NROTC vs. CGA

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UAF32

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Feb 24, 2015
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DS was selected early for NROTC at his 1st choice school. Here at the last minute, he was offered an appointment to the CGA. Obviously, great options and we are thankful but he is now stressed on the decision because he has to decide this weekend. He is truly torn. He has always loved the Navy and war history. He went to AIM last summer and enjoyed it and was very impressed with the Coast Guard. His true interest is politics, government and history which CGA accepted him as a government major. In NROTC, he will be an engineering major which is not his long term career idea. He is hoping they will allow him to change his major which the NROTC officer at his school said he could petition to do but no guarantee. His thought is to eventually attend law school and continue serving. He really likes the school for NROTC but has the thought of how can you turn down an academy. He knows both will require lots of science and math which he is willing to undertake. We are trying to line out pros and cons of both. Any ideas or thoughts to pass along. We are trying to get him to look beyond the 5 to 10 years in service.
 
It will be tough for NROTC to change his major from a tier 1 to a tier 3, they want the engineers and science majors. There is a huge need for these grads, especially those willing to go nuke. Not saying it doesn't happen, just it's hard to get. College engineering is tough. If he is not passionate about pursuing it, it makes more sense to go after something he is passionate about. CGA is a wonderful opportunity.
 
Agree that changing from engineering to govt would be tough on the ROTC side of things. As far as service options, does he find the CGA service options appealing? I think that question is most important.
 
Agree with it being unlikely he can change majors in NROTC. NavyHoops hit the nail on the head regarding service options after graduation. That's the key to the decision. He'll be doing that longer than he is in college, especially if he really plans to continue to serve beyond his obligation.
 
Completely agree with NavyHoops and Kinnem, it isn't just school, it is also a job, so thinking long term is important. One additional comment though since switching is not guaranteed and might be unlikely. Engineering is a tough path if a person has no interest in being an engineer...
 
I am 1/c studying mechanical engineering in NROTC. I applied for the CGA but did not get in. I was able to do the overnight cadet shadowing thing and just based on that I'm glad I did NROTC. Personally I think there are many more opportunities in the Navy than CG. I think it would've been cool to do the whole academy thing but I really like my free time away from my unit, even though I mostly just do homework.
 
UAF32 said:
DS was selected early for NROTC at his 1st choice school. Here at the last minute, he was offered an appointment to the CGA. Obviously, great options and we are thankful but he is now stressed on the decision because he has to decide this weekend. He is truly torn. He has always loved the Navy and war history. He went to AIM last summer and enjoyed it and was very impressed with the Coast Guard. His true interest is politics, government and history which CGA accepted him as a government major. In NROTC, he will be an engineering major which is not his long term career idea. He is hoping they will allow him to change his major which the NROTC officer at his school said he could petition to do but no guarantee. His thought is to eventually attend law school and continue serving. He really likes the school for NROTC but has the thought of how can you turn down an academy. He knows both will require lots of science and math which he is willing to undertake. We are trying to line out pros and cons of both. Any ideas or thoughts to pass along. We are trying to get him to look beyond the 5 to 10 years in service.
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Which school are we talking about for NROTC? Some of them are very rigorous engineering schools, others less so. Some of them allow many non-technical electives, while others don't. It's important to think long term, but it's also important to be successful in school first. Your DS had some favorable first-hand experience with CGA, and has been accepted to a first-choice major. On the other hand, NROTC requires a major that may not be suited to him, and "always loved the Navy and war history" isn't necessarily the same as loving it first hand.
 
Thanks for the responses. All were valid points and important things to consider. Reading this board has been helpful during this whole process. In the end, the bottom line for him was where he wanted to serve. He can accomplish what he wants no matter the degree. He just has to make the grades and that would be the case anywhere he attends. He was able to talk with a current CG pilot, our current US Congressman (a Navy officer), and a state senator who he befriended him at Boys State and who he served as a page this spring and is also Navy and all helped without pushing one way or the other. He made his decision from the heart and prayer and that was Navy. He's at peace so it seems right. Mom and dad have a little disappointment but that would be the case if he turned the other down. Its time to move on now and get ready for future challenges. Again, thanks of the input and guidance.
 
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