Can Army pull 3-year ROTC scholarship before it begins?

bballdad

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DS just received news he would be getting a 3 year Army ROTC scholarship, so I was wondering how iron-clad those are? Obviously if he's not pulling his weight academically, physically, morally, etc., I understand that. Any other pitfalls to be aware of? DS is looking at really expensive schools, so we don't want to explore that path if hit can be yanked for very little reason.
 
Has he passed DoDMERB YET?

He could always decide ROTC is not for him once he actually experiences it.
 
He will have to pass DodMerb and get any medical issues cleared. They will do this freshman year. Tell him to begin the process ASAP. Other than that, keep grades up, show up for everything, and keep out of trouble!
 
DS just received news he would be getting a 3 year Army ROTC scholarship, so I was wondering how iron-clad those are? Obviously if he's not pulling his weight academically, physically, morally, etc., I understand that. Any other pitfalls to be aware of? DS is looking at really expensive schools, so we don't want to explore that path if hit can be yanked for very little reason.
"Iron Clad", maybe not so. Will the Army pull it, they could depending on a whole lot of issues. Medical, Physical, Academic, Military Skills, etc. If you are REALLY worried about cost, beware! I would recommend contacting his choice of school's financial aid departments and speaking with them regarding fall back financial aid. Also remember, a lot of times the ROTC Scholarship only covers tuition, fees, and a stipend, only certain schools offer room and board in conjunction with military service scholarships.

If y'all haven't completed the FAFSA yet, do so immediately so you can get an idea of what financing is offered other than the ROTC scholarship. There are Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and usually "in house" scholarship money from alumni. Check and find out before something happens, what will be there to help out with costs. The unknown is just that, unknown, and can cause major financial issues if not prepared or aware of them, research everything and if your financial position does not allow you to assist in covering any cost if something bad happens, then have a frank discussion with your son as to the ramifications of losing his scholarship. Medical issues happen, and while he will not have to repay the scholarship, he will need to fund the remainder of his college education.
 
It’s always recommended, that the financial piece be taken into account. And choose a school that one can afford should something happen. Like @Impulsive mentioned. Every year, there are posters here in a conundrum, trying to figure out how to either pay, or transfer (after establishing roots).
 
Has he passed DoDMERB YET?

He could always decide ROTC is not for him once he actually experiences it.
He has. He's actually sitting on West Point and Navy appointments, as well. Still waiting on USAFA. He wants to serve, and will most likely decline West Point if he hasnt already done so and will probably ultimately choose USNA, but he also wants to gather as much info as possible before making a final decision, which I applaud. The schools he has Army ROTC scholarships for are also dream schools for him, so talking about it while applying is much different now that he has firm options.
 
He has. He's actually sitting on West Point and Navy appointments, as well. Still waiting on USAFA. He wants to serve, and will most likely decline West Point if he hasnt already done so and will probably ultimately choose USNA, but he also wants to gather as much info as possible before making a final decision, which I applaud. The schools he has Army ROTC scholarships for are also dream schools for him, so talking about it while applying is much different now that he has firm options.
He can factor into his decision-making that those civilian dream schools may well be options for him for post-graduate opportunities on AD or post-service opportunities using the Post-9/11 GI Bill VA educational benefit. And, he can, say, attend USNA for a year without penalty (it’s actually 2), decide it’s not for him, head off to that civilian dream school and AROTC.

Of course, I hope he is really focusing on the nature and culture of the service he will spend at least 5 or more years in (earning 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill requires 36 months AD after completion of original ADSO), not just the 4-year way station of the SA or civilian school.
 
Appreciate the insight. I'm glad I have this forum to vet out all options to help ensure he makes a 100% eyes open decision. Prior to applying, he was leaning West Point...until he visited USAFA. Then back again to West Point when he visited there after. Then after he did USNA summer seminar and USAFA summer seminar, he was set on USNA. Said it was the best fit. Then did a CVW there, which validated his preference.

He's not a fickle kid, but all three have their draw for someone who wants to serve, but each is definitely its own animal. ROTC, especially at some top notch non-military institutions, just adds other variables he hasn't truly appreciated and vetted out yet. Its a monumental decision for 18 year old young adults to make and he will ultimately make his decision taking into account as much as he can wrap his mind around. But, yeah, he's focused on all the right things.
 
DS just received news he would be getting a 3 year Army ROTC scholarship, so I was wondering how iron-clad those are? Obviously if he's not pulling his weight academically, physically, morally, etc., I understand that. Any other pitfalls to be aware of? DS is looking at really expensive schools, so we don't want to explore that path if hit can be yanked for very little reason.
One must meet standards all the way through to activate and keep the scholarship.
Another perspective on imo an even larger risk in ROTC at a pricey school. after you activate the scholarship as an upperclassman in ROTC. if you don’t make it to graduate/commission / serve then you *may owe all scholarship monies back or have to enlist to repay. Read the contract.

Imo The lowest risk path here would be at a service academy for two years, hopefully all four. It would also cover year one cost. But that path isn’t for everyone.

My hs senior is getting full pictures of what merit aid/ scholarships are available at each accepted school including some pricey options. Some scholarships are generous. That full pic may help your son decide as the pricey schools may be less pricey than the full price sticker-significantly. Good luck. Thanks for his willingness to serve.
 
The scholarship offer is conditional, not "iron clad". 3AD scholarships need to be validated by the PMS the july after completion of Freshman year. The validation is that the cadet has passed the ACFT, is DODMERB qualified, and has a 2.5 sem and cum gpa.
 
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