that is the same basic route my DD took with her loan this year. invested almost all of it and still managed to get a new car. should have all of it paid off before she hits 25. not a bad start for anybody. 25 debt free and a 3 or 4 year old vehicle not to mention great credit.
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Perks for USAFA Grads
- Thread starter Beppyoh
- Start date
Nevada: Can you share what you belief is the best benefit of reaching AF officer via the Academy vs. via AFROTC at a civilian college? For instance, for you son, if the and AF officer is what is pulling him through, did he consider AFROTC rather than USAFA since (from what I understand) the end result is the same?
Just curious as in our case we DO have high schoolers. Oldest dd is at a high school that has a full emphasis on SAs for those that want to be officers. There is no help for the rotc route and as such it is off her radar.
S
Stella,
Those are great questions. My son had an AFROTC scholarship to Texas A&M.
We toured the school and LOVED it. Such pride. He was stoked to go there. When USAFA called though, he immediately said yes to USAFA.
- I am an aviator so I speak from that perspective. I believe there is not a better place to go if you want to fly jets. USAFA definitely has an advantage over getting a pilot job. The highest percentage of slots plus the aviation programs at the Academy are a tremendous opportunity (Gliders, Glider Instructors, Flying Team, Powered Flight Classes in a $400K Cirrus aircraft, etc.).
If you want to fly jets for the AF, I highly recommend USAFA--definitely worked for me.
- USAFA also has a lot of flexibility over ROTC, IMO. My son had an AFROTC scholarship to A&M for engineering. He did well in High School but his engineering aspirations did not survive first contact with USAFA Calculus. He is now an Econ major--parents couldn't be prouder! However, if he had taken that engineering scholarship and changed paths at A&M that would have been a bigger deal as he would have lost his scholarship. AFROTC commissions are also getting more competitive from what I hear. Just because you are in AFROTC does not mean you will get a commission--you have to compete. Survive USAFA and you are commisioned.
- Once you are an officer, most folks don't care what commisioning source you come from--they care about how you do your job and how you relate to others. I do have wonderful friends and relationships from USAFA but I know those are possible at a good school with a good AFROTC program too. I instructed both USAFA cadets and ROTC and OTS kids in light aircraft for the Air Force. I found the USAFA cadets to be the sharpest and quick to network and "figure out the system." Where the ROTC and OTS kids shined was their enthusiasm and excitement at this new experience of "playing Air Force." There are pros and cons and I enjoyed instructing both.
-USAFA has certain majors, like Astronautical Engineering that are nationally known and ranked. Very, very good school and education.
- Leadership opportunities are tremendous--no other civilian school can match. These are great but, honestly, ROTC officers seem to hold their own in the Active Duty just fine.
- "College experience" -- not so much for Cadets. It is a different "college" experience.
- If DD wants to be an Air Force Officer, she should DEFINITELY look at AFROTC and their scholarships--at least as a fallback, maybe even a primary option. It is a good program and many folks got to do the things I did via AFROTC.
BTW for those that might not get an AFROTC or USAFA scholarship, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets gives out some very valuable scholarships to AFJROTC High Schoolers and former Eagles Scouts. Approximately $1200/semester off tuition at the IN-STATE rate (we live in Nevada).
I've appreciated reading this thread very much- I wonder what might differ in the answers if it were posted in the Navy section? (son is interested in Navy mainly)
its just so helpful to hear hindsight and insight from those who have traveled this road already. especially for parents like Stella and I who are non-military.
thanks again for your answers and input.
its just so helpful to hear hindsight and insight from those who have traveled this road already. especially for parents like Stella and I who are non-military.
thanks again for your answers and input.