Going into basic camp for Army Rotc with the possibility of not getting a scholarship.

C

Calisurfboy1997

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Mar 19, 2018
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Hey all, right now I’m a noncontracted ms2 in Army Rotc. I am going to basic camp this summer. My sole purpose of going into Rotc is to earn the scholarship. I have been in for a semester and have put in good effort. My roo told me that once I finish basic camp, there is a possibility that I may not even get the scholarship. If that’s the case, I am taking a huge risk of going to basic camp and then finding out I won’t have a scholarship means I just wasted time. Im not in it solely for the money but I’m out of state and if I don’t get a scholarship then I can’t be there anymore. Of course, I’m willing to put in the effort to get the scholarship but even if I did well in basic and completed it, I may not get the scholarship meaning I just wasted time. Thoughts?
 
You’re wasting your time. Your motivation is in the wrong place

You should want to go into Army ROTC because you want to serve in the world’s most powerful and professional Army. You want to lead the best young men and women our nation has to offer.

These are the young men and women whose parents have entrusted you with the welfare of their child. It’s an awesome privilege.

You want to do ROTC for the money. Go find money elsewhere or dig deep down why you want to do what you’re planning to do.
 
GoCubbies said:
You’re wasting your time. Your motivation is in the wrong place

You should want to go into Army ROTC because you want to serve in the world’s most powerful and professional Army. You want to lead the best young men and women our nation has to offer.

These are the young men and women whose parents have entrusted you with the welfare of their child. It’s an awesome privilege.

You want to do ROTC for the money. Go find money elsewhere or dig deep down why you want to do what you’re planning to do.
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Going to have to respectfully disagree with you on this.
When I was in Army Rotc, my Master Sergeant asked the whole unit who is only in it for the money. Of course, no one said yes, the master sergeant cried bull****. Everyone in someway is in it for the money. Maybe not solely but money is an incentive. The notion that you should do it not for the money but for your country has been lost a long time ago when the Army started to offer large bonuses. That being said, if the Army is what you want to do, go for it. On the scholarship issue, if you keep working hard then I don’t see why you can’t get it. Basic camp makes you eligible for it.
 
GoCubbies said:
You’re wasting your time. Your motivation is in the wrong place

You should want to go into Army ROTC because you want to serve in the world’s most powerful and professional Army. You want to lead the best young men and women our nation has to offer.

These are the young men and women whose parents have entrusted you with the welfare of their child. It’s an awesome privilege.

You want to do ROTC for the money. Go find money elsewhere or dig deep down why you want to do what you’re planning to do.
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I’m willing to serve my country without any benefit, but if I don’t have money for school then I can’t do so as an officer. Not everyone has he money to pay for college and you should know that.
 
They said the scholarship may not be available after basic camp because it may not be available. My sergeant told me that not the roo.
 
“My sole purpose of going into rotc is to be earn the scholarship.”

I don’t see anywhere in the above statement that suggests to me the purpose of going into rotc is anything other than for the money.

I agree. People do it for the money- but there are other factors they have to join. My opinion stands- the statement above tells me money is the sole factor. I don’t want my DD who wants to go into the Army to be led by a higher ranking officer who’s in it solely for the money.

I’ve seen too many officers who have no problem with the Army paying for their education but then always complain how the Army is horrible and they plan on getting out after their ADSO. They then tell other people not to go into the Army for xyz reasons when the problem is really with them and their initial motivation to join in the first place.

As a side note, I have no problem with officers getting out after their ADSO. They made a deal with the Army and once they pay their end of the bargain, then they’re free to leave. My issue is they hate the Army so much (because their motivation to join was off) that they look at their ADSO as soon as BOLC starts.
 
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GoCubbies said:
“My sole purpose of going into rotc is to be earn the scholarship.”

I don’t see anywhere in the above statement that suggests to me the purpose of going into rotc is anything other than for the money.

I agree. People do it for the money- but there are other factors they have to join. My opinion stands- the statement above tells me money is the sole factor. I don’t want my DD who wants to go into the Army to be led by a higher ranking officer who’s in it solely for the money.

