Wow I wasn't reall sure how to respond to the post by P-Flying17.
Let me first say that to degrade someone for having the backing of their family is at the least insulting.
AROTC-Parent is correct, enlisted do have entry level separation, so yes they can "Just Quit", and many do.
I understand you are a Tech in some capacity with the NROTC program, but you have not been in ROTC. Trust me the term "Suck it Up" is used quite often. This is not a Fraternity they are joining, ROTC is not easy, they earn the scholarship they are given.
During my time in the service training young enlsted and filling out the budget requests I would have to say you are off the mark as far as what is invested in enlisted personnel. Add together the pay plus training expenses it exceeds the annual cost of a scholarship.
The attrition rate of enlisted personnel far exceeds that of ROTC cadets.
I am sure no one forced you to enlist, so to say that this young man should just suck it up is a little short sighted.
There is a big difference between enlisting for 2 to 4 years and commiting yourself to 12 years, 4 years college and ROTC training, and 8 years military obligation. Completing 4 years of college while doing ROTC and keeping your grades above the average is no walk in the park. I realize that it can be 4 years active and 4 years inactive, or 8 years reserve. Many cadets ADSO during assesions adding 3 AD years to their commitment.
I commend you on your service, but please, think before you post.
I don't recall insulting anyone. I apologize if it was taken that way. But let's think about the entry level separation. It is a separation that will follow you around the way a dishonorable discharge does, that will hender many job opportunities because you get a DD Form 214 that states ELS instead of those magical "honorable discharge" words.
When I made reference to not spending as much on me as they do in one year for an ROTC Students, I was comparing the first year of enlisted service and the first year college.
ROTC is hard work and it can set you up for all sorts of success in the future. But some sort of recourse should be applied if you drop. And if you want to compare it to ELS then they should get the same document as well then that an enlisted person gets, that stamps them not able to complete an obligation. Not only is your school being paid for, but all the staff that has a vested interest in you, as well as the training that you are going through, it all costs money. Money paid for by tax payers and I am a tax payer.
What I do now has no bearing on my sentiments towards dropping and serving our country.
I am also believer in that they should reimplement the draft and that everyone should serve their country in some way, whether it is as a civilian support or in the military. That also has no bearing on my job.
And of course it is always different when it is your child. I am the same way with mine, and I will back her no matter what decisions she makes. I work two jobs and go to school full time so she will not have to struggle like I did and having that service offered me that opportunity to be a great example of what you can do if you work hard.
It is not that I don't see your point because once your baby, always your baby, but sometimes you have to push your kids and back them in a way they don't always know is good for them, until it is over. Life is hard, and being able to do it is the biggest accomplishment. Being offered such an honor, I guess I don't understand why you would not want to make the commitment to serve and work hard to do so. There is no greater honor than to give of yourself.
This is a public, opinion driven, personal perspective forum, not an official anything. Where we can all voice opinions and give each other advice. I come to give advice and I am never talking in an official anything since when I come on here it is in my own free time as well as the other truly knowledgible people that are on here. Nothing posted on here can be considered official instructions, because it is not an official military forum, it is all advice. That is why I will occassionally PM or post a message to contact an official work number or email.