Hello everyone, I have a unique dilemma, and a big decision I have to make for next year. I was hoping to have you all weigh in on the issue so I can make an informed, good decision.
Last year I applied for Navy and AF ROTC scholarships. I was awarded one for the AF but not the Navy. I decided to take it and study Civil Engineering at West Virginia University.
Here's the thing- My father is a former Naval Aviator and graduate of the Naval Academy. I have grown up around the Navy my whole life, and have been in awe of Naval Aviation. Despite taking the Air Force ROTC, I decided to re-apply for the Navy ROTC scholarship to keep my options open.
During the second semester of my freshman year at WVU I received notice that I was awarded a 4 year Navy ROTC scholarship to Jacksonville University. Over spring break I went down and visited the college and ROTC unit with my father. I decided to accept the scholarship because I had nothing to lose: I have no obligation with the Air Force until I start school my sophomore year. Now I am home on summer break and I have a pretty big decision to make for next year.
This is the dilemma- after spending a year down at WVU in the Air Force ROTC program, I can't decide which option I want more. I had a real great time down there; the sporting events are awesome and there's always a lot to do. I've established a pretty good group of friends, most of which are involved in Army and Air Force ROTC. Lastly, I came out with a 3.48 GPA as a Civil Engineering major for my freshman year. As much as I would love JU and NROTC, I feel like I got something good going already, and I don't want to burn any bridges.
Here's the deal with JU and NROTC...I would be able to study Aviation and Flight Operations, and have the Navy pay for all my pilot ratings. I talked with the LT of the unit down there, and he told me how great of a deal it was. Whether or not I get selected for Navy Pilot, my dad can still help get me a job flying with FEDEX down the line, since I will have all my ratings (he is currently a FEDEX Captain). Also, I am interested in either being a Navy Pilot or NFO on the P-8 Poseidon if I get the opportunity. The good thing about JU is that NAS JAX is right next door, and that is where the P-8 is being tested. Also, there are many opportunities at JU to get involved. They have a flying team and sailing team which compete at the national level; both are things I would love to get involved with.
The dilemma is that I don't know what I want more-
JU is a small, private school. Much different than WVU..and the facilities aren't as nice, but that's what you get with a small school. I would be able to study Aviation Operations, which would be pretty cool because whether it be military or civilian, I want to be a pilot, and its a free way to get that. It's also by NAS Jax, so I could have opportunities to learn about the P-8. And also you can't beat the location right on the beach. The navy has always been a part of my life, and I'd feel right at home.
WVU on the other hand, is a big school with lots going on. The football and basketball games are a phenomenal experience I have been able to have. I found out that I enjoy civil engineering, and can see myself pursuing that option as well. The only thing is, I spend a lot of my time on schoolwork, and feel like I don't have a lot of time for ECA's. My group of friends are probably the best friends I have ever had.The Air Force ROTC experience has been good, but there's still a lot about the AF that I am unfamiliar with, and I'm not really sure what I'd want to do if I didn't get a pilot slot.
A few other little tidbits- my eyesight is 20/60 uncorrected. With the AF I'm still qualified for pilot, but in the Navy I'd nead to get eye surgery. No matter what I want to serve as an officer, i'm just trying to make the best decison that would give me the best options and chance at success.
If you have anything that could help me out here I would greatly appreciate it.
Last year I applied for Navy and AF ROTC scholarships. I was awarded one for the AF but not the Navy. I decided to take it and study Civil Engineering at West Virginia University.
Here's the thing- My father is a former Naval Aviator and graduate of the Naval Academy. I have grown up around the Navy my whole life, and have been in awe of Naval Aviation. Despite taking the Air Force ROTC, I decided to re-apply for the Navy ROTC scholarship to keep my options open.
During the second semester of my freshman year at WVU I received notice that I was awarded a 4 year Navy ROTC scholarship to Jacksonville University. Over spring break I went down and visited the college and ROTC unit with my father. I decided to accept the scholarship because I had nothing to lose: I have no obligation with the Air Force until I start school my sophomore year. Now I am home on summer break and I have a pretty big decision to make for next year.
This is the dilemma- after spending a year down at WVU in the Air Force ROTC program, I can't decide which option I want more. I had a real great time down there; the sporting events are awesome and there's always a lot to do. I've established a pretty good group of friends, most of which are involved in Army and Air Force ROTC. Lastly, I came out with a 3.48 GPA as a Civil Engineering major for my freshman year. As much as I would love JU and NROTC, I feel like I got something good going already, and I don't want to burn any bridges.
Here's the deal with JU and NROTC...I would be able to study Aviation and Flight Operations, and have the Navy pay for all my pilot ratings. I talked with the LT of the unit down there, and he told me how great of a deal it was. Whether or not I get selected for Navy Pilot, my dad can still help get me a job flying with FEDEX down the line, since I will have all my ratings (he is currently a FEDEX Captain). Also, I am interested in either being a Navy Pilot or NFO on the P-8 Poseidon if I get the opportunity. The good thing about JU is that NAS JAX is right next door, and that is where the P-8 is being tested. Also, there are many opportunities at JU to get involved. They have a flying team and sailing team which compete at the national level; both are things I would love to get involved with.
The dilemma is that I don't know what I want more-
JU is a small, private school. Much different than WVU..and the facilities aren't as nice, but that's what you get with a small school. I would be able to study Aviation Operations, which would be pretty cool because whether it be military or civilian, I want to be a pilot, and its a free way to get that. It's also by NAS Jax, so I could have opportunities to learn about the P-8. And also you can't beat the location right on the beach. The navy has always been a part of my life, and I'd feel right at home.
WVU on the other hand, is a big school with lots going on. The football and basketball games are a phenomenal experience I have been able to have. I found out that I enjoy civil engineering, and can see myself pursuing that option as well. The only thing is, I spend a lot of my time on schoolwork, and feel like I don't have a lot of time for ECA's. My group of friends are probably the best friends I have ever had.The Air Force ROTC experience has been good, but there's still a lot about the AF that I am unfamiliar with, and I'm not really sure what I'd want to do if I didn't get a pilot slot.
A few other little tidbits- my eyesight is 20/60 uncorrected. With the AF I'm still qualified for pilot, but in the Navy I'd nead to get eye surgery. No matter what I want to serve as an officer, i'm just trying to make the best decison that would give me the best options and chance at success.
If you have anything that could help me out here I would greatly appreciate it.