I’ve seen too many officers who have no problem with the Army paying for their education but then always complain how the Army is horrible and they plan on getting out after their ADSO. They then tell other people not to go into the Army for xyz reasons when the problem is really with them and their initial motivation to join in the first place
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I can guarantee you if the government one day decided to take away the scholarships for every cadet, the attendance for rotc would drop drastically. It’a not necessarily they are in it for the money but it could be they want to serve but don’t have the money to pay for college. I believe that is what op is saying.
 
Calisurfboy1997 said:
but if I don’t have money for school then I can’t do so as an officer. Not everyone has he money to pay for college and you should know that.
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This is exactly the reason that one of the most common pieces of advice given on this board is to Attend a college you can afford without the scholarship, for several reasons.

1) You may not get a scholarship from the first 3 boards.
2) You may only get a 3 year scholarship.
3) You start ROTC with the hope of getting a Battalion Scholarship but it doesn't happen
4) You get a Battalion Scholarship but it's just for 2 years
5) You're lucky enough to get the National Scholarship but for some reason lose it while your in college.

Choosing an Out of State School with high tuition is a personal choice, AROTC scholarships are merit based, not need bases. Choosing an expensive school and hoping the Army will pay for it is a gamble at best. The wise route is to select a school you can better afford without the scholarship, a school within your state.

You're right, not everyone has the money to pay for college, and we do know that. That is why there are options, attend a CC for 2 years and then transfer to a 4 year school and join ROTC as a Junior, many have done that. Attend a local 4 year with tuition a lot lower then out of state.

In the end the decision to go to Basic Camp will be yours, the training will not cost you anything other then time, and you will for sure not get a scholarship if you do not attend. If the next year starts and you're unable to get the scholarship you can make your decision whether or not to remain at the school, but you will at least have Basic Camp under your belt if you try and transfer to another program at a more affordable school.
 
Let's keep the discussion on topic as opposed to arguing if people do it for the money or not. Mentioning money in an answer to OP's question is fine. Arguing amongst ourselves is not.
 
He did make it sound like the focus was on money. However, forgetting about the fact that he chose a school he cant afford, I think the issue for him isnt exactly the money. He can only attend this school and continue with Rotc only if he gets the scholarship. No money, then he cant continue at this school and at Rotc. Its different saying he wants the scholarship but if he doesnt get it, he will quit Rotc and continue with the school. Why he chose a school he cant afford is another issue but I think the monetary issue is more than I want a free education
 
Jcleppe said:
Calisurfboy1997 said:
but if I don’t have money for school then I can’t do so as an officer. Not everyone has he money to pay for college and you should know that.
Click to expand...

This is exactly the reason that one of the most common pieces of advice given on this board is to Attend a college you can afford without the scholarship, for several reasons.

1) You may not get a scholarship from the first 3 boards.
2) You may only get a 3 year scholarship.
3) You start ROTC with the hope of getting a Battalion Scholarship but it doesn't happen
4) You get a Battalion Scholarship but it's just for 2 years
5) You're lucky enough to get the National Scholarship but for some reason lose it while your in college.

Choosing an Out of State School with high tuition is a personal choice, AROTC scholarships are merit based, not need bases. Choosing an expensive school and hoping the Army will pay for it is a gamble at best. The wise route is to select a school you can better afford without the scholarship, a school within your state.

You're right, not everyone has the money to pay for college, and we do know that. That is why there are options, attend a CC for 2 years and then transfer to a 4 year school and join ROTC as a Junior, many have done that. Attend a local 4 year with tuition a lot lower then out of state.

In the end the decision to go to Basic Camp will be yours, the training will not cost you anything other then time, and you will for sure not get a scholarship if you do not attend. If the next year starts and you're unable to get the scholarship you can make your decision whether or not to remain at the school, but you will at least have Basic Camp under your belt if you try and transfer to another program at a more affordable school.
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Humey is right and so is anguswarrior112, I want to be in the progrm but if I don’t have the money, I can’t attend the school. As far as choosing an in state school, I did. I got rejected from the ones I applied too. My only choice was this out of state. Despite what my name says, I don’t live in California where there are many colleges. I live in a smaller state where schools are competitive. I was born in California FYI.
 
Calisurfboy1997 said:
I want to be in the progrm but if I don’t have the money, I can’t attend the school. As far as choosing an in state school, I did. I got rejected from the ones I applied too. My only choice was this out of state. Despite what my name says, I don’t live in California where there are many colleges. I live in a smaller state where schools are competitive. I was born in California FYI.
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Your correct, I did assume by your name that you were from CA where there are many more opportunities in regard to school choices, my mistake.

