NROTC and Reserves

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confusedmom

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Sep 27, 2017
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My son is a senior in HS and is in the process of applying for the NROTC (Marine option) scholarship. Once he does is PFT his application will be complete. At the interview, it was suggested that he consider joining the Marine reserves to help with his scholarship chances. We met with the recruiter and were impressed.
My question is this. Are we being played? Should he continue his focus solely on NROTC, and apply for the 3 yr scholarship, etc should he be denied for the national 4 year?

My son's end goal has always been to become an active duty Marine officer. Does joining the reserves now help his chances at all? Is he better off skipping ROTC and applying for PLC as a reservist? Or is he better off pursuing NROTC?

Thank you.
 
If his goal is to be a Marine Corps Officer then do not enlist in the reserves. It really won't help his chances on the NROTC side of things. Apply for the scholarship. If he doesn't get selected, go as a college programmer and reapply. Keep reapplying for the scholarship until he can't. Apply for advanced standing if no scholarship is earned. If none of those avenues work then apply for PLC. If not selected for PLC, then apply for OCC when he graduates.
 
Wise words from Hoops and Grunt. My DS wanted to enlist until Mom steered him towards NROTC. He did not win a 4 year scholarship and attended as a college programmer. He loved NROTC. He won a scholarship in the middle of his sophomore year. PLC was his backup plan if he couldn't get advanced standing. There are plenty of routes to becoming an officer without enlisting in either AD or the reserves. Sometimes recruiters are motivated by their quota.
 
NavyHoops said:
If his goal is to be a Marine Corps Officer then do not enlist in the reserves. It really won't help his chances on the NROTC side of things. Apply for the scholarship. If he doesn't get selected, go as a college programmer and reapply. Keep reapplying for the scholarship until he can't. Apply for advanced standing if no scholarship is earned. If none of those avenues work then apply for PLC. If not selected for PLC, then apply for OCC when he graduates.
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Thank you. This was his original plan, and he only applied to NROTC schools. But once he had his interview, we were steered towards the recruiter, and frankly, he was very good at his job. We were just about sold.
 
kinnem said:
Wise words from Hoops and Grunt. My DS wanted to enlist until Mom steered him towards NROTC. He did not win a 4 year scholarship and attended as a college programmer. He loved NROTC. He won a scholarship in the middle of his sophomore year. PLC was his backup plan if he couldn't get advanced standing. There are plenty of routes to becoming an officer without enlisting in either AD or the reserves. Sometimes recruiters are motivated by their quota.
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Recruiters are definitely motivated by their quota and kept after DD last summer. It is not a requirement and from everyone that we have spoken to (including her BGO), it does not help their chances. It can actually interfere with their college requirements and activities. No question, they are very good at their jobs and quite convincing but you have to be careful and do your own research. They will find great jobs in sales when they retire. You found the best place to come and get advice. :D
 
Its also important to point out that Recruiters have one of the toughest jobs in the military and those selected for these roles are high potential, top-notch individuals. Some may take liberties with the approach but most do not. There are plenty of examples of recruiters working on the front lines for their Officer Selection Officers and when a candidate is interested in pursuing an Officer ascension program they assist and guide the individual appropriately.

It is important to point this out as we shouldn't disparage the whole based on the actions of a few.

The OP did the right thing by asking others and this forum is a great way to do it. Anyone interested in joining the military (officer or enlisted) needs to understand what they are being told, what they are signing, the terms of the contracts, and gather as much detail as possible.
 
USMCGrunt said:
Its also important to point out that Recruiters have one of the toughest jobs in the military and those selected for these roles are high potential, top-notch individuals.
The OP did the right thing by asking others and this forum is a great way to do it. Anyone interested in joining the military (officer or enlisted) needs to understand what they are being told, what they are signing, the terms of the contracts, and gather as much detail as possible.
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I don't think we were being scammed by our recruiter. He was very forthright with how enlisting affects starting college, etc. I hold him the highest regard.
I just want to make sure we are helping our DS make the best decision for him. I am happy to have stumbled upon this forum, and the quick responses to my question have definitely helped.
 
confusedmom said:
My son's end goal has always been to become an active duty Marine officer. Does joining the reserves now help his chances at all? Is he better off skipping ROTC and applying for PLC as a reservist? Or is he better off pursuing NROTC?

Thank you.
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Joining the reserves does not improve his chances of achieving his goal. Don't skip NROTC. Go PLC after all NROTC options are exhausted.
 
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