frenzy,
This is why you need to know the difference between early admissions (binding) and early decision (non-binding). The scholarship aspect is not binding unless you due EA, unless we are talking about the ICSP.
~ Caveat: I am sure people do what you are saying, but I would think it is very rare.
~~ Additionally, unless something has changed, EAs usually drop Oct/Nov. Rolling admissions are what is dropping now. Rolling is not binding.
For example:
VMI has rolling admissions with early decision...non-binding. A candidate can be offered an ICSP at the interview. He is not on the hook to remove himself from applying to more colleges, because it is not an EA offer from VMI. However, if he takes that ICSP, he must remove their name from the national HSSP (at least from what I know).
This becomes a problem for many candidates because unless VMI is their top choice, than they are risking a lot, because they do not know if they will get admitted to their number 1 and/or a national ROTC scholarship to that school.
My kids got those offers too in aug/sept. It was their plan B, and none of the offers were binding. It became binding in May when and if we paid the deposit for matriculation, or when they stated their commitment date, but that was usually April. Colleges offer a lot of admissions offers with merit. They know statistically how many in the past will say yes.
~ VT offers about 10K admission offers with the expectation of 4K matriculating.
Every year, this idea of taking away a spot from someone else comes up. There typically are 2 camps. 1 that believes it is taking a slot, the other believing that if they were truly that competitive they would have been given the slot in the 1st place, thus, it is not taking anything away from them.
That is just how the system works. My DS's 1st congrat letter came from UMiami in Oct. It came with 100K in merit and the honors program. There was no drop date on the acceptance letter, except for a respond by Feb., if he did not they would pull it. My belief is that date existed for their Regular Decision deadline. This was the safety of all of his safeties. It is in my opinion he didn't take anything away from anyone by holding on to it until he heard from his number 1.
Just me, but if my child was Dad2020's I would make sure that he does not sign any EA offers, and do not take an ICSP offer. You can still walk if offered an ICSP because any SA appointment will release you from a ROTC scholarship. The reason why not to take that ICSP offer is that some college admissions do not talk to ROTC. This can leave you with a scholarship, but a denial letter from admissions.
I would, however, strongly recommend him to finish those college applications. It is okay impo to accept any and all ED/RD offers. Just like it is fine to accept any and all ROTC HSSP offers.
~ If you look at the stats for ROTC offers, the bulk don't really drop for many more months.
~ Use the search tab here and you will see many posters that apply for ROTC and SA. Many will state "I have my scholarship", just waiting to see if I get an appointment.
If you are truly concerned about the binding issue, contact the FA office at the college, or when they do their ROTC interview ask the PMS there when they ask if you have any questions.
~ I know of a poster a long time ago here that their child got a very nice scholarship, it was their plan B school. They got an appointment. They called the college in the spring and told them that they would be attending an SA, but worried about any injuries that may occur between that time and the school year starting. The school told them, just pay the deposit, and we will hold the offer until 30 days prior to the school year starts.
She is a Naval Academy, West Point & Air Force Candidate and working the Plan B's, C's, D's etc. 
