Army ROTC 4 Year Scholarship

AH99 said:
I just received an offer for the early commissioning program for ROTC... any thoughts about the program and the military jr colleges ??
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Read all the fine print, realize that things can change once you start the program. Search through this forum, there have been many discussions regarding ECP. If you are interested in Active Duty be really careful, there are some on this board that were told AD would not be an issue but ended up being assigned Reserves/National Guard.

Have you applied for the National ROTC Scholarship?

Edit: Hit the Post button after the previous posts. Lost of great info there and QA1517 is a great source of info regarding the ECP.
 
Many thanks for the information QA1517, it is very helpful. What is the Facebook group? Based on on the post wording, it appears my only offer will be ECP and will not be considered for last two boards. Is that your interpretation too? I realize if I accept, it would eliminate consideration for other boards, but I was hoping a decline of ECP would still leave hope in the following boards?
 
That post came from Wentworth ROTC dept.

Yes as I read it your offer has been made, there is no other offer, declined or not. That would be like declining a 3 year national scholarship in hopes of having a 4 year offered later. They do not do multiple offers.

Your only shot at another offer would be to attend a school and be offered a 2 or 3 year from them.

As stated, I didn't know the national board made ECP offers.
 
To add to this, if you accept the ECP Scholarship you will be doing SMP program while at the JMC and you will be an officer in a national guard or reserve unit while you finish your degree. So time management and maturity will be a very important thing.

It's not traditional ROTC.

The other thing is for every year you accept the Ike Skelton money at your follow on school it is an added year of military service. DS's ROO didn't even know this but it was spelled out to them when they signed their contracts.

DS did great at the JMC but struggled his first semester at big state U trying to juggle school and national guard responsibilities, as well as adjusting to living on his own and paying bills.
 
Georgia1998 said:
Many thanks for the information QA1517, it is very helpful. What is the Facebook group? Based on on the post wording, it appears my only offer will be ECP and will not be considered for last two boards. Is that your interpretation too? I realize if I accept, it would eliminate consideration for other boards, but I was hoping a decline of ECP would still leave hope in the following boards?
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Georgia1998 - this is just wrong for CC (Cadet Command) to put these HS seniors in a position with little chance to compete for AD by forcing them into the ECP and to the MJC's.

Was there anything in the scholarship application that 'selected' ECP as part of the application. Cadet Command is making a mistake with this. Go read QA1517's posts in the linked thread by AROTC-dad. They were convinced by the ROO that their son could compete for active duty with the National OML/Accessions process. They learned two years in that he was denied even competing because they would not revoke his GRFD contract.

This should be addressed with Cadet Command if applicants cannot decline the ECP as part of the boarding/scholarship process and continue to compete for a 3/4 year national scholarship.
 
AROTC Parent said:
Georgia1998 - this is just wrong for CC (Cadet Command) to put these HS seniors in a position with little chance to compete for AD by forcing them into the ECP and to the MJC's.

Was there anything in the scholarship application that 'selected' ECP as part of the application. Cadet Command is making a mistake with this. Go read QA1517's posts in the linked thread by AROTC-dad. They were convinced by the ROO that their son could compete for active duty with the National OML/Accessions process. They learned two years in that he was denied even competing because they would not revoke his GRFD contract.

This should be addressed with Cadet Command if applicants cannot decline the ECP as part of the boarding/scholarship process and continue to compete for a 3/4 year national scholarship.
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AROTC Parent - This is very confusing. On the application, the schools of intent has a box to select if you are interested in ECP, which I did not check as it requires an ECP school be a choice. All my choices were non ECP schools, such as UNG, Norwich, The Citadel, etc.

My heart raced when I got the email, but I did not expect a first board award as it is a very high bar, but hoped for a later boarding. The news I am ruled out for later consideration has dampened my mood. I just received my latest SAT after the first board met, which exceeded my 1250 goal and my other credentials are in line with stats posted here with 2-3 round board awards.

The ECP option works well for many that prefer reserve role and great scholarship monies, but I am hoping for a AD role and maybe will mentally be forced to accept I must compete at a SMC for campus based scholarship. I have been accepted to UNG, The Citadel, Norwich, etc.

