DS has been awarded 4-year scholarships for NROTC and AFROTC. He wants to pursue aviation and is having a hard time deciding between the branches. He does need a waiver for a DQ. Within 1 week of being awarded the AFROTC scholarship, he was granted the waiver from AFROTC (his DQ and AMI info were already in the system from the SA application process). He has had no communication from NSTC. We understand the process is often not quick in regards to the waiver, but our understanding is he will need to decide on the NROTC scholarship by 5/1. If he doesn't have a waiver by 5/1, it seems very risky to me to accept that one and decline AFROTC which has already given him a waiver (i.e. he could accept NROTC and later find he cannot get a waiver and then has no ROTC scholarship at all). Is the NSTC waiver process typically long (i.e. is he likely to hear before 5/1)? Is there a contact DS could reach out to at NSTC to help in the process? Thanks.
NROTC Waiver Timeline & Advice
- Thread starter FC_Dad
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GWU PNS (emeritus)
George Washington University Capital Battalion
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Assuming that he had an initial DQ from DODMERB, the next level of review goes through BUMED. They need to decide whether or not they deem a waiver can be granted. If they decide yes to the waiver, then NSTC simply approves the final waiver. In theory, NSTC could say no but I have never seen that happen. Has he checked with his NROTC unit and asked them to check with BUMED on the waiver status?
EJF
AROTC Mom
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I’m not sure about Navy, but Army ROTC at the PMS level has said all he can do is check on it until Cadet Command Processes it. First in First out is what DS was also told. 3 weeks and counting since remedials were submitted. As a parent I agree it seems risky to accept the one he does not have the waiver granted for. He will not be able to contract until waiver is granted as well,
So no scholarship money or stipend.
So no scholarship money or stipend.
Heads up, at least for Navy, most of the time if you required a waiver to enter NROTC and commission into the Navy, NAMI will probably require one for Naval Aviation, they have stricter standards usually. I'd check out the NAMI waiver guide online too to find out more about what could come up again in a couple years when he goes to do his pre-commissioning flight physical (or the one down at NAMI in Pensacola).
They'll usually ask for surgery documents (make sure to keep those) and might require some follow-ups after the applicant flight physical to look at how it's healed.
Oddly enough, sometimes they even determine you don't need a waiver to fly for conditions that had to be waived to enter NROTC/commission. It depends on the situation.
I'm waiting on a medical waiver as well. USNA granted me a medical waiver yesterday, any idea how soon NROTC follows? I understand that USNA selection is separate from NROTC, but I feel like if USNA is willing then NROTC would as well but that's just speculation.
No one really knows, it's on a case-to-case basis. I've received an LOA from USCGA back in September and I am still under waiver review, it's been almost 4 months! (Same with USNA) However NROTC on the other hand was able to approve my waiver within a month.
It's been a while for me as well. No LOA though, but that's big for you. My NROTC waiver's for a pair of mild concussions I got playing football a couple years ago, but DoDMERB's having a cow over it. I'm hoping to hear from them in the next couple weeks.
Good luck to you, I've already chosen my path. USNA has always been my number 1 since freshmen year, however, as time passed, I lost my desire to attend the academy. Either way, I've started my journey towards becoming an officer and that's what matters the most.
(Make sure to have plans B, C, and D ready!)My DS will most likely be joining you at Auburn on the AF side of the building....