Sideload...DS is a 4th. He mentioned that he was told he was qualified to contract but when I asked what that meant I was told to quit asking questions. Sheesh!
When a cadet becomes contracted he will receive the ROTC Stipend. Contracting also means that as long as a cadet abides by the terms of the contract they will commission.
$300.00 per mo. Freshman
$350.00 per mo. Sophomore
$450.00 per mo. Junior
$500.00 per mo. Senior
Non scholarship cadets that are contracted receive no Tuition, Fees, of Book Money.
I apologize that I do not know the inner workings of VMI, but it is my understanding that non scholarship cadets cannot contract until they begin their junior year unless they are a SMP cadet.
Are non scholarship VMI ROTC cadets allowed to contract before their junior year if they do not receive a scholarship.
On a side note, you are definitely not in any sense of the word helicoptering. Your paying for school, you should get answers to your questions regarding money issues.
I think I would have responded to the "Quit asking questions" with "OK we'll quit sending Money" Sounds like student loans may be in your son's future.
State schools can offer a great education, ROTC, and affordability. A cadet at a state school with in state tuition can be successful in ROTC, commission, and receive active duty with hard work and dedication without putting themselves or the parents in huge debt.