AROTC Federal to GRFD Scholarship Suspension

TooTall

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2013
Messages
8
Hey Everyone,

I am currently a contracted MSIII in an Army ROTC battalion. I received a 3 year federal scholarship the summer after my freshman year, but recently have become interested in converting it to a GRFD scholarship. I just heard that Cadet Command is no longer authorized to convert scholarships and is turning away any requests. I've been talking with my battalion's HR personnel (they haven't heard anything as of yet), but was just curious to see if anyone on here had heard anything.

Thanks!

TooTall
 
Just curious, what is your reasoning for wanting to do this?

This would be my question as well. Since you already are on scholarship, the GRFD would not give you any other benefits except maybe drill pay since you would have to join the NG. If your desire is to commission into the National Guard, you would still have that option even with your current scholarship.
 
I am currently in the process of applying for a flight school slot with the National Guard in my state. I cannot formally accept the slot (would be a breach of contract) unless I convert my scholarship.

As a part of a career mentoring program through my university, I was paired with the National Guard State Aviation Officer from my state who has served on both the active and reserve side of Army aviation, and painted pretty good pictures of both. While the active side sounds great, I am more interested in the lifestyle of the reserve side.
 
My guess would be your best source would be your HR person and then reach out to your state's NG recruiting center. As in all things with the Army I bet you are not the first person to cross this bridge. Good luck.
 
I am currently in the process of applying for a flight school slot with the National Guard in my state. I cannot formally accept the slot (would be a breach of contract) unless I convert my scholarship.

As a part of a career mentoring program through my university, I was paired with the National Guard State Aviation Officer from my state who has served on both the active and reserve side of Army aviation, and painted pretty good pictures of both. While the active side sounds great, I am more interested in the lifestyle of the reserve side.

Thanks for the explanation.

Have you looked into switching to SMP without the GRFD and cancelling your scholarship. A cadet that was in my older son's class did that when he was a MS3, he was doing the same as you, accepting an Aviation slot with the NG. He didn't have any issue switching but he was not trying to get the GRFD.

Just curious, what in the lifestyle of NG Aviation appeals to you over Active Duty. Not judging either way just wondering what has you leaning in that direction. I have one son that is currently AD Aviation and my youngest just branched AD Aviation this year. It would be interesting to hear your take on it and pass it on to my sons should they ever decide to look at Aviation in the Guard for the future.
 
My case is probably pretty rare, but my father is a helicopter pilot in the civilian world and owns his own helicopter business. I would likely meet the insurance requirements to start flying for him after a couple of years. The end objective is to take over his business, and it would be easier to transition into that business as a part time guard aviator than to flat out stop flying like I would have to if I was on the active duty side and then start flying for him. I also like the idea of not having to move every few years, but that is not as important.
 
My case is probably pretty rare, but my father is a helicopter pilot in the civilian world and owns his own helicopter business. I would likely meet the insurance requirements to start flying for him after a couple of years. The end objective is to take over his business, and it would be easier to transition into that business as a part time guard aviator than to flat out stop flying like I would have to if I was on the active duty side and then start flying for him. I also like the idea of not having to move every few years, but that is not as important.

That makes perfect sense, sounds like a solid plan.

When you said "flat out stop flying in Active Duty" do you mean if you were branched something other then Aviation, or do you mean ...stop flying for your father's business.

Best of luck in getting that Aviation slot.
 
They won't let you sign an LOA? I had friends, granted I am a few years removed from MS3 year and LDAC, that were on scholarship and signed LOA's for the guard while at LDAC. Maybe that is the earliest point that you can, but they had no issues keeping their scholarship and securing a spot in the Guard. Granted, it all could have changed and I am neither Guard nor Aviation, so I am not an expert on that process. Have you tried talking to the state officer strength manager?

If you still can't after all of that, wait until after this summer when you complete accessions and declare Guard and you'll be able to start securing a slot without any impact on your scholarship.
 
Jcleppe- Thanks! By flat out stop, I meant going from flying full time with the Army, to transitioning to the civilian sector, THEN starting to fly with him once I had some regularity in my life. I would likely still fly with the Guard and fly for him simultaneously if I went the guard route. This will require an interstate transfer, but that's a long, long ways away. My dad's business has had a lot of interaction with military pilots, and pretty much every single one of them has has recommended that if you can get an aviation slot, regardless of service or component, take it and run.

-Bull- When I started this process, somehow the HR person in my battalion got word I had gone and gotten a flight physical and a few days after sent me a panicky email saying not to sign anything or it would be a breach of contract. I'll go in and verify, but I believe I am not allowed to sign anything unless I am on a GRFD scholarship or have been branched into the Reserves. My current plan is to continue this process and request reserves during accessions and hope for the best. Thankfully, the direction the Army is heading with the drawdown may actually be of an advantage. Everyone I am in contact with (SAAO, Office strength manager) are aware of the suspension and that I am not allowed to sign anything as of yet.
 
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