What's your opinion AROTC

I have found this to be a great resource for information and value the input I've received. I'd like your input again. I posted a question about campus level scholarships ( not just here) . My DS is a freshman with a 3 year scholarship we were told that 1/2 year would be available this semester and was asking for insight on time line since the semester is moving quickly. I was told to contact the ROO or cadre myself. I told this person I have not and will not! I'm now a "fool". My opinion is that is my DS's job. He is communicating through the proper channels . He is a legal adult, living in another state and most importantly he is there with the goal to be a leader in the US Army. Don't see where his mom calling helps his cause. If it was requested if course I would. Have I missed something?!? Should parents reach out about this. I might be a fool yes but my hope is my DS is becoming a capable, independent adult and future leader. Let me know

Yes, please do not meddle in your kid's military service. It's never a good look.

If your son or daughter cannot figure out how to commission on their own while in school, then they have no business commissioning.

You are doing the right thing-- let your son handle his own business.

Tbpxece said:

Yes, please do not meddle in your kid's military service. It's never a good look.

If your son or daughter cannot figure out how to commission on their own while in school, then they have no business commissioning.

You are doing the right thing-- let your son handle his own business.

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Thank you. I 100% agree! I just began to wonder if I was missing something I should be doing. Never been a "hover mother" but try to always do my part. DS is loving it and putting in the work .It's his commission not mind support him 100% but it's the real world. Hope he hears something soon. Thanks again.

In four years of ROTC, I have not initiated any contact with DS's cadre. DS has handled 100% of his military communications.

He commissions in May.

Agree. Let your DS handle it. Like everything in life they need to learn to deal with authority on their own. Not always easy but guide them and let them handle the situation.

If he as getting it this semester, he most likely would have been notified last semester, at least that is how it has been handled at my DD’s school. Also, all kids receiving a scholarship have to register and fill out a payment request in Go Army Ed, so if that hasn’t happened, it is probably not this semester. Kudos to you for staying out of it. I understand how hard that is since you are probably the one paying the bill, hopefully you get clarity soon.

It doesn't matter if your kid set a goal for a military career at an early age. The fact is that many 18 year olds are not sophisticated in financial matters. How this year's college tuition is being funded - whether through savings, scholarships, or loans - may not be of interest to them, just so long as it's not coming directly out of their pocket, and especially if you previously told them not to worry about it. My guess is that you, on the other hand, have more at stake.

So, while I agree that it is generally inappropriate to meddle in your son's ROTC affairs, this has a tinge of gray. I would encourage you to exhort your son to contact the ROO to verify ASAP if there is any additional scholarship money available. If you haven't heard by now, it may indeed be too late, but at least you'll know.

Okay - I want to add to @EDelahanty, as the financial piece is surely your business. Another thing you can do besides asking your son is have him add you (if he hasn’t yet) to be able to talk to the school on his behalf, especially for financial matters. The financial aid officer assigned to ROTC should have a list of students that they are expecting ROTC payments for. Just an idea, and totally in your right to deal with financial matters.

We did reach out to PNS one time , during Challenge Week son was moved from one honors program to another more prestigious/challenging one . He was given his phone for 1 minute to tell us.

I figured since the USN was footing the bill and son was going to be a bit ah 'busy' for the next few days giving the Navy a heads up was appropriate. Other than that he's on his own

My parents have no idea who my cadre are, let alone would they ever contact them for anything. In my two years of Army ROTC I have never heard of a parent contacting cadre about something like that. You are certainly in the right to let your son handle it, but it is okay to stay on top of him! I admit sometimes my parents need to remind me of some things, but at the end of the day it is still on me to get it done.