AROTC vs USMA

[Ice64]

My DS recently was awarded a 4 yr AROTC scholarship. He also has a LOE and is 3Q to USMA and I think is likely to get an appointment in a couple of months. So in a few months he will be likely faced with the choice of USMA or AROTC. The AROTC university has a good undergrad business school. My son would like to be in business when/if his military career is over. He is wondering if going AROTC and doing summer business internships, or going to USMA and studying economics would set him up better for a career in the business world if the army doesn't become a 20-30 yr career. He also knows he has the option to go reserve should he go AROTC. He isn't sure that he is a 20-30 yr army career person and this will be a tough decision for him from all he has told me. He has no trouble with the initial service commitment but wants to be best career prepared in case he gets out after that initial commitment. We are open to all the thoughts and wisdom from the experienced people on this board. Thank you in advance.

 

[Roxymom]

He should accept AROTC before deadline. No guarantees with USMA. DS did not get the TWE until May if I recall.
There are threads on here about academy vs ROTC choices. Make sure he visits both. He should have more questions now that he's a 4 yr awardee. It's understood that if one chooses USMA then someone else may have an AROTC spot.

 

[Ice64]

DS already accepted the AROTC offer to his #1 school. He is just pondering what his final decision will be should he be appointed to USMA.

 

[k2rider]

It's no guarantee and I know there are also great colleges but my personal opinion is being a graduate of West Point opens all kinds of doors....both in the Army and civilian life.

 

[armydaughter]

My son had a similar dilemma. He had his USMA appointment and 4-year ROTC scholarship to his first choice school. He agonized until the last possible minute. We took him for overnight visits to both schools in April and that made up his mind. He had some of the same issues regarding more opportunities in his field at the civilian school. Everyone is going to have different "hot" buttons but I wouldn't necessarily count on internships. My son had Army stuff every summer (Project Go, CULP and then CLT). He didn't even do the semester abroad which he thought was a "must" since he didn't want to miss anything back at school. But he still believes he made the right decision.

 

[NavyHoops]

Bottom line... what school will he thrive at better? For some the 24/7 military of a SA is suffocating and ROTC is a better fit. For others the regimented lifestyle is much better for them. USMA guarantees active duty. ROTC does not. For some the reserve option is appealing. Also remember that option can change based upon the needs of the Army. As Army daughter stated don't count on internships, as army training takes precedence. Some work it in and others aren't able to. If USMA becomes an option, visit both before making a decision.