AROTC 3rd Board...Place to Wait

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Clueless parent question #673 - is the commitment the same, 8 years, for the 3 year winners as the 4 year winners?
 
Yes.
see http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/service-commitment.html
(3 and 4 year scholarship awardees, if go active duty, incur 4 year active, 4 year IRR)

Good short summary from a college AROTC website

" Non-scholarship cadets incur no obligation during the first two years of Army ROTC.
At the beginning of their junior (Military Science III) year, non-scholarship cadets agree to accept a commission in the U.S. Army upon completion of the required academic and military courses.
Four-year scholarship cadets may withdraw from the program prior to their sophomore year and incur no military service obligation. They do not have to pay back their scholarship benefits. Four-year and three-year scholarship cadets incur a military service obligation beginning their sophomore year. Two-year scholarship cadets incur a military service obligation beginning their junior year.
All Army ROTC graduates incur an eight-year military service obligation. This may be accomplished by serving on active duty or reserve duty. Cadets who receive an active duty assignment normally serve four years followed by service in the Army National Guard (ARNG) or United States Army Reserve (USAR) or the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) for the remainder of the eight-year obligation. Cadets who receive a reserve duty assignment normally serve eight years in an ARNG or USAR Troop Program Unit which includes a three- to six-month active duty period for initial training."
 
Thanks!! DS current plans are career Army, so he isn't concerned about the obligation. But as a parent, I know he is only 18 and things can change. I think he will likely stick to his plan, but one never knows.
 
Well, DS worked late last night then went to friends after, so I just now finally got to talk to him about not getting the national scholarship. He was disappointed but said "it's ok mom, I'm still going to be an officer in the Army." Now he's on his way to the gym. Super proud of that boy - he has such a passion for serving our country. He worked his butt off this year, but his overall GPA (darn two years of Spanish - language is not his thing!) most likely kept him out of contention all three rounds (I know there were other things he could have done too). I've had lots of private conversations with several of you here over the last several months, and we've received some great advice for him to continue on this path - thank you to all for the great advice - this forum is great!. The good news - he is now going to his #1 choice school anyway, and we can finally tell people which school he is going to - no more wondering, and he doesn't have to apply to the other 5 schools that were on his application - phew! :)

Again, congratulations to all who got the ROTC scholarships - happy for you!
 
Confused parent here; my son was just awarded the 3 year to Marshall University, which at the time was his number one pick. Here within the past couple of months, he learned about Marion Military Institute, and their ECP program. Along with the ECP program, he has the opportunity to be a wrestler at Marion. Now with the three year offer on the table it does complicate things a little. We aren't sure what to do.
 
It's a little after0 03:00 AM in the morning. My DS just discovered he was looking under the wrong tab in the portal. Each time he logged in throughout the evening and night he was met with a blank screen. There were no words like "boarded" or "winner" - just an empty screen. We had all but given up hope. Just mopping around with disappointment and sorrow. After he fumbled around looking under the different tabs, he learned he was actually a scholarship winner. His options are the University of Houston, Rice University, and Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, he wasn't accepted to his first choice (Georgetown U) but we're thankful for what we can get. Man, talk about an emotional letdown and then sudden high.

Congratulations!!! -- but I think I would beat him silly! ;)
 
Well, DS worked late last night then went to friends after, so I just now finally got to talk to him about not getting the national scholarship. He was disappointed but said "it's ok mom, I'm still going to be an officer in the Army." Now he's on his way to the gym. Super proud of that boy - he has such a passion for serving our country. He worked his butt off this year, but his overall GPA (darn two years of Spanish - language is not his thing!) most likely kept him out of contention all three rounds (I know there were other things he could have done too). I've had lots of private conversations with several of you here over the last several months, and we've received some great advice for him to continue on this path - thank you to all for the great advice - this forum is great!. The good news - he is now going to his #1 choice school anyway, and we can finally tell people which school he is going to - no more wondering, and he doesn't have to apply to the other 5 schools that were on his application - phew! :)

Again, congratulations to all who got the ROTC scholarships - happy for you!

