age to open file
- Thread starter KarenH
- Start date
AFAcandidate
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2011
- Messages
- 19
If your son is a junior, he is the class of 2017. The application for the goarmy thing should be open after the summer I think. Right now they are still open only to 2016.
The application process will open in the Spring of this year after the current scholarship season is over. You can check with the ROO at a local ROTC Battalion to find out more info.
Pima
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2007
- Messages
- 13,900
There is an opening date, and as stated right now he is probably being booted from the system because he is asking for 2017, and they are working with class of 16.
It is not AFTER summer when they open it, esp. since the 1st boards start in Aug/Sept. It is late spring, once they have cleared the 16 slate.
I know for AF it is @ end of March 1st of April they open, or at least they use to, but this yr it maybe later...who knows. The reason they open in the spring is because for many they will want to meet the 1st board which will require transcripts, recs, and PFA testing, which can only be administered by certain people, and candidates need to get these things in order prior to school closing for the summer. PFA is usually the biggie since if any of the coaches are there, they are there to train fall athletes.
One thing to think about from a proactive approach is you state he is 16, and most jrs. are at this point, however, if his b'day is in Jan/Feb/Mar/April during the selection process next yr he will be 18 and considered a legal adult.
This is why many posters will state they need to be in control of the process at all times, I am not inferring you are taking too much of a role, but at 18 ROTC as a part of the military will close the door on you in regards to certain aspects. They are usually very lenient and will talk to the folks, but if it something like a DoDMERB issue, due to patient privacy laws, even on your health insurance they will not break that rule.
Unfortunately, many times DoDMERB can be a lengthy process and the child may turn 18 during it, so if the candidate hasn't been the driving force in the process they can find it hard to navigate later on from the mid-stream perspective.
It is not AFTER summer when they open it, esp. since the 1st boards start in Aug/Sept. It is late spring, once they have cleared the 16 slate.
I know for AF it is @ end of March 1st of April they open, or at least they use to, but this yr it maybe later...who knows. The reason they open in the spring is because for many they will want to meet the 1st board which will require transcripts, recs, and PFA testing, which can only be administered by certain people, and candidates need to get these things in order prior to school closing for the summer. PFA is usually the biggie since if any of the coaches are there, they are there to train fall athletes.
One thing to think about from a proactive approach is you state he is 16, and most jrs. are at this point, however, if his b'day is in Jan/Feb/Mar/April during the selection process next yr he will be 18 and considered a legal adult.
This is why many posters will state they need to be in control of the process at all times, I am not inferring you are taking too much of a role, but at 18 ROTC as a part of the military will close the door on you in regards to certain aspects. They are usually very lenient and will talk to the folks, but if it something like a DoDMERB issue, due to patient privacy laws, even on your health insurance they will not break that rule.
Unfortunately, many times DoDMERB can be a lengthy process and the child may turn 18 during it, so if the candidate hasn't been the driving force in the process they can find it hard to navigate later on from the mid-stream perspective.
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2010
- Messages
- 2,264
Keep an eye on the board...You can bet I'll be posting the dates as soon as the application opens. I do think that they won't let your son fill out the application until he is 17. I think I've seen that happen before, so be prepared to have to wait a little longer. You will probably have until October to get everything done for the first board, so there shouldn't be any worries, unless he doesn't turn 17 before then. It's good to be early, but you don't need to be any earlier than the first board.
Good luck
Good luck
goldenlion
5-Year Member
- Joined
- May 10, 2011
- Messages
- 132
My DD is only 16, and was able to apply for an AROTC scholarship. Her age hasn't created any problems for her yet. She is a high school senior right now and will be turning 17 before graduation.
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2010
- Messages
- 2,264
Good to know. thanks. Thought I remembered someone being told they had to wait until 17. Glad to see either my memory is faulty, or CC changed the policy.
Thanks
Thanks
Ohio2015Parent
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2010
- Messages
- 1,122
DS opened his too while age 16(Feb. 2010)for 2015, he turned 17 in July of 2010 just before starting his senior year. Actually he finished his file and was board ready before his 17th birthday.
OP watch for the opening dates to show up or keep in touch with a ROO at one school - perhaps the one he'll interview at. That is how we knew when it was time.