AFROTC Enrollment Allocation Chances??

[walker4185]

Hi there! First time poster here!

I am a cadet in Air Force ROTC. I'm 22 and I screwed up in college when I was younger (2 years worth of partying, went to Vegas 3x). My cGPA is 1.2. YIKES. I'm back in college and making straight A's (yes, I got a taste of "the real world" & got my act together.

On a cGPA calculator, my cGPA will be 2.9 by the time my EA (enrollment allocation) package goes out (January 2013). I am a non-tech major, participate HEAVILY in my Det (volunteering), as a 100 I don't have any leadership position (except for class leader, but nothing like a Flight Commander), I'm in AAS, colorguard, recruiting, my PFT is 96, I volunteer outside of ROTC, I haven't taken the AFOQT but I go to prep classes (I made a 26 on the ACT w/o studying) and the cadre knows me personally (I aspire for a commanders ranking of top 5).

Do I stand a chance for that coveted EA? Any suggestions and/or comments are DEEPLY appreciated!! Thanks for your time!!!

 

[nick4060]

Well your major and GPA won't help you much. So its really going to come down to your commander's ranking as far as chances go. If your cadre really want you to go to field training, they'll rank you high enough to get an EA. We had a cadet last summer who had a similar GPA in a non-tech major. But the cadre still made sure she went to FT. So, its definitely possible.

 

[Pima]

I agree with Nick, if the command wants you they will fight for you. HOWEVER....

as a 100

I think you are confused, you don't go as a rising 200, you go as a rising 300, thus, you won't even be meeting the boards this yr, you still have 1 more yr to pull up that gpa.

(I made a 26 on the ACT w/o studying)

No offense, but this is not a score that I would brag about on the AFROTC threads. The avg scholarship recipient is hitting 30+...remember they do not superscore, it is the best of 1 sitting. That means you are competing against some stiff competition.

The upshot is the AFOQT is more like the ACT than the SAT so you should do better because your familiar with that type of test...talking the science part where it is graphing and such.

Again, no offense, JMPHO.

Now if you are a 200 and you hit the 1 by accident, as I said earlier you have a chance...I wouldn't be packing my A-3 bag yet.

You need to look at your school's rate. Nick attends a school that always beats the national avg because it is a Corps school. If your school is on avg with the national, I would say it is a maybe.

The commander may have to put his neck out on the line for you over a tech major to give you "My Top Choice" compared to "One of My Top Choices". There is a difference, and boards read into the verbage.

Later on in life it will become the difference of getting a P and a DP.

Look at the other cadets and start assessing from within your own det. Are there cadets with higher positions and are carrying a sim. gpa, but are tech majors?

Did anyone last yr with stats and positions like you that were accepted to SFT?

What is your PFT? That score will matter too.

I am assuming you are not scholarship, thus the threat of losing it is not on the table. The commander than can allow you to become a 250 if not accepted. That will give you another yr to pull up the gpa and be more competitive.

The one last problem you may face in the future even if you get SFT is your AFSC. AFSC is an OML board, just like the EA boards. I do not know you career intentions, but rated will not be on your horizon with anything lower than a 3.2 as a non-tech, plus a high rank at SFT. Additionally, if non-rated is the way you want to go, and you want Intel, understand that is usually a high demand also, so you need to pull up the gpa for there too.

The way AFSC boards work are rated go 1st, and those not given rated go back into the pool and compete for non-rated. Most of those cadets will try MI, so the pool can actually become bigger and more competitive if the rated pipeline closes.

 

[walker4185]

Thnx!

Thanks Nick & Pima for your input--VERY HELPFUL. I know that I have another YR before I compete for the EA, I just want to show cadre how serious I am despite my setbacks (legal major/low GPA). Next year (200) is when I MUST stand out and prove that I can be a successful AF officer. Or atleast successful at SFT.

I haven't "sized up" my fellow cadets because I don't know who I'll be competing with, really. 1/2 of the 100 class doesn't seem to care & part of te 200 class are just as motivated for an EA as I am. I get worried!

Oh, and I was by no means bragging about my ACT score...I just know that if I actually made an effort I could do very well on the AFOQT. I hope I didnt sound cocky b/c I'm actually self-conscious about this EA (even though it's a year away)

I want to be a Jag...I'm in undergrad right now, but is that a non-rated slot?
Also, I'm a sophomore in a 100(freshman) class. Does the EA board split cadets up in traditional and non-traditional categories?

Also, our Det EA rate was around 68% last year with a cadet who had a non-tech major GPA of 2.7--a ray of hope for me?

Anyhow, thanks for ANY information!

