131.

Thank you so much. I have made up my mind at long last. Army is my #1 branch choice (I enrolled in it for VMI) but if USNA says okay I'll be doing Marines for sure. I'm no longer on the fence about anything, I am dedicated to what I have chosen. Thanks again.


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Jarhead1775 said:

I have made up my mind at long last. Army is my #1 branch choice (I enrolled in it for VMI) but if USNA says okay I'll be doing Marines for sure. I'm no longer on the fence about anything, I am dedicated to what I have chosen.

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Just wondering -- if you get an appointment to USNA, isn't it the top 15-18% that get to choose Marines at graduation? (or something like that) What happens if you don't get that option? Will you be happy in the Navy?

I really wouldn't be happy in the Navy. Like not at all. I want to be boots on the ground.


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Jarhead1775 said:

Thank you so much. I have made up my mind at long last. Army is my #1 branch choice (I enrolled in it for VMI) but if USNA says okay I'll be doing Marines for sure. I'm no longer on the fence about anything, I am dedicated to what I have chosen. Thanks again.

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USNA doesn't give you an up front guarantee as I'm sure you already know although NROTC does. That being said, if you were dedicated to it I'm sure you could achieve your goal of Marines. Playing safe and going Army is not a bad choice either.

It's too late for the Corps in my eyes. I mean both branches do virtually the same thing anyways.


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Remember, time management is going to be crucial, especially if you have an aggressive degree you are pursuing. The Rat Line, NCAA, ROTC and academics are all significant time drains. All these things can be done, it just takes what the Navy calls, "steady strain".

Jarhead1775 said:

It's too late for the Corps in my eyes. I mean both branches do virtually the same thing anyways.


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Oh no you didn't!!! Our Corps is VERY different than the doggies

I suggest you change your user name if you believe the Army & Corps are so similar

I didn't mean any offense by it. And I respect every branch. It's just that there aren't exactly many airborne drops and amphibious assaults in today's military. And yes I would like to change my screen name.


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If you want USMC Ground at USNA and you're qualified for USMC Ground, you'll get USMC Ground.

It is competitive, but as long as your grades are not terrible, your PRT/PFT scores are good, and your performance at Leatherneck is excellent, you will have no issues getting USMC. If you're deficient physically or academically, it's your own fault, isn't it? If you perform poorly during Leatherneck, should you really be a Marine officer?

Most Midshipmen do not want USMC. It is not the top 20% of mids, it's just 20% of the class. Some are at the top, some are not, but all are deemed worthy.

Fun fact: 2013 graduated with more Marines than Surface Warfare Officers.

VMI82 said:

Oh no you didn't!!! Our Corps is VERY different than the doggies

I suggest you change your user name if you believe the Army & Corps are so similar

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Relax there my Devil Dog friend... he didn't mean to insult the Army like that. He just doesn't know any better.