Comissioning Option after non contracted ROTC option

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Bballfan

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Hello All

I was disenrolled from AFROTC after one semester as a 100. I don't want to get to deep into why I got disenrolled because it will be to much of an identifier, but the general reason is for inability to adapt to military environment. It wasn't for a DUI, or grades, or PT score(I had trouble with PT and only got an 83, but seeing as they give cadets a chance their first semester with PT, I don't think it was main reason). I was non scholarship and non contracted. Will I ever be able to commission into any branch of the military? One of the officers in our det said OTS is an option. I am trying to go to my schools NROTC unit after a year(would probably cause an extra year on degree but thats fine). I am taking a year gap from ROTC to adjust to my new school and improve myself so I can actually have some substance applying to another branch ROTC unit. Would it be possible for me to sell this to another ROTC unit commander or OTS/OCS board as just I wasn't ready at the time I can make it this time. Thank you all, and if its a bit confusing I apologize.
 
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KamalHassan said:
Hello All

I was disenrolled from AFROTC after one semester as a 100. I don't want to get to deep into why I got disenrolled because it will be to much of an identifier, but the general reason is for inability to adapt to military environment. It wasn't for a DUI, or grades, or PT score(I had trouble with PT and only got an 83, but seeing as they give cadets a chance their first semester with PT, I don't think it was main reason). I was non scholarship and non contracted. Will I ever be able to commission into any branch of the military? One of the officers in our det said OTS is an option. I am trying to go to my schools NROTC unit after a year(would probably cause an extra year on degree but thats fine). I am taking a year gap from ROTC to adjust to my new school and improve myself so I can actually have some substance applying to another branch ROTC unit. Would it be possible for me to sell this to another ROTC unit commander or OTS/OCS board as just I wasn't ready at the time I can make it this time. Thank you all, and if its a bit confusing I apologize.
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It depends on the branch.

For an Air Force commission, you will need to submit a waiver request along with your OTS package.

Disenrollment for the reason you cited could be a barrier to future accession for any branch. You will have to prove that something substantial has changed in your life that would suggest your second attempt would not similarly end prematurely. Start wrestling with that and figure out how you can answer those questions with solid answers that are rooted in fact and reality.

If the doors are shut in your face again, do not dismiss enlistment. One of the easiest ways to show that you are a good officer candidate is to show your desired branch that you easily outperform your enlisted peers. While enlisted, everything is tracked, measured, and recorded, so it would not be hard to put together a compelling OTS/OCS (or ROTC for your masters) package in 2-3 years-- plus you can finish your degree 100% free along the way. Given that you are already taking a gap year, I'd suggest you at least explore enlistment.
 
Just to clarify, I am not taking a gap year from school. I am transferring to a new school, and to a new major in that school, so I am trying to take a year to get everything together there before trying to apply to Navy ROTC. I can't apply to AFROTC in this new school because I did AFROTC in this new school as a crosstown last semester. Otherwise enlistment would not have been bad idea.

Also since I was not contracted, do I actually have to request a waiver to apply and is that to any branch or just air force. I know I am still gonna have to explain it to any other commissioning source. I'll need to email my cadre and ask them if they have my disenrollment form and whether I will need any kind of waiver or something.

EDIT: I actually do need a waiver cuz of a speeding ticket I had in high school. Oh well

Thank you for taking the time to respond!
 
KamalHassan said:
Also since I was not contracted, do I actually have to request a waiver to apply and is that to any branch or just air force. I know I am still gonna have to explain it to any other commissioning source. I'll need to email my cadre and ask them if they have my disenrollment form and whether I will need any kind of waiver or something.
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AFI 36-2005, para. 2.8.3.1:
" An individual disenrolled from a military service academy for any reason or disenrolled from any other officer training program listed in Attachment 5 because of lack of aptitude, indifference to training, incompatibility, breach of the AFROTC contract terms, undesirable character traits, or disciplinary reasons, may not reenroll in any Air Force officer commissioning program or be appointed to any Air Force component without a waiver from the appropriate nomination authority listed in paragraph 1.5."

Emphasis mine. Attachment 5 includes AFROTC.

Yes, you are correct that if you had walked away as a non-contract cadet (and swung a good rating on your disenrollment form going out), then you'd be clear.

However, you stated you were disenrolled-- i.e. "kicked out". That triggers para. 2.8.3.1 above.

The waiver is not a show-stopper, but it will add time to your package, and you will need to find the justification. Considering how backed up OTS is right now, I'd make it a compelling argument.

Good luck!
 
Damn, guess I am gonna have to really sell myself. Thank you for taking the time to answer
 
So I thought I may add a small update. I went to my schools NROTC unit and AFROTC unit to discuss what happened. Apparantly my AFROTC unit does not issue DD785s for non contracted cadets and that it would be up to the other branch if they wanted to inquire and make their decision based on that. The NROTC unit said, we do not care what happened with another branches rotc, we just wanna see whether ur officer material or not and a good fit and we will use that to decide whether ur a good fit or not. It does make me feel a bit hopeful, obviously I still have to apply and actually get in, but I do feel like I have I may have a chance
 
Thanks for the update. Please let us know the outcome after you file your application.

Good luck.
 
Routing for you! We all mess up. And some taker longer to “get it” than others, one of my own included in that group. BUT, it’s a learning/growing opportunity!! Wouldn’t trade a thing about my owns journey...took a minute but he’s incredible and a better man for his (mostly self inflicted) hurdles he has overcome.

Plus he finally realizes mom and dad were right all along....

Good luck, I’m routing for you!!
 
Well if anyone is interested in update 2.0, I recently was sworn into NROTC at my school. Guess my journey took a while, but its proof that sometimes things don't always come directly. Hopefully this time I can see it through. On that note anyone who got aviation out of NROTC any advice?
 
KamalHassan said:
Well if anyone is interested in update 2.0, I recently was sworn into NROTC at my school. Guess my journey took a while, but its proof that sometimes things don't always come directly. Hopefully this time I can see it through. On that note anyone who got aviation out of NROTC any advice?
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Thanks for sharing story. Being able to learn from our mistakes is an important part of life. Picking yourself up off the mat after being knocked down and being persistent in pursuing your goals - are an indicator of leadership. Leaders need to be a mentor to others to succeed. You can’t be a mentor unless you are able to share your learning experiences. Good luck to you
 
KamalHassan said:
Well if anyone is interested in update 2.0, I recently was sworn into NROTC at my school. Guess my journey took a while, but its proof that sometimes things don't always come directly. Hopefully this time I can see it through. On that note anyone who got aviation out of NROTC any advice?
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I had to back up and look at your early posts. Well done on getting back on the right track!
 
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