 

[Pima]

I want to be a Jag...I'm in undergrad right now, but is that a non-rated slot?
Also, I'm a sophomore in a 100(freshman) class. Does the EA board split cadets up in traditional and non-traditional categories?

1. You are a 100, and that means you are a 100. You competition is not sophomores, it is 100's.

I am getting a little confused now. Are you a sophomore because of the credits you received eons ago from your 1st college? Are you a sophomore now and this is your 1st yr in AFROTC?

I can't see how as a C100, you can already be in AAS....DS is in AAS and they are pledging now.

participate HEAVILY in my Det (volunteering), as a 100 I don't have any leadership position (except for class leader, but nothing like a Flight Commander), I'm in AAS, colorguard, recruiting, my PFT is 96, I volunteer outside of ROTC,

I respect your goal for getting all A's for the next 3 semesters, but I am not sure this is realistic. DS is scholarship and his best ever gpa was 3.6, not a 4.0. That also occurred prior to him being in AAS, and extra job responsibilities within the unit. AAS takes up 1 night a week as a pledge, plus the job of getting the pledge book done and pledge weekend...that cuts into academics. You also are in color guard, which I assume takes up more time, let's say 1 more night. Plus recruiting, plus outside volunteering...1 more night. That is on top of you stating you are HEAVILY involved in your det. Which is on top of PT hours. How much time do you have left to study if you carry a 15 credit load at night? Are you burning your candle from both ends? It is not the quantity, but the quality that will be reviewed.

You could honestly hurt yourself. God Bless if you can handle all of this without burn out, but JMPO I would not at this point assume that for the next 3 semesters you will pull all A's (3.6 gpa). As you move up rank within ROTC your positions will require more time, same with AAS. DS has been a flight commander, and a PT commander, he has had to be at the det at 5 a.m. for a 6 a.m. PT show. He has had to write reviews for those that report to him. That takes time away from his studies. He has to mentor C100/200's as a POC. He is a pledge master for AAS, that takes time away from his studies. He has a girlfriend that does not attend his college, that takes time away from his studies. All of this does not include, as you rise academically, classes won't necessarily become easier, profs may not like your writing style, or you may have to take a class that is mandated by the school and will be your Achilles heel.

I am sure you are catching my drift that to plot 15 months out from now using an assumption that you will continue to carry all A's, is unrealistic for the majority. I hope you are the minority, but if I was to give advice...drop some of the things you have on your plate right now because you need those A's.

2.

I haven't "sized up" my fellow cadets because I don't know who I'll be competing with, really. 1/2 of the 100 class doesn't seem to care & part of te 200 class are just as motivated for an EA as I am. I get worried!

I would hope they are more motivated. Again, the 100's aren't motivated yet...they are just learning now how to march and their tests revolve around where do you get your CAC?
A. MPC
B. Commander
C. Baseops

You have been in school now for what 10 weeks at best?

3. JAG

Please do yourself a favor and really investigate how to become a JAG officer. The process is not as clear cut as you may think.

For example you can do ED and go to Law school, but you will than have to compete for a JAG position. You can go AD and get selected for Law school via AF, where upon completion you will be a JAG.

You also need to be competitive from the OML perspective, and gpa will play a factor.

JAG selection makes UPT selection look like a cake walk. If I was to say the most competitive field in the AF, it would not be getting a rated slot, it would be JAG.

You will not only need the gpa for OML to get an ED, but also to be selected by a Law School that the AF recognizes. That is one of the catches.

It appears you attend a large det., because you are saying 100 cadets are 100's. AFROTC usually has 2 yrs where the class size substantially decreases.

A. 100's because many will try for IS scholarships, and if they do not receive 1 they will leave. They also leave because they realize this isn't for them.

Hence the 200 class is smaller than the 100.

B. 200's because they do not get SFT, and that is when they usually jump over to AROTC.

Thus the 300 class is smaller than the 200.

Additionally it is the last time that they may be able to walk away without penalization.

I would guess if you have a 100 class of 100 cadets, your 400 class, even as a Corp, would be hitting @55 on a good day.

My math: 100 enter, 15% can't make it academically at the school, or decide this isn't the life.

85 are now 200s. 65% get SFT. That places the 300s at 55. Remember no SFT, no commissioning.

By 300, they have completed SFT, and now it is clear sailing until their AFSC. Very few leave after going to Maxwell, some do, but it is probably about 1%.

Again, good luck. Hope this incredibly long posts has enlightened you.

 

[Blacklab]

Just Keep Fighting

I have told all three of my children and the kids that I coach that "your failures are your greatest successes, it develops wisdom". I can't reply on where you stand; however, to took a stand and faced the real world, this is a big step for a young person. You just developed your adult foundation...wecome to the other side!!