A couple things to consider. Have you talked with your cadre to see where you stand among those in your Battalion that are also looking for a scholarship. Battalions have a limited number of scholarships to offer and it varies from year to year, if they have only one to offer do you believe you are on the top of their list. It's a hard decision to make and you have a lot to think about. Just a couple questions:

1) What would your plan be if they are unable to guarantee you a scholarship before going to camp this summer?
2) What would you be doing if you didn't go to camp this summer, a summer job?
3) If you did take a job over the summer would you earn enough to continue at the school you currently attend?
4) If you wouldn't make enough over the summer with a job would you leave the school regardless?

The reason I ask these questions is this, if you would not make enough money over the summer to continue school then going to camp, which would keep you in the running for a scholarship, may be the best bet. The Army will pay for your expenses to go to camp. If you decide not to go to camp, because you still may not get a scholarship, you take yourself out of the running if your battalion does have scholarships to offer.

Have you exhausted all your financial aid options with the school?

I am curious about one thing, about a week ago you asked about dropping AROTC because you didn't see it as the path you want, to try and become a pilot through different options, AF OTC, MC PLC, and Air NG. You realize that all of these still require a 4 year degree. If you are unable to continue school without the AROTC Scholarship, what was your plan to finish college and move toward one of these other options? Also you understand that if you are offered a scholarship with AROTC then these other options are off the table.
 
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Jcleppe said:
Calisurfboy1997 said:
I want to be in the progrm but if I don’t have the money, I can’t attend the school. As far as choosing an in state school, I did. I got rejected from the ones I applied too. My only choice was this out of state. Despite what my name says, I don’t live in California where there are many colleges. I live in a smaller state where schools are competitive. I was born in California FYI.
Click to expand...

Your correct, I did assume by your name that you were from CA where there are many more opportunities in regard to school choices, my mistake.

A couple things to consider. Have you talked with your cadre to see where you stand among those in your Battalion that are also looking for a scholarship. Battalions have a limited number of scholarships to offer and it varies from year to year, if they have only one to offer do you believe you are on the top of their list. It's a hard decision to make and you have a lot to think about. Just a couple questions:

1) What would your plan be if they are unable to guarantee you a scholarship before going to camp this summer?
2) What would you be doing if you didn't go to camp this summer, a summer job?
3) If you did take a job over the summer would you earn enough to continue at the school you currently attend?
4) If you wouldn't make enough over the summer with a job would you leave the school regardless?

The reason I ask these questions is this, if you would not make enough money over the summer to continue school then going to camp, which would keep you in the running for a scholarship, may be the best bet. The Army will pay for your expenses to go to camp. If you decide not to go to camp, because you still may not get a scholarship, you take yourself out of the running if your battalion does have scholarships to offer.

Have you exhausted all your financial aid options with the school?

I am curious about one thing, about a week ago you asked about dropping AROTC because you didn't see it as the path you want, to try and become a pilot through different options, AF OTC, MC PLC, and Air NG. You realize that all of these still require a 4 year degree. If you are unable to continue school without the AROTC Scholarship, what was your plan to finish college and move toward one of these other options? Also you understand that if you are offered a scholarship with AROTC then these other options are off the table.
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I plan on going to camp. As of now I have no plans on not going to camp. Nearly everyone in my unit is on scholarship, the only ones who aren’t on scholarship are the cadets who entered this semester. My cadre said once I finish camp, they will then request a scholarship for me chances are high based on my standing but you always gotta assume the worst may happen.
 
Based on what you said a week ago, are you sure what the Army is what you want? If you really want to be a pilot and would not be satisfied with Army then I don’t advise even going to basic camp as that would be a waste of time. Life won’t be be fun if you lock yourself into something you don’t want to do.
 
Calisurfboy1997 said:
I haven’t made up my mind. But it wouldn’t hurt to try basic camp.
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Your going to have to make up your mind soon. The Army dosent want half minded leaders leading troops into battle or anything else. Either be 100% committed to being a pilot and working towards it, or be 100% commutes on the Army.
 
Jcleppe , my unit is lenient on scholarships, there are people who have worst gpas and pt scores than me and have gotten scholarships.
 
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