AFROTC Summer 2021

Mdm26 said:
It is a big deal for sure however these cadets need to understand there are always options. One door closes and another opens.

FYI- the AROTC Commader at my sons school conveyed to the AFROTC Commader that he would be interested in speaking with any AF cadet who was not offered a spot. I don’t know for sure if a scholarship would be on the table but I do know that the Army offers a 2 year scholarship so I think it a good possibility.
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I know the Commander at my daughter's school said that if one of their AFROTC scholarship cadets don't get to the next step, they are in contact with the Marine part of the NROTC or AROTC...they take the cadets in a heartbeat he said. Especially if they want to fly, since they know the AF has higher medical standards...
 
jaglvr said:
I know the Commander at my daughter's school said that if one of their AFROTC scholarship cadets don't get to the next step, they are in contact with the Marine part of the NROTC or AROTC...they take the cadets in a heartbeat he said. Especially if they want to fly, since they know the AF has higher medical standards...
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That makes sense since the Corps is short of pilots, as I understand it.
 
Got a text at 5:30 my time this morning that my son got a spot :) He was also prepared to talk with both Navy and Army at his school - Army leadership had reached out to him previously. Still don't know what session, so the patience continues. Best of luck and perseverance to all of these deserving kids who want to serve our country!
 
5280mama said:
Got a text at 5:30 my time this morning that my son got a spot :) He was also prepared to talk with both Navy and Army at his school - Army leadership had reached out to him previously. Still don't know what session, so the patience continues. Best of luck and perseverance to all of these deserving kids who want to serve our country!
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Congrats!!! 3 out of 10 cadets were selected at my son's det....it was a bloodbath. He has a great Plan B and doesn't need the scholarship to finish school so he is in a good situation. I feel for the kids who aren't though :(
 
Okay....just so I'm perfectly clear on how this whole shebang works......

Kids in AFROTC have to go to Field Training at some point in their academic career. This, I get.

Am I reading correctly, that those NOT Selected for Field Training are forced out of ROTC, completely, and either bail from school, or go it alone (financially)...by way of other scholarships, or out of pocket?

Sounds like a painful variation on the USAFA theme, where fewer appointments were offered...and an extension of the 3rd board shenanigans.
 
My son just told us he did not get an EA (AS 200 at very large det) and while we are very disappointed, reading this thread takes the sting out a little more. When he just happens to be in the wrong year- AF downsizing and only taking 30% of AS200 cadets this year. He had already given up his scholarship as he changed his major from Engineering at end of 1st year.
 
SOG-SA said:
Okay....just so I'm perfectly clear on how this whole shebang works......

Kids in AFROTC have to go to Field Training at some point in their academic career. This, I get.

Am I reading correctly, that those NOT Selected for Field Training are forced out of ROTC, completely, and either bail from school, or go it alone (financially)...by way of other scholarships, or out of pocket?

Sounds like a painful variation on the USAFA theme, where fewer appointments were offered...and an extension of the 3rd board shenanigans.
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Sort of. You're required to go to Field Training after you receive an Enrollment Allocation. An EA is basically the Air Force saying based on projected needs, they should have a spot for you once you commission. Those EAs are broken up into categories based on tech and non tech majors, interest in flying, etc.

If you're NOT selected, you can be asked to return as an AS500, meaning you get another shot at it next year. If on scholarship, regardless of whether or not you get offered 500 status, you lose it. You can also be told to hit the road if you're not competitive as well.

It's kind of messed up tbh. We had a 100% selection rate for years when I went through, and they gave out rated slots like candy. Now, the purge has come back after the binging cycle.

For anyone not selected, also consider the Air National Guard or Reserve. You get education benefits and can apply to be a pilot with them after graduation.
 
Thunderbolt462 said:
Sort of. You're required to go to Field Training after you receive an Enrollment Allocation. An EA is basically the Air Force saying based on projected needs, they should have a spot for you once you commission. Those EAs are broken up into categories based on tech and non tech majors, interest in flying, etc.

If you're NOT selected, you can be asked to return as an AS500, meaning you get another shot at it next year. If on scholarship, regardless of whether or not you get offered 500 status, you lose it. You can also be told to hit the road if you're not competitive as well.

It's kind of messed up tbh. We had a 100% selection rate for years when I went through, and they gave out rated slots like candy. Now, the purge has come back after the binging cycle.

For anyone not selected, also consider the Air National Guard or Reserve. You get education benefits and can apply to be a pilot with them after graduation.
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This is very a very informative post. Thank you for explaining things so clearly!
 
kinnem said:
That makes sense since the Corps is short of pilots, as I understand it.
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Question, if son is offered an NROTC scholarship (still waiting like everyone else to hear) and he goes this route instead of his offered type 7 AFROTC can he join the marines and apply to be a pilot? Or would have needed to apply for the NROTC-MO?
 
My daughter's detachment had 12 out of 23 get an EA. She did not. They did offer her to defer and become an AS500. She lost her scholarship, but will not have to pay anything back. Her Colonel said he'll look for scholarships he can get her. He was shocked she didn't get a slot. The silver lining, she can get out of engineering, we're getting her eyes fixed with PRK, and she'll try again next year. Disappointed yesterday, has a plan today.
 
So bottom line, AFROTC cadets have to compete twice to get a commission: Once when they earn a scholarship, then again after their AS200 year. This is pretty cold blooded IMH. The military has always had trouble managing personnel, with ups and downs based on unforeseeable factors. However, as an Air Force veteran, I can tell you that the USAF is particularly cavalier about it. It is and always has been a club for pilots. Period. If you can't be a pilot (or medical) either don't join, or pick a specialty where you KNOW you can find employment on the outside because this is what you will deal with for your whole career. Pilots get fat bonuses whether the airlines are hiring or not. The rest of us take scraps. Yes I'm a little bitter. I left the USAF years ago and have done very well in the Navy. My DS (scholarship, engineering major) just got cut so it's like I'm living this all over again.

I know this is a hard time for many, but there is life outside the USAF and it is pretty good for sharp men and women like the USAF has just rejected. Keep doing what got you this far and you will be fine!!!
 
hopefulcandidate2025 said:
Question, if son is offered an NROTC scholarship (still waiting like everyone else to hear) and he goes this route instead of his offered type 7 AFROTC can he join the marines and apply to be a pilot? Or would have needed to apply for the NROTC-MO?
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Bottom line, AFROTC cadets have to compete twice to get a commission: Once when they earn a scholarship, then again after their AS200 year. So consider that when you decide to accept or reject. He can NOT take an Air Force scholarship and be a USMC pilot. If he wants to be a USMC pilot, he must apply for a USMC scholarship. Navy pilot? Navy scholarship.
 
emptynest2021 said:
I hope all detachments are offering other options. There’s a pretty active Reddit group for AFROTC that I hope many are a part of. There are lots of words of advice to the young ones.
It’s great that the AROTC Commander is reaching out :)
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@emptynest2021 Do you know the name of the Reddit group for AFROTC
 
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