AFROTC Scholarship chances?

Pima said:
YES!

You have the Flight Doc world, ask him to give you key words that DodMerb looks for...range of motion maybe?
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Thanks for the quick response, Pima.

Not sure if this helps or not, but I took a discovery flight in a Cessna 150.

I piloted the aircraft almost the entire time, including the takeoff and landing and some radio calls.

I did not have a single problem up there, infact the instructor didnt even notice my hand. Maybe this would help my case?

Maybe this is too far, but should I bring a pair of gloves with me to demonstrate that I can perform duties even if my left hands glove is a little loose? And I'm pretty sure they have different sized gloves in the USAF, so couldnt I just grab a normal one and a small one?
 
I would get a scholarship and then get through four years of school before worrying about gloves if I were you.
 
in order to get the scholarship i need to go through dodmerb.

Which means I need to worry about the gloves. They might try and tell me I wont be able to perform my duties with them on.
 
The gloves are an issue, but the range of motion will also be an issue. Honestly, the ADD meds would be my main concern since you were on them for a decade when it comes to DodMerb.

That being stated, FloridaDad is correct since you stated the fiscal issue is not an issue, thus scholarship isn't an issue. You need to first get good grades in college to be able to compete for a UPT slot, and than you need to do well enough in UPT to graduate. You are thinking about step 7 and you have yet to even started step 1.

Here's an example of your route:
1. Get into ROTC
2. GPA matters and ROTC matters
~ 2.5 gpa and not selected for SFT, odds go down
~ 10 cadets out of 42 apply for UPT, racking and stacking matters. 7 get it.

So for the original 42, and 7 get it @ 16%

3. Get UPT
~ Out of the original class of 50, 5 get Fighters. 10% get fighters

In other words you need to be in the 10% of that 16%.

Go for it, because that will motivate you when you want to hang with friends instead of studying. Yet, be realistic and understand that DoDMerb really isn't the issue regarding chances of getting to fly, it is the actual stats of how many ROTC cadets get into the fighter world.

Again, great to have that goal, but you need to understand there are so many more steps ahead of you...5 yrs of steps before UPT.

You are also correct DodMerb may or may not be an issue too at some point regarding your hand.

My advice stop thinking so far in advance, address what is on your plate currently. Once that is done, move onto the next step, so on and so forth.

For all you know you will get to college, join the det and decide that you don't want the AF at all or maybe Intel or JAG.

Live for today, and think about tomorrow. Don't live for tomorrow.
 
Pima said:
The gloves are an issue, but the range of motion will also be an issue. Honestly, the ADD meds would be my main concern since you were on them for a decade when it comes to DodMerb.

That being stated, FloridaDad is correct since you stated the fiscal issue is not an issue, thus scholarship isn't an issue. You need to first get good grades in college to be able to compete for a UPT slot, and than you need to do well enough in UPT to graduate. You are thinking about step 7 and you have yet to even started step 1.

Here's an example of your route:
1. Get into ROTC
2. GPA matters and ROTC matters
~ 2.5 gpa and not selected for SFT, odds go down
~ 10 cadets out of 42 apply for UPT, racking and stacking matters. 7 get it.

So for the original 42, and 7 get it @ 16%

3. Get UPT
~ Out of the original class of 50, 5 get Fighters. 10% get fighters

In other words you need to be in the 10% of that 16%.

Go for it, because that will motivate you when you want to hang with friends instead of studying. Yet, be realistic and understand that DoDMerb really isn't the issue regarding chances of getting to fly, it is the actual stats of how many ROTC cadets get into the fighter world.

Again, great to have that goal, but you need to understand there are so many more steps ahead of you...5 yrs of steps before UPT.

You are also correct DodMerb may or may not be an issue too at some point regarding your hand.

My advice stop thinking so far in advance, address what is on your plate currently. Once that is done, move onto the next step, so on and so forth.

For all you know you will get to college, join the det and decide that you don't want the AF at all or maybe Intel or JAG.

Live for today, and think about tomorrow. Don't live for tomorrow.
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Hypothetical what happens to the other 40 UPT students?
 
Hypothetically...

1. Some will bust...i.e. told that flying is not going to be your career...Goodbye.
2. Some will wash back...i.e. told that we believe in you, but you need to go back and start again (usually starting over from the bust ride)
3. Different airframes

~~~ FAIP -- 1st Assignment Instructor Pilot --- they are the ones that were below fighters, but on the cusp
~~~Bombers
~~~Heavies ---refuelers, transports...something that starts with a letter besides F. F= Fighters, C= Transports, K= refuelers
~~~UAVs

So now you know if someone says F-15 it is a fighter, B-1 is a bomber, C-5 transport, KC130 is a refueler. The letter tells you the type of frame.

Interesting tidbit for the AF...look at the tail of the AC. You will see letters, that is the base, for fighters at least, the top of the tail will also be painted a specific color, that is their squadron. For example, UH XXX with red meant Upper Heryford, 77th squadron. The number actually is the number of the plane that came off the line from the builder.
 
Pima said:
My advice stop thinking so far in advance, address what is on your plate currently. Once that is done, move onto the next step, so on and so forth.
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Excellent Advice Pima,
Long-range planning as a form of procrastination...
"I don't have time to do what I need to do today, I'm busy planning for next year."

:bang:
 
I have to say I listen to country music, AND I am a MOM. This thread makes me think of a Trace Adkins "You're Gonna Miss This"

You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this
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King, I get it, but trust me, each and every parent is getting what you feel, but you are wishing your life away.

You may not know it now, but just stop getting your underwear in a wad trying to plan 5-10 yrs ahead. Walk away now. Hang with your friends, go to the movies, plan what you will do for Prom Night and Graduation week.

