Agreed. However, in the past I believe that 4 year ROTC scholarships offered an avenue for the poor to attend college and serve their country. Perhaps that is only important during times of war when the more "well heeled" can pay their own way through college and the military cannot find enough students to fulfill their ROTC goals. Then the poor students become VERY attractive to ROTC.While diversity in ROTC is becoming more important, economic diversity doesn't seem to be a priority when giving scholarships.
While some may suggest that the poor can attend CC, while living at home and commuting (usually without a car) at O'Dark Thirty to the nearest ROTC unit/battalion/detachment (providing of course that you live near a CC and ROTC and the bus routes) ....I wonder how well that would actually work for most students....including our own. But then that may just be the price they have to pay for being poor.
Just to be clear....I don't have a dog in this fight. Both of my children received 4 year ROTC scholarships (although one went to USAFA). Had things worked out differently my wife and I (and my children) would have paid/financed their college costs....because we are able. It is difficult for me to understand how families without even our middle class means are able to pay for college. And single parent homes or "kids" without much/any parental support/help?
I've never been accused of being a bleeding heart liberal (just the opposite actually) but I wonder whether the military isn't missing the boat by not providing opportunities to the kids that most need the scholarships and probably would most appreciate an opportunity to change their futures. JMPO...