Leaving AROTC

[Saints11]

Hi,
I'm not really sure where to post this, but I'll start here.

I am currently finishing my freshman year of ROTC under a 4-year scholarship at a school I cold not otherwise afford. AROTC was my 3rd choice, to both USNA and MO NROTC.
I recently had some identity issues, i guess, in Army ROTC because although I'm happy with where I'm at and the opportunity to have his scholarship, I'm not satisfied that I just accepted the route given to me instead of giving my dream of becoming a Marine another shot.

So here's my question, if I was to apply to USNA and/or Marine PLC and was accepted next spring, could I leave my Army contract with no obligations of service to the Army or not have to pay my scholarship back? That would give me the ability to give theveryone Marines one more chance while still being able to pursue the Army if it does not work out.

I believe since I am changing to a contract to a different commissioning program it would be okay, but since it's inter-branch, I'm unsure. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[kinnem]

My guess is that payback would be required but it's just a guess. What did your cadre tell you?

 

[5Day]

If you get into any SA your ROTC commitment will be forgiven. So your best route would be applying and getting into USNA, but realize there is no guarantee that you will be a Marine.

 

[AJC]

If you do not want to be an Army Officer quit now before you will have to pay money back.
Your situation is exactly why they let you walk away after freshman year.
One of the main reasons you were given a scholarship is the Army was led to believe you wanted to be an Army Officer, not that you needed money for school.
Quit now and let the money go to someone who wants to be an Army Officer.

 

[kinnem]

+1 AJC... and pursue your NROTC dreams with the risk of not getting a scholarship.

 

[MohawkArmyROTC]

You would have to leave Army ROTC prior to the start of your Sophomore Semester, otherwise you would have to pay it back. If you are disenrolled from ROTC, you will receive an RE3 code, which would make it difficult for you to join NROTC. Your best option would be to apply to the USNA, as then you could leave Army ROTC without having to pay back the scholarship or receiving an RE3 code.

Out of curiosity, why do you want to be a Marine Officer over an Army Officer? You don't have to share the reason if you don't want to, but make sure it is a significant reason to do so. In most cases, the reasons are not significant enough to turn down a scholarship. However, it's your life, and you should do what you think is best.