AF Disenrollment ?s, No field training slot

Does anybody have a crystal ball about the future of AFROTC field training slots for those beginning their first- or second-year this year? Has anyone seen this before? Do you think this a one-time adjustment or do you think it will still be a bumpy ride for the cadets joining this year?
 
SummerRiver said:
My son was in AFROTC for 2 years with a type 7 scholarship converted to a 3 year type 2. He did not receive a FT slot this past summer so he is being disenrolled. They are asking him to sign the disenrollment paperwork and he is confused about it. The detachment didn't really have answers to his questions.

They did not provide him with a copy of the paperwork even when he asked for it. They said the copier was broken.
The questions asked something like "Would you continue with the AF if you could?"
So he is not sure how to answer that. Yes, he would have loved to continue. But at this point he doesn't want to do a 500 year or enlist. How does he answer that question? He is afraid if he says "no" that means he is choosing to leave and he will be subject to recoupment. As it is, the detachment told him the chance of recoupment is 50%. I thought the AF already said no recoupment for these guys.

There is also a question about waiving his right to an investigation. If they want him to pay back $18,000, I think he should definitely ask for an investigation.

He is also upset that these forms make it seem he did something wrong. He is an engineering student, got good grades in general, A+ in the AF classes, showed up for all his classes, volunteered for everything, did swords and sabers, held extra flight meetings to practice, and really felt like he did everything he was supposed to and more. The upperclassmen were surprised he wasn't selected. I am sure he wasn't perfect though.

On the forms, it lists that he was late to class once (they changed the location and he missed the email), he missed an appointment to pick up paperwork at the beginning of freshman year, and he was wearing the wrong clothing to class once (some sort of miscommunication). No one has told him there were any other problems.

I am concerned about him doing the wrong thing on this form affecting recoupment and any future career he might have with the government.
I am heartbroken for my son who just wanted to serve his country and this disenrollment seems to be dragging on forever and reopening wounds.
Thank you for any help.
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I recommend that your son go speak to the ROO in Army ROTC. They are very familiar with the ROTC contracts of the other services. Ultimately, your son may have a great conversation and decide to move forward with the Army.

Also, your son is not the only AFROTC cadet to not be selected for FT. It is common. As @MohawkArmyROTC shared former AFROTC cadets are motivated and often do well in AROTC.

In the end, your son will be dropped from AFROTC if he does not take the 500-year. Even if he takes the 500-year, it's a gamble. Ultimately the AFROTC contract is a 2-by-2 scholarship, not a 4-year scholarship.
 
BreakerBreaker said:
Does anybody have a crystal ball about the future of AFROTC field training slots for those beginning their first- or second-year this year? Has anyone seen this before? Do you think this a one-time adjustment or do you think it will still be a bumpy ride for the cadets joining this year?
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I cant tell you the immediate future of AFRotc, but its going to loosen up. I can tell you those in the AF who were waiting it out are retiring, especially with the pilots. I would imagine it holds true for non-pilots. Its possible that the Delta Variant could screw this over but as of last month, the airlines were hiring pilots like crazy. With officers retiring from the AF, the need for more officers will increase. Does that mean this year, probably not, but fall 2022 or 2023 for sure unless of course we are dealing with Covid Omicron Variant
 
MohawkArmyROTC said:
They shouldn't recoup as AF rescinded the contract, and your son was not in breach of contract. I have never heard of the AF recouping from cadets they disenrolled for not being selected for Summer training. I encourage your son to speak to Army ROTC. I have put a few AF cadets into our program after not being selected for the AF field training, and they have gone on to be successful Army officers. Yes he may be discouraged, however that is a short term feeling that can get in the way of a long term goal of commissioned military service. They are probably asking about future AF service, as if he says yes they will probably turn his contact info over to a USAF enlisted recruiter. The bottom line: he will be disenrolled. Signing the paperwork will just make it go faster.
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Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate the help on this forum. I will tell him to talk to Army ROTC if he is still interested. He is computer engineering so he thought the AF was the best fit.
 
airborne1030 said:
I recommend that your son go speak to the ROO in Army ROTC. They are very familiar with the ROTC contracts of the other services. Ultimately, your son may have a great conversation and decide to move forward with the Army.

Also, your son is not the only AFROTC cadet to not be selected for FT. It is common. As @MohawkArmyROTC shared former AFROTC cadets are motivated and often do well in AROTC.

In the end, your son will be dropped from AFROTC if he does not take the 500-year. Even if he takes the 500-year, it's a gamble. Ultimately the AFROTC contract is a 2-by-2 scholarship, not a 4-year scholarship.
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Thank you. Yes, the gamble of the 500 year is what is stopping him. he really put in a lot of effort the past 2 years, so a repeat year when he thinks there will be similar issues next year just doesn't seem the way to go. He is computer engineering and will have plenty of opportunity in the civilian world. It wouldn't hurt to talk to Army ROTC though. I really think he would have been an excellent officer.
I really appreciate your response. Thank you again.
 
SummerRiver said:
He is computer engineering and will have plenty of opportunity in the civilian world. It wouldn't hurt to talk to Army ROTC though.
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I believe that it is also easier to opt for a reserve commission in the Army than the AF.

That way he might be able to choose be a full time computer professional and a part time Army Officer.
 
AROTC-dad said:
I believe that it is also easier to opt for a reserve commission in the Army than the AF.

That way he might be able to choose be a full time computer professional and a part time Army Officer.
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Thank you! He actually said today that he was going to go at least talk to Army. That is interesting about a reserve commission. How does that work? We are not personally a military family, so we are learning.
 
AROTC-dad said:
I believe that it is also easier to opt for a reserve commission in the Army than the AF.

That way he might be able to choose be a full time computer professional and a part time Army Officer.
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It is. If you want Reserve, you will be commissioned as a reserve officer. If want active duty, you'll have to compete for it.
 
SummerRiver said:
Thank you. Yes, the gamble of the 500 year is what is stopping him. he really put in a lot of effort the past 2 years, so a repeat year when he thinks there will be similar issues next year just doesn't seem the way to go. He is computer engineering and will have plenty of opportunity in the civilian world. It wouldn't hurt to talk to Army ROTC though. I really think he would have been an excellent officer.
I really appreciate your response. Thank you again.
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You’re very welcome, and I wish your son the best.
 
AROTC-dad said:
Very sorry to hear about this. Hopefully some AF folks will chime in about the disenrollment process.

Why did he not take a photo of the doc with his phone?

Has he spoken to an Army ROTC unit at his school about changing over?

Finally many here would advise consulting with an attorney who specializes in these matters.
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Same thing happened to a friend’s son at a Southeastern university. AFROTC unceremoniously dumped him and the Army unit on the other side of the wall snapped him up, sent him to summer training and he will be on scholarship in December 2021. Kid was a National Merit Scholar, lettered in 3 different varsity sports, 4 years each and got a glowing recommendation of the AFROTC cadre as they punted him. Can’t figure that out. Oh well, the Air Force’s loss.
 
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