I started on my own at the tender age of 15, not by choice. My mother was given a choice by her No.2 husband that either she got rid of me or he would go. 1 hour later I was gone... My mothers "EXACT" words were "I have other childern to worry about, I can't worry about you". Fact, Fact, Fact!!!!

I put myself through high school, into the Navy, and then to college for a degree in engineering and then another in business. My skin is thick and there is nothing I can't do.

Fight and never give up on yourself or your dreams because it only yourself that you will cheat.

 

[Pima]

There is a ROTC page.

 

[walker4185]

Thank you Pima & Blacklab; I definitely appreciate all encouragement and information!! Oh, and Pima, I dont think i said there was 100 freshman (100s). There's about twenty 100s (freshman) & about twenty-five 200's. My Det is pretty small (thankfully? Im not sure if that's a good thing. What do you think?)

One step at a time for me...if I receive an EA, I KNOW the rest will come together. Not to say it'll be a cake walk BY NO MEANS, but I WILL keep my grades up, nose clean, high PFT & continue to show my leadership potential/skills. JAG is FAAAR off, so much so that I just casually speak of it because if I don't receive an EA, being a JAG is impossible.

I see the error of my youth & I believe it will both help and hinder me; help because I've matured from the situation which allows me to fully appreciate a college education, and hinders me b/c of an embarrassing low GPA. I'll keep my head up, push forward to the best of my abilities and pray for the best. & quality over quanity is a strong motto for my situation...

I'm a fighter, competitive and driven. I NEED that top spot (or atleast top 5) so from here on out...ACADEMICS AND LEADERSHIP!

Thank you all again for the insight! It is deeply appreciated!

 

[Pima]

The size of your det is definetly not hurting you guys because you have above the national avg for SFT selection. I wouldn't be overly concerned since someone had a 2.7 cgpa and got it. Which, honestly speaks volumes of your det, and that cadet.

I believe the stats that were released for national selection the gpa non tech was @3.2 and the overall rate was @55%. In both cases your unit beat the national avg by a lot.

It may be that because you are so small compared to other units that cadets get jobs faster and more frequently than larger units. Larger units usually have less job opportunities that carry weight and they try to guarantee everyone has a job so they switch them up every semester to spread the wealth. In your case they may not have to do that at all.

Your det. also may be nationally recognized through various AFROTC awards, for example, Det. 35 at CSU Fresno won the High Flight Award for SW 2010, which recognizes the best det with 1-60 cadets. Baylor has also won this award in 08, plus the top in the nation for that yr.

MIT, UTenn and Purdue won the prestigious Right of Line award in 2010. This recognizes the best in the nation using size of the det as a category. MIT is the smallest, UTenn is mid and Purdue is the largest.

The award is determined by performances in five categories: production of officers, education, recruiting and retention, university and public relations, and cadet activities.

Obviously to be associated with any of these dets will give an edge. Afterall, the AF is saying these are the best AFROTC dets in the nation, thus, they are not going to say that the cadets are not worthy of SFT.

Additionally, all though the ribbons really mean nothing, the award will be a part of your packet for submission. Thus, the more you earn the more competitive you can be deemed. These are just a few as a 100 you are eligible for:

American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award - This award recognizes one AS 100, one AS 200, one AS 300, and one AS 400 cadet at each detachment for scholastic achievement.
Each cadet must: rank in the upper 10 percent of the academic class, rank in the top 25 percent of each AS class, demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, and actively participate in constructive student activities such as student organizations or sports.
American Legion General Military Excellence Award - This award recognizes one AS 100, one AS 200, one AS 300, and one AS 400 cadet at each AFROTC detachment for general military excellence. Each cadet must: rank in the top 25 percent of each respective AS class and demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.
Military Order of World Wars Award - This award recognizes cadets at each detachment who demonstrate an outstanding desire to serve AFROTC and the United States and who are considered most improved in the categories of military and scholastic excellence. - AS 100, 200, 300, 400
American Veterans Award - This award recognizes one cadet at each detachment at the end of his or her first year in the AFROTC program.

As a C200 you can be put up for even more awards and when the Commander does your rec for SFT, he can write "nominated", doesn't mean you will win, but it just shows his belief in you. Some are:
National Sojourners Award
Scottish Rite Award
Reserve Officers Association Award
Society of the War of 1812 Award

Than you also have the big ones that can go to any one regardless of AS yr.
AFROTC Gold Valor Award
AFROTC Silver Valor Award
Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement

If you get any of these awards it will help your chances tremendously...the American Legion Scholastic will also allow them to understand that the 1.2 gpa was the old you, and not the new you.

Good luck.