Quandary for my son's NROTC decision .....

[IronmanDaremo]

For those that followed, my son was offered a 4-year national for NROTC over the weekend. After the dangling carrot of a LOA to the USNA last year, only to not get a nomination, this is a great alternative. He was highly motivated and excited.

Until the award notification, he was a Freshman college programmer (think "walk-on" in sports terms) to his unit at UMBC. He has one of the best GPAs in his ROTC class, is considered the top guy in PT, and has been given a few leadership billets within the unit. With the scholarship, they will back-date his award to cover this year, which will be great from a financial relief for us as he had very little other financial aid for this year.

He really wants a shot at the Academy, and his application is complete with the only thing outstanding being a nomination to make him competitive. He has already been turned down for our MOC and one of the Senators, and is only waiting to hear from the other. With no nomination, he has little to no shot at the Academy.

But ...... here is the rub. His CO is willing to give him a nomination, but he has to decline the scholarship and take his chances at an appointment as the unit does not want to lose the scholarship. There is another 4/C in his unit that is already on scholarship that has also applied to the USNA, and the CO declined to give him a nom as well. My son has to make a choice between a sure thing, which is a great option, or taking yet another long shot at getting an appointment based on the NROTC nom (with only 20 appointments available using that source). He's not really being held hostage, but it seems a bit heavy handed.

I don't have any animosity toward the CO and the unit, as it makes a lot of sense. But it is a tough emotional decision for him to make. The logical answer should be obvious. But that is not always logic that drives one's choices. I recommended that he takes the NROTC scholarship, gives up his possible NROTC nom, and see if he hears back from the remaining Senator and either way, keep his Academy application open until they send him a TWE. If by some miracle he gets an appointment, then he has the choice to make later.

 

[Jimdlt19]

As an outsider, but somebody that knows people and young people. Here goes; Stay at UMBC "take the deal". Structure and routine at a young adult age are important, he is already in the middle of that routine, friends, unit leadership, etc. Wait for the "uprooting" and shock when he is in the fleet and getting orders every 3 years. Now is the time to strap in and shine and it sounds like that's exactly what he is doing. It's not the time to possibly add additional stress and uncertainty. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

For those that followed, my son was offered a 4-year national for NROTC over the weekend. After the dangling carrot of a LOA to the USNA last year, only to not get a nomination, this is a great alternative. He was highly motivated and excited.

Until the award notification, he was a Freshman college programmer (think "walk-on" in sports terms) to his unit at UMBC. He has one of the best GPAs in his ROTC class, is considered the top guy in PT, and has been given a few leadership billets within the unit. With the scholarship, they will back-date his award to cover this year, which will be great from a financial relief for us as he had very little other financial aid for this year.

He really wants a shot at the Academy, and his application is complete with the only thing outstanding being a nomination to make him competitive. He has already been turned down for our MOC and one of the Senators, and is only waiting to hear from the other. With no nomination, he has little to no shot at the Academy.

But ...... here is the rub. His CO is willing to give him a nomination, but he has to decline the scholarship and take his chances at an appointment as the unit does not want to lose the scholarship. There is another 4/C in his unit that is already on scholarship that has also applied to the USNA, and the CO declined to give him a nom as well. My son has to make a choice between a sure thing, which is a great option, or taking yet another long shot at getting an appointment based on the NROTC nom (with only 20 appointments available using that source). He's not really being held hostage, but it seems a bit heavy handed.

I don't have any animosity toward the CO and the unit, as it makes a lot of sense. But it is a tough emotional decision for him to make. The logical answer should be obvious. But that is not always logic that drives one's choices. I recommended that he takes the NROTC scholarship, gives up his possible NROTC nom, and see if he hears back from the remaining Senator and either way, keep his Academy application open until they send him a TWE. If by some miracle he gets an appointment, then he has the choice to make later.

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. There are lots and lots of outstanding NROTC Officers in the Navy.

 

[St.Katherine]

For those that followed, my son was offered a 4-year national for NROTC over the weekend. After the dangling carrot of a LOA to the USNA last year, only to not get a nomination, this is a great alternative. He was highly motivated and excited.

Until the award notification, he was a Freshman college programmer (think "walk-on" in sports terms) to his unit at UMBC. He has one of the best GPAs in his ROTC class, is considered the top guy in PT, and has been given a few leadership billets within the unit. With the scholarship, they will back-date his award to cover this year, which will be great from a financial relief for us as he had very little other financial aid for this year.

He really wants a shot at the Academy, and his application is complete with the only thing outstanding being a nomination to make him competitive. He has already been turned down for our MOC and one of the Senators, and is only waiting to hear from the other. With no nomination, he has little to no shot at the Academy.

