Accepted after five cycles of admissions to USMA. I'm a senior in ROTC who would start over.

From A Family of Enlisted

From A Family of Enlisted

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I've been accepted to the Class of 2024, and after five classes have passed me by, I'm finally in. Only problem is I'm a senior in ROTC who will, by contract, commission after the spring semester is over. I've received the letter to report, but I'm not sure if they'll let me out of my commission. From the grapevine and other threads, I've seen that once I get an appointment, my ROTC contract in null and void. I need guidance, and this is the best place to look. Please no one lecture me on my decision, and only provide clarity. I promised someone very special to me who has passed away I'd get in and succeed among numerous other reasons to attend. USMA has long been a dream of mine, and not one person can change my mind. For me, it's entirely worth the extra minuscule four years. Thank you for any guidance, and I apologize for being crass with the latter.
 
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Congratulations. You are in fairly uncharted territory and there won’t be enough examples for anyone to give you correct advice. Call your RC and explain and they will probably include the AC/RC coordinators and anyone else they need to consult to get you the right information. You will not find that here.
 
Hopefully there might be someone who knows about this before I approach my RC. I'm mortified to if I can't attend and just would simply like people's educated opinions if possible.
 
This forum is full of anonymous housewives, stevedores, moms and dads, barracks lawyers and people who spend lots of nights in Holiday Inns. You are not going to get better than your RC whose job it is to shepherd you through this process. If not, look for clarcksonROTC and ask him.
 
With your experience as a senior in ROTC, you will add a tremendous value to your class at WP and hopefully elevate them to a new level..

good luck and god speed..!!
 
Like some posts above have stated, I think contacting your RC or the Admissions Office is your best bet.

An ROTC senior who has gone through 5 admission cycles and is so determined to get into West Point, even if it means starting over...

You, sir, have my respect. But keep this in mind: You did get in. You were accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. It is fair to say that your ambition and your promise are fulfilled. So, if everything works out fine and you are definitely able to attend West Point, then you have the ultimate decision of starting over or directly commissioning.

No matter where you go, I know that you will be an excellent leader in the US Army.

Just my thoughts.
 
Hoorah to you brother. Now that shows your preservance and grit for pushing through, the dream you always/truly wanted to achieve, and you did it. Do not listen to those people that say its a waste of time of 4 years. Thats bullsh-t. You don't have to serve now and lead a platoon. Your time will come. I believe with your kind of attitude of chasing your dreams, you will come out of West Point a more humbled leader. There is no rush to lead yet. Your time will come. They just do not understand. Everybody is different. It depends on the individual. Congrats to you bro. I am currently a freshman at college doing ROTC and reapplying again to West Point, Class of 2025. You sir, just proved to me that it is still possible. Thank you!
 
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CLE_42 said:
Hoorah to you brother. Now that shows your preservance and grit for pushing through, the dream you always/truly wanted to achieve, and you did it. Do not listen to those people that say its a waste of time of 4 years. Thats bullsh-t. You don't have to serve now and lead a platoon. Your time will come. I believe with your kind of attitude of chasing your dreams, you will come out of West Point a more humbled leader. There is no rush to lead yet. Your time will come. They just do not understand. Everybody is different. It depends on the individual. Congrats to you bro. I am currently a freshman at college doing ROTC and reapplying again to West Point, Class of 2025. You sir, just proved to me that it is still possible. Thank you!
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Most speaking about “go lead” are adults that have lived a while, have the experiences of knowing how things DO work out....years of maturity and the ability to reflect and look backwards. And know a ‘big picture’, life experience kind of out look. It’s not “bull___t”. It’s a realistic outlook of life experience that comes only with time. As in years of experience.

You are a freshman in college, who doesn’t have
that perspective yet. Can’t because of your age and experience. You will someday.

This is why these forums are great. One will get a vast amount of experience. None are right or wrong. But ignoring or dismissing opinions from a different perspective isn’t good practice. Everyone is valuable. Listen to them all and make your choice.

OP has their reason. I admire it. I’m also an older adult that knows there are lots of different ways to reach a goal. Perhaps “obtaining the appointment” actually meets the criteria” in their persons eyes. Looking at all the angles is a good idea. Starting over is huge. This close to being “done”. It is a big decision! OP will be giving up money (future earning, pay grades, dividends on investments), ability to make a difference leading others sooner, promotions will be delayed...it’s all a big deal and worth consideration. Elders who have “been there, done that” can provide this perspective to OP who doesn’t have the life experience to know how it can all play out. Don’t dismiss their opinions as “bull___t”. It’s genuine care.
 
From A Family of Enlisted said:
I've been accepted to the Class of 2024, and after five classes have passed me by, I'm finally in. Only problem is I'm a senior in ROTC who will, by contract, commission after the spring semester is over. I've received the letter to report, but I'm not sure if they'll let me out of my commission. From the grapevine and other threads, I've seen that once I get an appointment, my ROTC contract in null and void. I need guidance, and this is the best place to look. Please no one lecture me on my decision, and only provide clarity. I promised someone very special to me who has passed away I'd get in and succeed among numerous other reasons to attend. USMA has long been a dream of mine, and not one person can change my mind. For me, it's entirely worth the extra minuscule four years. Thank you for any guidance, and I apologize for being crass with the latter.
Click to expand...
Congratulations! And such tenacity. The Army has a winner.
 
Sorry, @CLE_42, but the well-intended and well-considered opinions of others who have significant life experience is not, how you say, “bullsh_t.” It is wise counsel that should be heeded.

To @From A Family of Enlisted, what is really, truly your ultimate goal? Is it to attend WP or is it to serve as a commissioned officer? You are literally a few months from butter bars. Literally that close to leading men and women on legitimate missions in our nation’s defense. To paraphrase another poster, that’s much more than “bird in the hand...”

Now imagine what could happen in the next four years after entering WP. Many possibilities that might trip you up and prevent you from commissioning. It would be disappointing, even tragic, don’t you think? And as others have said, once on active duty, no one will care from where you graduated.

Of course, you may derive great pride and feel like you’re fulfilling a promise. And what I’m suggesting may feel like you’re playing “not to lose.” But again, start with what your ultimate goal is. If you decide to finish now and get those butter bars, that’s hardly “bullsh_t.”
 
OP started the thread saying he has his reasons and didn’t want judgement. I respect that. I also agree with many of the other comments.

I believe that the TAC officers that have molded USMA cadets over the years and are ROTC grads have served USMA well.
I also believe the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has done as much to support USMA as anyone and he is a ROTC grad.
Not trying to change your mind but show you some options on how you can live your life and honor your promise regarding USMA.
 
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