Joining ROTC

Hi-
What is the process for joining ROTC at a university? I did not apply for the scholarship this fall because honestly the deadline snuck up on me at the time and I wasn't really considering ROTC. I have an appointment for USAFA Class of 2018 and that is where I am strongly considering attending. However, I am accepted at the University of Notre Dame and was wondering if I would be able to do either AFROTC or NROTC my first year without a scholarship, but then get the scholarship for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year. Thanks.

You can join ROTC without a scholarship and then you can compete for an on-campus scholarship for 2 or 3 years. Congrats on your USAFA appointment!

hoopjack13 said:

Hi-
What is the process for joining ROTC at a university? I did not apply for the scholarship this fall because honestly the deadline snuck up on me at the time and I wasn't really considering ROTC. I have an appointment for USAFA Class of 2018 and that is where I am strongly considering attending. However, I am accepted at the University of Notre Dame and was wondering if I would be able to do either AFROTC or NROTC my first year without a scholarship, but then get the scholarship for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year. Thanks.

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Yes but no guarantees for a scholarship. For NROTC it's still a national competition to get a scholarship. There are certainly fine kids in my son's unit who do not receive them. Can't speak to AFROTC. Both will have hurdles getting to the advanced course and in the case of AFROTC those hurdles exist even with a scholarship in hand. USAFA is your surest path to a commission but if you have doubts about attending go to Notre Dame.

Yes I do have a few doubts about an academy. I do not want to accept an appointment and take away that opportunity from a cadet that wants the academy more. However, holy crap I want to go to the Air Force Academy. I can see myself absolutely loving it. I have been blessed with many things in my life and serving my country, developing into a man of amazing character and truly becoming the best I can be are exactly what I want. But at the end of the day, yeah I want some of that college experience or at least to have fun. I have seen a couple posts saying if you have any doubt or don't want to miss out on the college experience, do not go to the air force academy. I don't see how an 18 year old kid can't at least think about the college experience when picking a college. But at the end of the day I know that jumping out of planes, white water rafting on the weekends, snow boarding, and daily intramurals would be pretty darn fun. I absolutely love going to concerts, dances, and fun social events. Not huge into drinking and can live without that at the academy, but would I at least be able to go to some concerts and have fun opportunities? Maybe not that first year until recognition but do cadets for the most part enjoy their experiences at the academy?

My son decided he didn't want to go to an Academy (not that he got an appointment or anything) so he went NROTC as a college programmer without a scholarship (redundant I guess). So you're wrestling with a legitimate issue. I'll leave others to answer your questions about fun at an academy, but I will say I'm sure there is enough fun to be had. You make your own fun anyway. I thought I might take a minute to address your original question:

What is the process for joining ROTC at a university?

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You should contact the unit(s) at Notre Dame and find out which courses you need to sign up for to be enrolled as a college programmer. No doubt there will be a physical that you will need to have done by your family physician. No big deal, its similar to what you would do to participate in sports in high school. Each unit handles orientation differently. Some do it during the first week of school scheduled around classes and/or other activities. Others have you report a week early. You'll need to provide proof of citizenship, etc. By getting on the cadre's radar they can begin to get you that information, but don't be surprised if they wait until you sign up for the proper classes at Notre Dame's freshman orientation.

Good luck with your decision.

hoopjack13 said:

But at the end of the day, yeah I want some of that college experience or at least to have fun. I have seen a couple posts saying if you have any doubt or don't want to miss out on the college experience, do not go to the air force academy. I don't see how an 18 year old kid can't at least think about the college experience when picking a college. But at the end of the day I know that jumping out of planes, white water rafting on the weekends, snow boarding, and daily intramurals would be pretty darn fun. I absolutely love going to concerts, dances, and fun social events. Not huge into drinking and can live without that at the academy, but would I at least be able to go to some concerts and have fun opportunities? Maybe not that first year until recognition but do cadets for the most part enjoy their experiences at the academy?

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The following was posted on another site in March of 2008. The author is an USNA grad and was addressing appointees like yourself that are torn between attending a SA or one of the ROTC programs. I've posted only the part about "fun". FWIW - my son (currently a C2C at USAFA) agrees with the author. Let me know if you want to read the rest. Good luck with your decision!

"Some are afraid the Academy is no fun. What, do we stand at parade rest while taking showers? NO! Sure, Plebe Year is tough, but after that, USXA is not unlike a good deal of universities. You have clubs, dances, and all the rest. Sure, you can't go out every night (not good for grades, anyway), but when you take 4,500 of the nation's best and brightest, lock them together, and add a little pressure, you'd be AMAZED at just how creative and fun it can get. It's no bed of roses, but the end is definitely worth it."

DS had an appointment to USNA. He went to a CVW on a cold February weekend and he went cold on the idea of a SA. Last minute he decided not to attend the academy, like you he never applied to nrotc. He walked on as a college programmer and earned a 2 year scholarship. He commissions in 6 weeks and is headed to sub school. I know he doesn't regret his decision. He was president of his frat, all kinds of social and sporting events, probably got a better education in his major(Finance and Managenent) than the academy could offer while at a top public school. You need to decide what is most important to you, a pretty much guarantee commission thru a SA or take your chances on getting a scholarship and having a more normal college experience. In the navy, all service selection % is the same as the academy. BTW Notre Dame has a great nrotc program.

Thanks for the responses! I have really been struggling with this decision. I do feel like if I don't go to the academy I may always regret what could have been. It truly seems to offer the absolute most and turn me into the man I want to become. But at the same time I will feel that I'm missing out on the freedom of the college experience. However, at the end of the day I would need to work extremely hard at a civilian university as well to get to where I want to be in the world. Also, my best friend also has an appointment and I think it would be pretty to cool to go on this journey together. Any more input would be greatly appreciated!

Anyone else??