Well said Snowmon and I couldn't agree more. It's been asuch a rewarding experience chatting with everyone in the board and directly through PM'ing. When I look back at last July when me and my DS jumped into this process head-first I had no clue what we were in for and it's been a heck of a learning experience. Even with the lack of an award, I'd do it again without hesitation lest I miss out on the opportunity to learn/connect with so many wonderful people. Now we know where our DS is going and at the end of the day, I hope my DS has the opportunity to not only serve as an officer, but alongside all your fine DS's and DD's. Exciting times ahead and God Bless.
 
3 YR AD - University of Central Florida, Florida State University, & University of South Florida
My son is currently an MS1 at USF-Tampa. Did you tour the school and speak with the ROO? He also lives in the ROTC LLC dorms. Loves every second of it!

Best of luck to you!
 
Confused parent here; my son was just awarded the 3 year to Marshall University, which at the time was his number one pick. Here within the past couple of months, he learned about Marion Military Institute, and their ECP program. Along with the ECP program, he has the opportunity to be a wrestler at Marion. Now with the three year offer on the table it does complicate things a little. We aren't sure what to do.

You might want to search the ROTC thread for past discussions on Early Commissioning Program. Or start a new thread as it is interesting program. If he goes to MMI, which is one of the five junior military colleges that offer ECP, he can be commissioned early, but he will still need to complete bachelor degree within 36 months (?) of commissioning. Limited understanding is with ECP he will go to guard or reserve upon commissioning. Upon final degree may then have an option for active duty. Others in know will also be able to discuss service options, reserve, national guard, or active duty. You may want to reach out to MMI and speak with PMS there. Nice options and congratulations.
 
Well, DS worked late last night then went to friends after, so I just now finally got to talk to him about not getting the national scholarship. He was disappointed but said "it's ok mom, I'm still going to be an officer in the Army." Now he's on his way to the gym. Super proud of that boy - he has such a passion for serving our country. He worked his butt off this year, but his overall GPA (darn two years of Spanish - language is not his thing!) most likely kept him out of contention all three rounds (I know there were other things he could have done too). I've had lots of private conversations with several of you here over the last several months, and we've received some great advice for him to continue on this path - thank you to all for the great advice - this forum is great!. The good news - he is now going to his #1 choice school anyway, and we can finally tell people which school he is going to - no more wondering, and he doesn't have to apply to the other 5 schools that were on his application - phew! :)

Again, congratulations to all who got the ROTC scholarships - happy for you!

Like you when we truly realized we barely made the third Board round, I thought it will be a great learning opportunity for DS to not procrastinate on certain things. We were not shocked that he won a 4 year scholarship, but we were hesitant as we opened the application site yesterday. He is a hard worker, 3 Varsity Sports- 2 since Freshman year, National Honors Society, etc... but we were so worried about the lateness of applying and his PMS interview. God Bless the OML scoring for not dinging those late to the process. Your DS sounds amazing and sounds like he has a great parent helping to guide him... Best of Luck!
 
Confused parent here; my son was just awarded the 3 year to Marshall University, which at the time was his number one pick. Here within the past couple of months, he learned about Marion Military Institute, and their ECP program. Along with the ECP program, he has the opportunity to be a wrestler at Marion. Now with the three year offer on the table it does complicate things a little. We aren't sure what to do.

Think real hard about this option. If your son has been offered a 3 year scholarship then he is one of the lucky ones, there are even chances that scholarship could be upgraded during his first year.

ECP is a very big risk if your son has any desire to serve in Active Duty, he will most likely be required to remain in the reserves/NG.

There is a poster on here who's son is an ECP cadet, she can tell you more about the program and the current changes.

Very few people would ever give up a ROTC Scholarship to Marshall to attend a Junior Military College.

Before talking any further to Marion, make sure your son talks to Marshall. The Junior Military Colleges will make the ECP program sound like the best thing since sliced bread. Talk to the cadre at Marshall first.
 
Before talking any further to Marion, make sure your son talks to Marshall. The Junior Military Colleges will make the ECP program sound like the best thing since sliced bread. Talk to the cadre at Marshall first.
Strongly concur. I have not had good luck with ECPs, but I have two of my local applicants that went that route last year who seem to be doing fine at VFMA. I have tasked them to not follow in the footsteps of the two disasters I've seen come out of the ECP program. I saw them over break and they are doing well, but I made sure they went into that program with eyes wide open. The JMC certainly sell the benefits, without highlighting the challenges. That's all I'll say...Make sure you talk to Marshall before making any decisions.
 
