For the candidates hoping a waiver / review may commence for your DQ, have you researched how waiverable/ non-waiverable your DQ generally is (it is a case by case basis, but...) ? Are there examples where other candidates with that condition were waived? The more you know. As others said, continue to line up your Plans B, C, D.
I agree that it's a calling to commission and serve, not a "free" education that is the reason why many wish to attend a Service Academy or train via ROTC. While education costs and inflation are daunting, if you do the math, someone working part time during school/ full time in summers and going to a four year community college can come out with very little to no debt. People qualified enough to get a SA appt also often have lucrative merit/ award based scholarships too that make undergrad much more affordable at many, though not all colleges.
My DS is in his dream job in serving an officer - he'll get through multiple delays (backlog), the rest of flight school, then serve at least 8 years to satisfy his service commitment, at a minimum. HIs choice all good, but, I wouldn't exactly call his "Free" undergrad education "free"