Did not see this coming. Thank you all for the information.
 
QA1517 said:
That post came from Wentworth ROTC dept.

Yes as I read it your offer has been made, there is no other offer, declined or not. That would be like declining a 3 year national scholarship in hopes of having a 4 year offered later. They do not do multiple offers.

Your only shot at another offer would be to attend a school and be offered a 2 or 3 year from them.

As stated, I didn't know the national board made ECP offers.
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So I just read that FB post on the Wentworth ROTC page. I have to say that something doesn't pass the "Sniff Test". It seems really odd that Cadet Command would make an offer for an ECP program if the applicant did not express an interest in the program from these schools. To simply send out random offers that would now prevent them from continuing in the National ROTC Scholarship boards seems off to me. Like you stated they have never done this before and these scholarships were only offered from the ECP programs themselves.

The other post on their page really seemed a bit disturbing, they gave the average states for GPA and SAT/ACT for the first board, they then stated that if you were not in this range you should look at a GRFD, Minuteman, and ECP Scholarships. That is highly misleading and could sway some applicants that have a strong application into jumping into something they do not need to do yet. The whole thing looks a little misleading to me, I understand they are trying to recruit but this seems to go a bit far.

To the person that received the ECP offer, I would highly recommend that you contact a ROO at a school you listed on your application and ask them to confirm what Wentworth is saying in their post before you make any decision.
 
QA1517 said:
To add to this, if you accept the ECP Scholarship you will be doing SMP program while at the JMC and you will be an officer in a national guard or reserve unit while you finish your degree. So time management and maturity will be a very important thing.

It's not traditional ROTC.

The other thing is for every year you accept the Ike Skelton money at your follow on school it is an added year of military service. DS's ROO didn't even know this but it was spelled out to them when they signed their contracts.

DS did great at the JMC but struggled his first semester at big state U trying to juggle school and national guard responsibilities, as well as adjusting to living on his own and paying bills.
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I don't know the answer to this question, and it is possible you might not either, but since Cadet Command is granting a 4 yer up front, is it possible it could be a different situation this year? My suggestion to anyone receiving this would be to contact Cadet Command directly, because in the ROO's might not know about the new offers.
 
Georgia1998 said:
AROTC Parent - This is very confusing. On the application, the schools of intent has a box to select if you are interested in ECP, which I did not check as it requires an ECP school be a choice. All my choices were non ECP schools, such as UNG, Norwich, The Citadel, etc.

My heart raced when I got the email, but I did not expect a first board award as it is a very high bar, but hoped for a later boarding. The news I am ruled out for later consideration has dampened my mood. I just received my latest SAT after the first board met, which exceeded my 1250 goal and my other credentials are in line with stats posted here with 2-3 round board awards.

The ECP option works well for many that prefer reserve role and great scholarship monies, but I am hoping for a AD role and maybe will mentally be forced to accept I must compete at a SMC for campus based scholarship. I have been accepted to UNG, The Citadel, Norwich, etc.

Did not see this coming. Thank you all for the information.
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I would immediately contact Cadet Command and ask for clarification, or talk to a ROO at a school y are interested in, last year these went out and people could decline and be considered so I would not go by a Facebook post. Please keep us posted. @clarksonarmy any insight?
 
Dckc88 - Thanks for the idea, before I throw in the towel on later boarding, I will check with my ROO and get his feedback. I appreciate all the help and the board is a great resource!
 
AROTC Parent said:
Georgia1998 - this is just wrong for CC (Cadet Command) to put these HS seniors in a position with little chance to compete for AD by forcing them into the ECP and to the MJC's.

Was there anything in the scholarship application that 'selected' ECP as part of the application. Cadet Command is making a mistake with this. Go read QA1517's posts in the linked thread by AROTC-dad. They were convinced by the ROO that their son could compete for active duty with the National OML/Accessions process. They learned two years in that he was denied even competing because they would not revoke his GRFD contract.

This should be addressed with Cadet Command if applicants cannot decline the ECP as part of the boarding/scholarship process and continue to compete for a 3/4 year national scholarship.
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The application might have changed since DS did it but at that time there was nothing about ECP anyplace. We didn't even know the ECP program existed until presented to us from the JMC. And to begin with DS was going to do the 2+2 program. Which was traditional ROTC just 2 years at MJC then 2 yrs at a follow up school. No restrictions. That program does not exist any longer.