Strongly concur. I have not had good luck with ECPs, but I have two of my local applicants that went that route last year who seem to be doing fine at VFMA. I have tasked them to not follow in the footsteps of the two disasters I've seen come out of the ECP program. I saw them over break and they are doing well, but I made sure they went into that program with eyes wide open. The JMC certainly sell the benefits, without highlighting the challenges. That's all I'll say...Make sure you talk to Marshall before making any decisions.

Thanks so much! Would you be willing to share what you consider to be the shortcomings? We have read everything we can find about the ECP program and obviously there are very mixed reviews. My husband was enlisted Reserves so this is all a little out of our element. We are both graduates from Marshall so seeing our son go there is a good thing. With that being said, where its a 3 year scholarship we are concerned that MMI might provide him a better environment to be successful his 1st year.
 
Well, I am very glad to see so many forum members become scholarship winners. I was away this weekend spending my last Mom's Weekend with my DS at his university. I cannot believe it has been four years since our own scholarship boards experience.

And, no he wasn't a scholarship winner...however, he will commission(God willing)on May 2 in his first choice branch AD. How did he make it happen - a few points for those working on plans B-Z.

The ROO at your first choice school should be your new best friend. Let them know you are coming in anyway and ask what kind of support can they offer. My DS's ROO was amazing, he got him a recruiter and a spot in the Ohio National Guard. He did attend basic, but not AIT and he did not miss any school to do this since his ROO worked very hard for him since my DS continually had visited the school and stayed in touch throughout. Without this ROO my DS might not have navigated his path so easily. Yes, this mom will be writing a thank you note to this very important person!

Be prepared. DS is an Eagle Scout - this took on a whole new meaning to be prepared for AROTC and the Army in general. Be prepared to work harder, smarter and be prepared for CHANGE. The rules change, the people change and even he changed. The path to comission isn't for the faint of heart.

Take care of yourself. Be healthy and make healthy choices, eat well and sleep. This sounds so basic, but it is so easy to fall into the college life of poor decisions and habits. You cannot perform to the best of your ability if you are feeding your body crap and allowing fatigue to wear you down.

And perhaps the hardest - be prepared to let it go. DS has faced a few moments when it looked like this dream might not happen. Some his fault some were just circumstances. Every year we've read about the cadets that lose scholarships and even commissions. Have a plan B so you can move on if you have to let go of this dream.

I do hope to read next semester that some of these fine future cadets are offered some well deserved money assistance with scholarships. Look forward to reading about some contracting and commissioning too.

Hope this helps somebody out.
 
Take care of yourself. Be healthy and make healthy choices, eat well and sleep. This sounds so basic, but it is so easy to fall into the college life of poor decisions and habits. You cannot perform to the best of your ability if you are feeding your body crap and allowing fatigue to wear you down.
^^^
This.
 
Thanks so much! Would you be willing to share what you consider to be the shortcomings? We have read everything we can find about the ECP program and obviously there are very mixed reviews. My husband was enlisted Reserves so this is all a little out of our element. We are both graduates from Marshall so seeing our son go there is a good thing. With that being said, where its a 3 year scholarship we are concerned that MMI might provide him a better environment to be successful his 1st year.
The biggest challenge for them is that in the past they had to attend camp prior to their first year and right after their first year. They were at the same camp with rising juniors and seniors. Now that I think about it, with the new camp system (CIET and CST) and the fact the Camp is no longer an assessment they might have a little better situation.

The other concern is that once they finish their 2 years they have to have a plan to complete their 4 year degree and continue to meet the standards, and drill in the Guard or Reserves while they do that. The two ECPs I've dealt with in the last 10 years either didn't have a good plan, or failed to meet the standards. The maturity level and and the decision making ability were lacking. Spending two years in an environment where you are closely supervised and must adhere to the strict rules doesn't develop the self motivation one sees in successful ROTC cadets in at a 4 year program.

My experience is anecdotal and based on two bad experiences, so I could be way off base. I'm also a little biased and have seen the results over 10 years of a program at a very supportive school with a good ROTC Battalion able to balance the academic rigors and the ROTC requirements. Your mileage may vary.
 
