AROTC Paths from Academy

[TheHighCastle230]

DS was on a 3YR Army scholarship. He was about to contract his sophomore year until he learned he was appointed to USMA. He took it, but he's told me since the very beginning he wish he stayed. We agreed for him to wait it out, but he has been set, even messaging me this morning saying he's miserable and wants to go home at any cost. At first I thought he'd get over it, but the feelings have only gotten stronger. I can no longer support him staying if feelings are this strong. No degree is worth the depression. Are there special waivers or anything that he can do to get his scholarship back? I know the answer is most likely no, but any suggestions and avenues are welcomed. Thankyou!

 

[Herman_Snerd]

I phoned a friend for you, my cousin who graduated from West Point back when we thought George Michael was a lady's man, and MTV was in it's infancy. Here is his solicited guidance which is more about not quitting and getting counsel vs "coming home" if he wants options to stay in the Army:
Encourage him to speak with his TAC. What does the TAC say?
Make sure he knows it is very common for a plebe to be overwhelmed / very miserable at USMA and seriously questioning their decision. Your description matches the majority of plebes.
He should speak with his TAC Officer / chain of command about his feeling overwhelmed/ miserable and to request options to stay and options to return to AROTC in a mature way that helps them understand he is resolved/ not quitting and yet that he wants to understand.
Belay the "coming home" talk for now until you get more data. Can you call Army command and find some answers/ data on returning to ROTC/ keeping the scholarship for him?
After this semester he can pack up and never return if he wants. He should stick out the semester and confirm his future path/ get some college credits and be a West Point transfer, not WP dropout.
If his depression is severe that staying there is risking his health, is the Army the right place for him? Does he need to be under the care of a physician? Is this a 911 crisis or are you knee-jerk reacting to what every plebe goes through?

I have no solid recommendation here personally except to say I agree with the point about being a transfer vs a dropout, and to wish your son and family good luck. I would acknowledge to him that he doesn't have to stay there permanently, and let him know you'll be with him to walk through all of this, and that it WILL be ok. But hopefully he won't quit yet until you get more data.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

I should add scholarships are given out per year and from a budget. I think he gave it back. But there may be options to rejoin AROTC on scholarship and I recommend you call Cadet command tomorrow and find them out to help out your son. Normally there is a push on this board to empower young people to do it themselves but it sounds like your DS is in crisis. GL.

 

[clarksonarmy]

He can enroll in Army ROTC and compete for a campus based scholarship. I am all but certain that his original scholarship is not an option. If he wants to become an Army Officer then I’m sure there is a path, but I would be very surprised if it will include a scholarship at this point. I strongly recommend you look into the SMP option and non scholarship options There won’t be many programs out there that still have campus based scholarships unspoken for at this point, but you never know.

 

[justdoit19]

STRONGLY recommend he speak with chaplains. They are FANTASTIC. And trained in all sorts of things. Can identify normal misery from crisis stuff. Confidentially. And they can cut through stuff to make proper accommodations. They are on his side. And you can also call, of course they won’t break confidentiality. And personally I would have my child’s permission to do that. But they are wonderful.

It’s hard to be objective when you are the parent. I feel like a trained, unbiased look at the situation is a really good idea, before walking away from this. It could be a situational thing, especially coming off break. Especially after hanging with friends. And GF’s. And home.

Hope this works out ok for y’all.

 

[NavyUMO]

As a USNA grad (albeit a few years ago !) I can vividly remember being in the phone banks (yes before cell phones) and crying about going home. 30 years later, I just retired from Naval Service. I know it is really tough the first year but it really does get better. If he can just get out of his freshman year and get to his first summer training and a bit more freedom next year, I think he will turn the corner.

 

[GT_ROTC]

He can also speak with his academic instructors. I was an Assistant Professor for 3 years and met with my cadets frequently to discuss topics outside of the academic discipline.

 

[jaglvr]

It sounds like he prefered the normal college experience with ROTC vs the SA version to get to the same point. Has he reached out to his prior ROTC unit for options?

Is this the same student at USMAPS wanting USAFA?

 

[Herman_Snerd]

I took a moment to read all threads from the OP. I see a chameleon -simply all over the map on who they say they are and where they say they are and who changes stated goals from post to post based on which forum they are posting in, like Tarzan swinging from vine to vine. So before any of you fall for this as hard as I did, here are a few data points.

Actually at a prep school. Implied he accepted an appointment and was at USMA and was struggling there. Maybe he has a contingent acceptance if he can get through a prep year. OP, prep schools are honorable. Many who attend will go on to the academies - quite a few will not.
Stated "Knows how to succeed at an academy" IMO implying he has experience at one, Doesn't appear to be accurate.
Stating DS regrets leaving ROTC for a USMA appt and consistently just wants to go to go back to ROTC.
Then days later posting about about an interest in going to the Air Force Academy from his prep school.
Implied advanced standing / finishing junior year in AROTC then months later implied being at a sophomore when leaving this for a USMA appt.

I'm curious if we'll see a soap-opera like response which clarifies he has twins or some nutty attempt to justify the multiple conflicting representations of who they are. Reminds me of Caddyshack when Danny would say "I've always wanted to be a" priest, rabbi, lawyer, golf pro judge, etc. based on who he was speaking with.

Hopefully soon OPs son will be at an academy, living one of his dreams. Good luck to him. Thanks for his willingness to serve.