I have to admit that there was a lot of information presented to us that technically was true. It's kind of like listening to a car salesman, they don't lie, they just don't tell the whole truth.
When DS accepted a scholarship the Army was still going strong, by the time he graduated they were cutting back. The ECP program is one of those things they cut back on as far as AD. As stated, it changes in mid stream sometimes and cadets don't have time to react to the changes.

I firmly believe the ECP program is still around to keep the JMC's open and to provide an avenue to college and commissioning (even though it might not be AD) that some kids might not have otherwise. Without it there would not be much reason for the JMCs to exist in today's educational atmosphere.

Edit: And I definitely agree with all others here, by all means contact someone directly or multiple sources even to get the full information. Lots of smart people on here.
 
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Thanks QA1517 - appreciate the information. It is better to hear from voices with experience than guessing or drawing conclusions on my own. I am going to research and hope my chance for future board award are not gone.
 
I also reiecved the ECP scholarship, and emailed them back right away to clarify if I can decline and be considered for the next 2 boards.

If that isn't the case.... then what a waste of time. Not that I have no interest in an MJC, but I'm more suited for the traditional 4 year college experience.
 
FYI - just reviewed my four year first board email and copied to share. it is clear an applicant acceptance, future board offers are nil. But, one might still have a chance at a future board if declined with no assurance an offer will come. Maybe board is polite and giving a suggestion that it is better to have a bird in the hand?

Good luck to all!

Email below:
1
Understand you may have many questions about these scholarship offers. Here

are a few Frequently Asked Questions about the ECP program and these

scholarship offers, additional information was in the winner instructions.

Q1. Does this scholarship offer mean I will not get another offer after the

upcoming scholarship boards?

A1. If you accept this offer then you will no longer compete for a 4 year scholarship.

If you decline the offer then you will continue to compete until all boards have been

concluded. You may or may not get another scholarship offer in our subsequent boards.

Q2. Is ECP the same ROTC program as the 4 year ROTC program I applied for?

A2. This ECP program is also a 4 year program only the cadets are commissioned after

gaining their associates degree and completing all ROTC training requirements at an MJC,

then immediately attend a follow on 4 year institution to complete their Undergraduate Degree.

Additionally, cadets falling under the ECP program may receive up to 4 years of financial assistance,

just as if receiving a 4 year scholarship at a 4 year ROTC program; Two years while a cadet at the

MJC and 2 years at their follow on schools while Lieutenants.

Q3. What follow on school may I attend?

A3. Any of the 1000+ Army ROTC affiliated schools. You can attend any school

that is affiliated with ROTC to include the Ivy Schools, private institutions, or state schools.

Q4: Am I able to commission into the active duty?

A4: All ECP cadets commission into the Reserve Component after completing their associate's degree

at one of the 5 MJCs and serve in the US Army Reserves or Army National Guard; if an ECP cadet

wishes to compete for active duty after they complete their Bachelor's degree, they will need to submit this request

prior to graduating from the MJC. If their request is approved then when the ECP 2LT goes through the accessions

process at their follow on 4year School they will compete for active duty along with all other ROTC cadets for that year's

cohort.


Scholarship Program Management Branch, RMID

1st and 6th Brigade Scholarship Program Manager

U.S. Army Cadet Command
 
Georgia1998 said:
FYI - just reviewed my four year first board email and copied to share. it is clear an applicant acceptance, future board offers are nil. But, one might still have a chance at a future board if declined with no assurance an offer will come. Maybe board is polite and giving a suggestion that it is better to have a bird in the hand?
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From what the email FAQ states, if you decline the ECP offer you would still be rolled over to the next two Scholarship Boards the same as every other applicant and would be able to still compete for a regular AROTC Scholarship.

I would still contact a ROO to get a confirmation on this. If you want the 4 year college with ROTC and Active Duty then I would stay with the National Scholarship process if it is confirmed you can do so.

