Switching ROTC Branches

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Apr 6, 2019
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Now, I know this is taboo, and I don’t want to upset anyone, but I’m making a decision that is affecting my future, so I really hope for solid advice and information. I will he entering AROTC on a 4 year scholarship this fall. I was wondering what the chances were of possibly switching to AFROTC at another school. I’ve wanted to be a pilot, and I was sidelined for NROTC and USNA, so I committed to the army. But I heard it’s almost impossible to transition from rotary (Army) to fixed wing (Navy/Airforce), and that’s considering I even get branched AV. So I was hoping for some advice and information please.
 
I am sure there are lots of opinions on this, but I think your best bet is to go to school and join the ROTC branch you want to join and apply for a scholarship from there. You might be able to be in Army ROTC and talk with Air Force and Navy dets while in school your freshman year and apply for scholarships, but you may get a lot of questions.
 
I am sure there are lots of opinions on this, but I think your best bet is to go to school and join the ROTC branch you want to join and apply for a scholarship from there. You might be able to be in Army ROTC and talk with Air Force and Navy dets while in school your freshman year and apply for scholarships, but you may get a lot of questions.
Thanks. Unfortunately, part of the reason why I took AROTC (now, I am committed to a military service, and I will go through it being effective), is because my school doesn’t offer any other ROTCs.
 
Then you really have a few options. 1, find another school with the branch of ROTC you want. Walk on and compete. 2, Apply to USNA and USAFA during your freshman year. 3, finish school and apply for ROTC. 4, apply for a cross commission, don’t count on this, it’s hard and extremely small. If you really go beyond your Freshman year in AROTC you really need to be prepared to be an Army Officer and find a branch that will suit you in my opinion.
 
Thanks Navy Hoops, I really appreciate it. I understand it’s my fault, but it really was a daunting task to make up my whole future. After all, I’m just an unsure 17 year old. I’ve been thinking, and I have 2 choices:

1) Apply to USAFA. ( I applied to USNA this year, received TWE, but Congressman urged me to reapply).
Or
2) Either ADSO AV, or go to ARNG and find an AV slot, then try to go to Air NG and see for a fixed wing transition.
 
2 doesn't sound likely to me as I don't know why Army would release you after the investment they made in you. I'm are other more knowledgeable than I will jump in.

Keep in mind that your first year of AROTC is on them, after that you incur a commitment to enlist or repay, at THEIR option.
 
Agree after his Freshman year it could be challenging. Plus you are two years into a program. I have never heard of an ROTC program not releasing someone, but doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. Regardless of scholarship, you can walk after your freshman year. So you have a year to figure it out. Most 17 year olds don’t know what they want to do. And if they do, check back in at 27 and see if it’s the same... might be, might not be. Life is funny. Remember regardless of flying fixed wing, you better be okay with doing anything in that service. I met a young man who just graduated from USNA who wanted Marine Air. Did really well at USNA academically, physically and militarily. Top scores from Leatherneck. He got subs. You could end up in flight school and it’s all helo billets available in that class (rare to happen). Bottom line, anything can happen, be prepared to serve first and foremost.
 
Thanks for all the info guys. But wouldn’t dropping after a year hurt my chances at getting a different ROTC scholarship?
 
Not necessarily. You will more than likely be applying for them during your freshman year.
 
There is no black and white answer to this. None of us can tell you what to do. You have to take in to account what you want and factors like financials. It’s all about explaining yourself properly. You can do this by showing up prepared, crushing your PT test and participating. You have a guarantee. The other is not. Do what is best for you to meet your goals. If you step onto campus for your scholarship, knock it out of the park. If you are dead set on being a pilot with fixed wing options... then set up a plan to get there.
 
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Starting out your possible career as a Military officer with an intent to deceive is probably not the correct way to begin. If you are bound to be an AF Officer then it's best to attend AFROTC.
 
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