Extra AFROTC Info?

S

Sarbear

New Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2019
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8
Hello, after receiving an AFROTC scholarship I have been hungry for more information about the program. Are there any recommendations for websites that aren't a quick google search away or anything that I may have missed? I also read earlier that there may be packets coming in the mail. Is that typical? Thank you all very much.
 
Try searching for 'afrotc in college' on Youtube. I can't speak to what's good or not but there are videos there.
 
Would add to take care with reddit r/afrotc and other online rotc cadet forums.

You should take what you read with a grain of salt and ignore any griping or whining. Like everything else online, the overwhelming majority of AFROTC cadets and USAF members have a positive outlook about their respective organizations. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of whiners tend to vent online. Again, like everything else on the internet :)

Also, there is nothing stopping you from going to your future Det and talking to cadets there. Only stands to benefit you.
 
Honestly, you should be ashamed for applying for and winning the scholarship without knowing much about the program. There are numerous kids who have wanted to get an AFROTC scholarship their whole life, and have thoroughly researched it, and you took one of those kid’ scholarships.
 
Minimalmaple28 said:
Honestly, you should be ashamed for applying for and winning the scholarship without knowing much about the program. There are numerous kids who have wanted to get an AFROTC scholarship their whole life, and have thoroughly researched it, and you took one of those kid’ scholarships.
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Disagree totally. If the Air Force gave you a scholarship then obviously they see something in you or in your record that makes them want you regardless of how much research you have or have not done. Be proud of your accomplishments and be proud of receiving the scholarship. Never let anyone Make you feel ashamed of your accomplishments.
 
I saw the OPs post differently than minimalmaple28. Remember AFROTC must interview the candidate for them to be boarded. That CoC is going to ask pointed questions, i.e. why the AF, why AFROTC? What do you know about the program? Typically a strong CoC will talk about the program from a big picture aspect.

My assumption is they want to do further investigation regarding what to expect once in the program.

I also agree with Teddy. They did not take that scholarship away from anyone. They earned it!

Just because someone asks for more sites to dive into regarding being in AFROTC does not equate to them not investigating AFROTC, iows only wants it to pay for college. It could mean they want to hit the ground running come Aug/Sept.

For sarbear here is my advice.
1. You will be taking your DoDMERB soon. Get your medical records in order.
2. Keep working out. You need to pass the PFA to activate the scholarship
3. If you know your #1 school choice, contact that det. Ask to meet with the CoC and if possible some cadets that are not only in your desired major program, but your 1st career choice. Have questions ready for them regarding the program and what you have to do to get your #1 ADAF choice. Give that CoC fair warning, think about 1 or 2 weeks out to get the apptmt.
~ Dets have cadet lounges. Our DS did this. He hung with upperclassman that were POCs and already selected for UPT. They played Xbox for 1-2 hrs. just talking in the cadet lounge. We were not with him, thus, it was not a dog and pony show. They were kids that were just hanging and talking about the future.
~~ This also puts a face to the name before the school yr starts. We have a very unusual last name, so it was also easy to remember him on day 1.
4. Most dets have a FB page. You can try to look there for more guidance.

Last piece of advice, investigate, but don't go crazy trying to be the expert on Day 1 aka not that guy/gal. They will train you.

Oh, and I would say don't assume that this is guaranteed for 4 yrs. AFROTC is not like AROTC or NROTC. It is what we call here a 2+2 scholarship. If you are not selected for SFT, AFROTC has the right, and probably will disenroll you from the program, which means those last 2 yrs are on your dime.
 
Minimalmaple28 said:
Honestly, you should be ashamed for applying for and winning the scholarship without knowing much about the program. There are numerous kids who have wanted to get an AFROTC scholarship their whole life, and have thoroughly researched it, and you took one of those kid’ scholarships.
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That's a rather harsh and uneducated comment. You really have no idea of the OP's situation, and even if you did that would not be an appropriate response.

I'll give you a first-hand example. My son applied only to USAFA and didn't apply for an AFROTC scholarship. He got his appointment in late December and soon after was hit up by several different AFROTC reps offering him a scholarship. He looked into the details at that time because he had not planned on that path. I don't see anything to "be ashamed" of in that.

Stealth_81
 
Minimalmaple28 said:
Honestly, you should be ashamed for applying for and winning the scholarship without knowing much about the program. There are numerous kids who have wanted to get an AFROTC scholarship their whole life, and have thoroughly researched it, and you took one of those kid’ scholarships.
Click to expand...
That's pretty rude. You don't know he or she hasn't studied and researched. Perhaps they just want more info just out of interest and curiosity. Being armed with more info is always better.

EDIT: Cross-posted with Stealth
 
Stealth_81 said:
Minimalmaple28 said:
Honestly, you should be ashamed for applying for and winning the scholarship without knowing much about the program. There are numerous kids who have wanted to get an AFROTC scholarship their whole life, and have thoroughly researched it, and you took one of those kid’ scholarships.
Click to expand...

That's a rather harsh and uneducated comment. You really have no idea of the OP's situation, and even if you did that would not be an appropriate response.

I'll give you a first-hand example. My son applied only to USAFA and didn't apply for an AFROTC scholarship. He got his appointment in late December and soon after was hit up by several different AFROTC reps offering him a scholarship. He looked into the details at that time because he had not planned on that path. I don't see anything to "be ashamed" of in that.

