NROTC--Marine option sideload awards out

My, I was not expecting this until the end of the summer. My DS received an email notification from his NROTC program today that he was awarded a 2year marine option sideload scholarship. From looking at the list, they were all given for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. One of the others in his group who applied is a freshman and did not get one this year. The 4 advanced standing awards were all given to FY 2016 students.

I am so proud of him and happy for him. But I am sad also because he's my only child and I don't want him to go.

Congratulations to your DS Sampia!

That is great news!

And of course I am confused already. The official letter that was sent to the Captain, generic for all awardees, says DS is FY17 which is a three-year scholarship award. But he is going to be a junior next year. Could they have made such a mistake? And will it have significant implications?

He was 4C this year because he started as a sophomore. He did his freshman year in the AFROTC. but our understanding is he will double up on his ROTC classes next year to catch up with his peers.

Also, what does he do now? Wait until he gets something in the mail and then he will be instructed to make an appointment for his physical?

Also, there were quite a few more given out than what we expected. About 50 sideload scholarships -- two year and three year, and four advance standings.

Congratulations to you and your son, Sampia. My son found out this week that he, too got a 2-year sideload Marine option scholarship. We all couldn't be happier, especially him.

He's been working on this for a long time. He applied in high school and had good academics and ECs, but his PFT wasn't even in the ballpark. He's been working on that for the last two years, got his score up to 294, and Bob's your uncle.

He's on a high. Getting a USMC commission has been his goal for a long time, and he was getting worried that his options were running out. Now he can't wait to get to OCS in summer 2015.

Dooddie said:

Congratulations to you and your son, Sampia. My son found out this week that he, too got a 2-year sideload Marine option scholarship. We all couldn't be happier, especially him.

He's been working on this for a long time. He applied in high school and had good academics and ECs, but his PFT wasn't even in the ballpark. He's been working on that for the last two years, got his score up to 294, and Bob's your uncle.

He's on a high. Getting a USMC commission has been his goal for a long time, and he was getting worried that his options were running out. Now he can't wait to get to OCS in summer 2015.

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That is great news! Very nice PFT score, as well. It is a very exciting time for these highly motivated, hard working MIDN. I am sure it took special courage to stay motivated and focused not knowing if they would even be able to continue in the program.

Congratulations to your son Dooddie. Great news.

I assume he will miss Mountain Warfare School this summer. But don't worry, no matter the path or the past experiences, everyone starts OCS at essentially the same point.

Congratulations Dooddie! There is no better feeling! And although he may miss Mt. Warfare this summer, I here that sometimes it is worth missing. Semper Fi!