The referenced thread said it happens with AROTC grads as well. Does anyone have any insight on that?
Not much insight, just that it does happen with AROTC. After the cadets receive their branches they will then start getting orders and dates for their Branch BOLC training. Some will go very soon after graduation and some will have a delay, sometimes the delay can be several months and up to almost a year. A lot will depend on the pipeline for their specific branch.
This year there was a sharp increase in the number of Infantry slots, I'm sure this will translate into some longer wait times to start IBOLC.
It has been stated a few times that report dates follow somewhat the OML position of the cadet in regard to start dates.
Cadets are counseled on this during their MS4 year. Some cadets will apply to work at LDAC (Now CLC), some will apply for Goad Bar Recruiter to help fill the gap. Many will just head back home and either get a job if their wait time is longer, or just hang out if they have a short wait time.
Cadets put in a request for when they would like to start BOLC, but I wouldn't count on that, most of the cadets didn't get anything close to the report time they requested when my older son graduated, he requested September and ended up leaving 12 days after graduation. Switching start times with someone is not something that is really done, some have tried and have been met with severe push back.
Best advice if you have a long wait is to stay out of trouble, keep working out to stay in shape, and try and enjoy your bubble time before the real fun starts.