"ISR" NROTC Award comes with a pretty big Catch-22

nuensis said:
I was bored, so I went on an instruction dumpster dive. I also hate it when recruiters mislead high school kids...I get they have to "meet mission," but it's distasteful and unethical at times.

NSTC-M 1533.2D, Regulations for Officer Development, links CNRCINST 1533.4E via an NNOA link rather than an official NETC or NSTC link...not sure why the instruction isn't on an official website.

CNRCINST 1533.4E details much more on how ISR works (if it is the current instruction). Per instruction organizations like ANSO, NNOA, and NOMA also have ISR allocations in addition to Navy Recruiting Command.

More importantly:

"6. [...] It is desirable to grant all allocated ISRs; however, this should occur only where the intent of the program is met. Failure to grant all allocated ISRs simply results in the awarding of additional Navy National Four-Year scholarships."

I read that as "don't feel bad for ditching your ISR for USNA, big Navy will reallocate those resources to another scholarship."

Additionally, NAVCRUIT form 1100/32, NROTC 4-Year ISR Contract also states: "I also understand this contract places me under no obligation to accept an NROTC scholarship."

Likely your recruiting region will "lose" the allocation (which might be why the recruiter is making the stakes seem so dire--it's fake), but I wouldn't feel bad for the recruiters. It's your path to take and your future, not theirs.

Click to expand...
Lots of good info here! Thank you for taking the deep dive!!! DS has a phone call with his BGO scheduled for tonight to discuss the ins and outs. Perhaps pulling these and referencing them with the recruiter later, will be helpful in figuring out if he can still continue with the ISR opportunity. I really appreciate you taking the time.
 
I don't know what the official word is on this, but I received an ISR scholarship last year. The officer who interviewed me knew I had also received appointments to USNA and USMA. During the interview, we spent a long time discussing the pros and cons of each program because he happened to be a USNA grad. He wished me luck in deciding which offer to accept.

In the end, it turned out I didn't receive a medical waiver for NROTC so here I am at the Naval Academy.
 
Update: for those in the same situation-

My DS was very honest with the recruiter when he called again asking if he would choose NROTC over the academies. He simply said no. If he was charged an appointment to the academies he would take it. I did make sure to note with the recruiter on the phone that, this was not the way ISR was presented to many and that there should be the possibility of him interviewing for the scholarship without having to stipulate to NJROTC Scholarship over an academy. I think this is incredibly limiting and unfair to those who are competitive.

We have not heard anything as of yet, I am guessing they put him back into the regular pool of applicants.
 
OkiMa said:
Update: for those in the same situation-

My DS was very honest with the recruiter when he called again asking if he would choose NROTC over the academies. He simply said no. If he was charged an appointment to the academies he would take it. I did make sure to note with the recruiter on the phone that, this was not the way ISR was presented to many and that there should be the possibility of him interviewing for the scholarship without having to stipulate to NJROTC Scholarship over an academy. I think this is incredibly limiting and unfair to those who are competitive.

We have not heard anything as of yet, I am guessing they put him back into the regular pool of applicants.
Click to expand...
My DGD just received an ISR NROTC from the Northern Plains District and she said her recruiter definitely told her that it is not binding and she can choose to take an academy offer. Because of your story, I particularly asked her about this. I don’t understand why all the districts wouldn’t have the same rules.
 
Proud of DGD said:
My DGD just received an ISR NROTC from the Northern Plains District and she said her recruiter definitely told her that it is not binding and she can choose to take an academy offer. Because of your story, I particularly asked her about this. I don’t understand why all the districts wouldn’t have the same rules.
Click to expand...
Incredibly happy for you and your DGD. <3 I am so glad she did not run into an issue! Congratulations to you both!!!
 
Nuts and bolts info offered with genuine concern; a rare thing on the internet these days.

DD is two years out of USNA, and I still swing by here to read about exceptional young people and watch you old folks who have "Been There" provide counsel and lend a hand. Dropping by here makes me feel good 🤙

Please no "likes" for this post. It's how I feel, but its straight up schmaltz.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top