Enjoy today. You can't get these days back.
 
I feel that NOW is the time to worry about DODMERB. If I get the scholarship, especially. If I do receive scholarship, DODMERB will be a problem for me in the VERY near future.

The thing is, I don't really see the problem.

I have demonstrated that I am FINE without the medication, and have grades to prove it.

I CAN demonstrate that my hand is fine, as long as they give me the chance to demonstrate it.

I know that these are both techincally DQ'ing, but from what I understand they look at whether or not the problem is ongoing, and whether or not it will inhibit me from perorming my duties as an Airman. Neither of these apply to me.

EDIT didnt see that last part. I have a very good social life. I log on to the forums once a day with a response. I do worry constantly about this though. I mean, this is MY DREAM. DODMERB doctors wont understand that, I am just another person to them. Sometimes I wonder, why must I, the one kid obsessed with flying for the air force, a medically demanding job, be born with a small hand? Then I think to myself there must be a reason. I remember a pilot once telling me that every single pilot in his squadron had some sort of problem they had to overcome in order to get what they wanted (to fly). Nobody god a free ticket really.

And also, I watched the movie speed and angels. That dude got SHOT IN THE FACE and got medically qualed. If he did it, so can I. I will find a way.
 
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King,

If it is a DodMerb issue nobody here can advise you.

If you want to discuss academics or scholarship issues re: ROTC we can assist. If it is only about DodMerb we can't assist.

I think you are really worried right now, trust me you are the norm. Every candidate and/or parent is in the same boat as you are in regarding the notification.

If you want us to chance you for a scholarship purely based on your WCS, than we will be happy to do so for you.

Your ball, your court.
 
alright haha thanks. I'll wait and see what happens as far as DODMERB.

Anyways, my interview is in 5 days. What kind of questions should I be prepared for?
 
Everything and anything. They can range from why the AF to what books do you read to how do you think UAVs will impact the future of the flying world in the AF.

There is no set list for the ALO interview. It really is about them.

Also it can last 15 minutes or an hour...it is at their discretion.
 
Our 15 minutes with DobMerb

kingneptune117 Just wanted to tell you what this cadets dad experience was with DodMerb. My cadet son had a skin rash that he went to doctor for. Since he missed his rotc class he told the PAS about it. Well next thing you know they are telling him that he might loose scholarship and DQ from rotc. Needless to say it put strain on him. But they ran his diagnosis up to DobMerb and back, through the chain, and was cleared to continue. So my limited experience is that they are not always there to dq you from a program, but to effectively enforce the regulations at hand. Best lesson we learned from this is be upfront, and dont try to hide anything, because you will have to either live with the lie for the rest of your life, or face the consequences of it later on.

That being said, its great to see you have a goal, and your motivated to see it happen. Keep pressing on.
 
This example is why officers, especially fliers will do everything in their power never to go to a Doc. Not smart, but this is true. They are known to re-set their own broken fingers and toes, will run while having the flu, live with ear infections, etc.

Bullet has re-set his own toes and fingers so often that they are now deformed. If he went to a flight doc, it was because he was at death's door as far as he was concerned...it was a big deal for him to go besides his annual physical.

No offense to the docs, but the truth is they are seen as the enemy. A rash can be innocent, but like it was stated now it goes on their medical record and can become a bigger issue, such as allergies, and that opens a whole new world.
 
I am going to go into that interview AS MYSELF and nothing more or less. I know what I want, and I know that I am there for a genuine reason. I want to serve, not mooch off of scholarship money. Hopefully he can sense how excited and determined I am to achieve my dreams.

Keep in mind, I don't think I ever stated I wanted just fighters. I would fly ANYTHING. At this point, I would not even be dissapointed no matter what I was doing, as long as I am an officer.

Officer first, pilot second. That is what I have been told many times, and it makes a lot of sense to me.

Once I get a UPT slot, thats when I will go all out and consider fighters. But I'm just saying that right now I need to be qualified at least for an officer.
 
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Sometimes the interview isn't just about the AF, it is also about you. When I say you, I mean they won't even discuss AF, they will discuss what is your favorite subject, why are you selecting UI as your 1st choice, as a military child what was your favorite base? They may also ask to talk to your folks. It is very important to them that you are doing this for you, not for your folks.

Like I said, it can range, so think of it like a baseball game. The pitchers (ALOs) have their own style for each and every batter (candidate). Just because one does it one way for one candidate, doesn't mean that they won't change it up. The reason why is they have different issues with each candidate that needs to be explored or not explored.

Be yourself, and all will be fine. Remember they are your friends not your enemies. They want to assist you every way they can to get you your dream.
 
This has been addressed before, it actually comes down to your area. In NC pressed khakis and a polo are fine because they have a more casual dress attitude. I would think NJ is more of a button down shirt and dress slacks.

The important thing is to remember 2 things:

1. This is an interview, so put your best foot forward. A hand-made tailored fit suit is not going to get you the nod over the kid who came in wearing a white polo and khakis purchased from Wal-Mart.

~~~Wrinkled clothing will make an impact because it says you rolled out of bed and threw on the closest thing next to you...CAVEAT they understand if there are pant creases from sitting.


2. If you decide to wear a shirt and tie, every day after school put it on for an hour or so just to get accustomed to it. Nothing is more annoying in an interview than to see someone tugging at their neck or fidgeting because they are uncomfortable.

I get this is probably a bigger deal to you than the avg candidate, but remember this as you go through the process...fate has a funny way of getting in the way. As long as you can walk out and say you gave 150% than life will be fine wherever fate takes you, because you will never have an if and or but.
 
thanks for all the help man

I am from chicago so I am going to stick to the polo and black pants. I also have a nice pair of black shoes.
 
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