Stealth_81
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I do think I may have been a bit harsh, however I believe my concerns are valid. I’ve seen multiple people find out about ROTC scholarships very late in their High School career, and apply last minute, with their only real reason for doing it being the large scholarship. Many win because they have good scores, and end up dropping after freshman year. I’ve seen at 8 students at local schools do this.
 
Minimalmaple28 said:
Many win because they have good scores.
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So then they won. That's the key. They did better than the competition. Period. What they do with the scholarship is their concern not yours. Your concern is being the best candidate so that you are the winner, and if you're not the winner it is your own fault not theirs. If they drop the scholarship after a year as you say, then the money is freed up for more scholarships.

Minimalmaple28 said:
I’ve seen at 8 students at local schools do this
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But the OP is not one of those 8, yet you told them that they should be ashamed for winning a scholarship. Do you see the disconnect and why you were wrong?

Stealth_81
 
Minimalmaple28 said:
I do think I may have been a bit harsh, however I believe my concerns are valid. I’ve seen multiple people find out about ROTC scholarships very late in their High School career, and apply last minute, with their only real reason for doing it being the large scholarship. Many win because they have good scores, and end up dropping after freshman year. I’ve seen at 8 students at local schools do this.
Click to expand...

So what's wrong with that? That's why it's called a recruiting tool! And part of the deal is that you are allowed to drop prior to sophomore year without penalty, which is also why it's called a recruiting tool. I'm sure the funds for any scholarship that is released is used for other scholarships.... hopefully cadets and mids without a scholarship who have already demonstrated their interest by enrolling without a scholarship.

When people do what you say is bad, then the program is working as designed.

EDIT: Cross posted with Stealth yet again.
 
kinnem said:
Minimalmaple28 said:
I do think I may have been a bit harsh, however I believe my concerns are valid. I’ve seen multiple people find out about ROTC scholarships very late in their High School career, and apply last minute, with their only real reason for doing it being the large scholarship. Many win because they have good scores, and end up dropping after freshman year. I’ve seen at 8 students at local schools do this.
Click to expand...

So what's wrong with that? That's why it's called a recruiting tool! And part of the deal is that you are allowed to drop prior to sophomore year without penalty, which is also why it's called a recruiting tool. I'm sure the funds for any scholarship that is released is used for other scholarships.... hopefully cadets and mids without a scholarship who have already demonstrated their interest by enrolling without a scholarship.

When people do what you say is bad, then the program is working as designed.

EDIT: Cross posted with Stealth yet again.
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Again, I understand. I don’t have any skin in the AFROTC game, just making an observation. Many people don’t have the money to go non-scholarship, even if they really want to, and their dream depends on if they get the scholarship. It was out of line for me to say, but again, if you’d experienced what I’ve seen where I live, you’d be more apt to feel the same.
 
Minimalmaple28 said:
Again, I understand. I don’t have any skin in the AFROTC game, just making an observation. Many people don’t have the money to go non-scholarship, even if they really want to, and their dream depends on if they get the scholarship. It was out of line for me to say, but again, if you’d experienced what I’ve seen where I live, you’d be more apt to feel the same.
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I have experienced it in a way. My son started out with 45 folks in his NROTC class. 15 commissioned. Many who dropped were on scholarship, or did something stupid like get a DUI, or even take a swing at a Sgt. People leave. This is fairly normal across the programs. The program is meant to winnow people out while also trying to help them be successful. If the program and becoming an officer is not for someone, then I'm glad to see them leave. I wouldn't want my kid serving under an Lt who really doesn't want to be there. No one knows going in if they will make it through the program... but they all think they will when they start.
 
I should add that, although it was a different time and place, I put myself through college entirely on my own. If it's one's dream to enroll in a college and complete a ROTC program it's doable. One can earn scholarships from the college and other sources, or get a GRFD scholarship. Hell, one can even enlist and either enter ROTC through a program for enlisted people, or use the GI Bill to make it happen. There is more than one way to skin a cat if it's really the dream.
 
I didn't realize this post would grander so much attention. Thank you to everyone who responded. I was not an undeducated applicant who applied "last minute" but was looking at the program since junior year of high school. I was simply looking for any extra information because I was very excited about the opportunity :). Everyone's information was great, and I hope it helped others interested in AFROTC, but I have just received an appointment to USCGA which is another amazing opportunity and will accept. Don't worry, the scholarship will go to another deserving student.
 
Congrats on your appointment. You do realize you just opened up a whole new can of fire, regarding holding onto ROTC scholarships while accepting an SA apptmt.
 
Sarbear said:
I didn't realize this post would grander so much attention. Thank you to everyone who responded. I was not an uneducated applicant who applied "last minute" but was looking at the program since junior year of high school. I was simply looking for any extra information because I was very excited about the opportunity :). Everyone's information was great, and I hope it helped others interested in AFROTC, but I have just received an appointment to USCGA which is another amazing opportunity and will accept. Don't worry, the scholarship will go to another deserving student.
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Don't feel bad, that was an inconsiderate post. My oldest wasn't aware of all that AFROTC would be about (e.g., how much time the classes would take, how often he'd PT, what is Arnold Air Society and do I have to join, etc.). There is a lot to know about AFROTC and your question was legitimate.
Having said that, congrats on your USCGA appointment.
 
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