I have to say the Wentworth FB post is very misleading in saying that you will not get any further offers from the next two boards. They seemed to leave out the section about declining the offer that was stated in the email from cadet Command. After reading that I'm not sure I would trust much of what they tell you.

As far as the part that says you may or may not receive a scholarship on the next two boards.....that goes for everyone that has applied, not just those that decline the ECP offer.

Don't make a decision based on "A bird in the hand" Stick with what you really want, you have been accepted to some great schools and even if you do not get an offer on the next two boards you can have the opportunity to excel at your school and battalion and put yourself in a position to still receive a scholarship from the battalion.
 
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QA1517 said:
I firmly believe the ECP program is still around to keep the JMC's open and to provide an avenue to college and commissioning (even though it might not be AD) that some kids might not have otherwise. Without it there would not be much reason for the JMCs to exist in today's educational atmosphere.

Edit: And I definitely agree with all others here, by all means contact someone directly or multiple sources even to get the full information. Lots of smart people on here.
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Based on the email from the 1st and 6th Bde Scholarship Program Manager received by Georgia1998 - I fully agree with QA1517 that this is to keep the JMC's open. This is coercion that no 18 year old should be forced to experience. It is an unhealthy relationship between cadet command and these JMC's forcing HS Seniors to determine their component (AD vs Reserves/NG) now. The email leaves out significant information regarding the AD option as the likelihood of getting the GRFD # revoked is poor.

Based on what I read on the UNG website the experience in ROTC/Corps of Cadets the last two years is negligible. I guess this is their way of eliminating the SMC AD 'advantage'. I wonder what the other SMC's do? Are the ECP Lieutenants that attend VMI, Citadel, Norwich, .... not given the same consideration for AD as 4 year graduates per US Code Title 10.
Early Commissioning Program (ECP) Lieutenants
ECP Lieutenants who apply and are accepted for admission to the University of North Georgia (UNG) will attend UNG as civilian undergraduate students and will not participate in the Corps of Cadets. All ECP Lieutenants will however continue a limited professional development program while at UNG under the supervision of the Professor of Military Science. ECP Lieutenants wanting to transfer to UNG should refer to the admission requirements and application procedures for civilian transfer students.
 
AROTC Parent said:
Based on the email from the 1st and 6th Bde Scholarship Program Manager received by Georgia1998 - I fully agree with QA1517 that this is to keep the JMC's open. This is coercion that no 18 year old should be forced to experience. It is an unhealthy relationship between cadet command and these JMC's forcing HS Seniors to determine their component (AD vs Reserves/NG) now. The email leaves out significant information regarding the AD option as the likelihood of getting the GRFD # revoked is poor.

Based on what I read on the UNG website the experience in ROTC/Corps of Cadets the last two years is negligible. I guess this is their way of eliminating the SMC AD 'advantage'. I wonder what the other SMC's do? Are the ECP Lieutenants that attend VMI, Citadel, Norwich, .... not given the same consideration for AD as 4 year graduates per US Code Title 10.
Early Commissioning Program (ECP) Lieutenants
ECP Lieutenants who apply and are accepted for admission to the University of North Georgia (UNG) will attend UNG as civilian undergraduate students and will not participate in the Corps of Cadets. All ECP Lieutenants will however continue a limited professional development program while at UNG under the supervision of the Professor of Military Science. ECP Lieutenants wanting to transfer to UNG should refer to the admission requirements and application procedures for civilian transfer students.
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It is my understanding, let me repeat, my understanding that if your GRFD is not revoked while at the JMC you will not be offered AD from an SMC because you are already in the reserve forces and they hold your control number.

I e-mailed DS's old ROO. He indicated cadet command started offering ECP scholarships last year as a way to better promote and grow the program that very few people know about to begin with. According to him 100 scholarships are offered from EACH board, but the majority of scholarships will still be offered from the schools.

Also, just FYI, to get your GRFD number revoked it must be approved by your JMC PMS and/or Cadet Command, and the Army Commander.
If the first 2 say yes but the Army says no it does not get revoked.

If you do get it revoked you will be competing for AD against cadets nationwide from the year you graduate from your follow up school that have had 3 years to build their OML points while you essentially just had 1 year (with the exception of gpa and possibly a couple for doing SMP).
 
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