I've been staying in touch with this forum and noticed several parents posting and came to realize I wasnt the only one going through this waiting process. As my DD received her college acceptances we moved foward with the admissions process on a couple of colleges and even have paid fees to avoid losing the acceptance and continue to hope for a ROTC scholarship to one of her schools she has begun the admissions process. My DD found out on Friday she was a winner for a 3yr scholarship Hurray! but it was to her last school choice and the only one she hasnt really even begun the admission process and there are deadlines to meet by this Friday or she will loose her acceptance. I'm hoping her official Scholarship offer letter comes in the mail this week so she can try and transfer to one of the schools she really wants to go too but I have no clue how long it will take to find out if the Board will approve the transfer. Such hard decisions to make and there are to many unknowns. This is very stressful not knowing what school to move foward with.
 
We were wondering the same thing. My DS just recently found out that the university battalion representative he was working with was not the decision maker that he represented himself to be, and in fact we have documented proof that he may have left my sons information off the university server.
As BC of the local AJROTC unit, with a 2150 SAT, he immediately contacted his AI with copies of the emails in hand.
The man had a coniption when he read them. Considering he used to BE one of the staff at the university in question, and had personally called the Colonel who personally did the interview (as a courtesy).
He says he will call whoever he can this weekend, but I am reasonably concerned that there is nothing ANYONE can do once CC has made and published the final offers.
After 4 YRS. in JROTC my DS is now considering simply accepting regular merit and need based scholarship opportunities and dropping from the program that he has given so much of his time and that failed to give him back what he earned. I don't agree, but I do understand his frustration.

Junior ROTC and ROTC are not as intertwined as the names suggest, and have very little in common. Two completely different missions, curriculums, and overall cultures. One strives to make better citizens. The other trains future warrior-leaders. What he did in JROTC translates to just about nothing in ROTC. It sounds like someone led you to believe something that wasn't quite true and it ended up bad, which is unfortunate, but that is not the fault of USACC. If he truly wants to be an officer, this should be nothing but a small roadblock to overcome. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by University servers, but the ROTC scholarship process is national, not through university's, and candidates submit their applications through the national portal, not individual schools. Don't let this incident leave a sour taste toward the overall institution of ROTC.

"Trust, but verify."
 
We were wondering the same thing. My DS just recently found out that the university battalion representative he was working with was not the decision maker that he represented himself to be, and in fact we have documented proof that he may have left my sons information off the university server.
As BC of the local AJROTC unit, with a 2150 SAT, he immediately contacted his AI with copies of the emails in hand.
The man had a coniption when he read them. Considering he used to BE one of the staff at the university in question, and had personally called the Colonel who personally did the interview (as a courtesy).
He says he will call whoever he can this weekend, but I am reasonably concerned that there is nothing ANYONE can do once CC has made and published the final offers.
After 4 YRS. in JROTC my DS is now considering simply accepting regular merit and need based scholarship opportunities and dropping from the program that he has given so much of his time and that failed to give him back what he earned. I don't agree, but I do understand his frustration.

Just a couple questions.

What is an AI?

Did your son fill out and submit a complete AROTC Scholarship application
Did his portal show that everything had been received.
Did his portal show that he was "Boarded"

What is the University Server that his information was left off.
What was the information you suspect was left off.
What type of decision maker did the Battalion Rep say he was, and who was the Rep.
Who did the interview for your son's application.

What program is your son considering dropping from....JROTC?
Would your son join AROTC at the university he plans to attend?

Thanks, answers to some of the above may make it easier to follow what happened.
 
Just a couple questions.

What is an AI?

Did your son fill out and submit a complete AROTC Scholarship application
Did his portal show that everything had been received.
Did his portal show that he was "Boarded"

What is the University Server that his information was left off.
What was the information you suspect was left off.
What type of decision maker did the Battalion Rep say he was, and who was the Rep.
Who did the interview for your son's application.

What program is your son considering dropping from....JROTC?
Would your son join AROTC at the university he plans to attend?

Thanks, answers to some of the above may make it easier to follow what happened.

I do know, unless something has changed, that AI= Army Instructor. Usually the NCO Instructor in a JROTC unit. SAI (Senior Army Instructor) is usually the OIC.
 
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