But ...... here is the rub. His CO is willing to give him a nomination, but he has to decline the scholarship and take his chances at an appointment as the unit does not want to lose the scholarship. There is another 4/C in his unit that is already on scholarship that has also applied to the USNA, and the CO declined to give him a nom as well. My son has to make a choice between a sure thing, which is a great option, or taking yet another long shot at getting an appointment based on the NROTC nom (with only 20 appointments available using that source). He's not really being held hostage, but it seems a bit heavy handed.

I don't have any animosity toward the CO and the unit, as it makes a lot of sense. But it is a tough emotional decision for him to make. The logical answer should be obvious. But that is not always logic that drives one's choices. I recommended that he takes the NROTC scholarship, gives up his possible NROTC nom, and see if he hears back from the remaining Senator and either way, keep his Academy application open until they send him a TWE. If by some miracle he gets an appointment, then he has the choice to make later.

If I’m advising my DS (currently in Foundation Prep School)…

Secure the CO’s nomination. From what you’ve written, your son is very competitive. If USNA doesn’t come through this cycle, there are two cycles left. Last week, a current USNA plebe posted “Ask Away,” it took him three attempts to make it. Review postings to gain insights.

 

[USMA2026Cadet]

Agreeing with the above, take the scholarship. It's an incredible opportunity and not one you want to pass up for a "long shot" at USNA. There's always this other senator or the VP nom. If it truly is your son's dream, there's always the next cycle. Starting college all over again at USNA after two years may sound like a waste, but if it's your goal and you believe it's best for you, then it's worth it. Ten years from now when your DS is commissioned, the date of commission won't matter a bit.

 

[dadinnc]

I can only comment as a parent. Your advice to your son is wise. I’d advise my son to take the bird in hand. If he decided to go for the nomination that loses the NROTC scholarship, he’d have to accept putting shin in the game to make up for the lost scholarship (assuming no academy appointment). Good luck. Tough choice.

 

[Allectus]

For those that followed, my son was offered a 4-year national for NROTC over the weekend. After the dangling carrot of a LOA to the USNA last year, only to not get a nomination, this is a great alternative. He was highly motivated and excited.

Until the award notification, he was a Freshman college programmer (think "walk-on" in sports terms) to his unit at UMBC. He has one of the best GPAs in his ROTC class, is considered the top guy in PT, and has been given a few leadership billets within the unit. With the scholarship, they will back-date his award to cover this year, which will be great from a financial relief for us as he had very little other financial aid for this year.

He really wants a shot at the Academy, and his application is complete with the only thing outstanding being a nomination to make him competitive. He has already been turned down for our MOC and one of the Senators, and is only waiting to hear from the other. With no nomination, he has little to no shot at the Academy.

But ...... here is the rub. His CO is willing to give him a nomination, but he has to decline the scholarship and take his chances at an appointment as the unit does not want to lose the scholarship. There is another 4/C in his unit that is already on scholarship that has also applied to the USNA, and the CO declined to give him a nom as well. My son has to make a choice between a sure thing, which is a great option, or taking yet another long shot at getting an appointment based on the NROTC nom (with only 20 appointments available using that source). He's not really being held hostage, but it seems a bit heavy handed.

I don't have any animosity toward the CO and the unit, as it makes a lot of sense. But it is a tough emotional decision for him to make. The logical answer should be obvious. But that is not always logic that drives one's choices. I recommended that he takes the NROTC scholarship, gives up his possible NROTC nom, and see if he hears back from the remaining Senator and either way, keep his Academy application open until they send him a TWE. If by some miracle he gets an appointment, then he has the choice to make later.

I think in addition to the 20 for ROTC he would still be eligible for the Sup's 50 at large, and of course the VP noms.

 

[IronmanDaremo]

BanzaiPipeline, the Mid who put that thread up actually came from my son's ROTC unit, and they've shared a few texts, so that part has been helpful.

He notified his CO that he will not be requesting the nom. He'll take the scholarship and take a chance just leaving his Academy application in for consideration.

They couldn't find him a nom last year with the LOA, so he isn't overly optimistic that he's high on their selection list, even if it is a new cycle.

 

[jaglvr]

Can you DS contact USNA admissions and notify them what the deal is? Maybe that could sway USNA to use one of their discretionary noms on him, knowing he's willing to serve and use ROTC to get there?

 

[ProudDad17]

That was a tough decision to make I'm sure. Sounds like he quickly weighed the pros and cons and made the best decision he could, using his head, not his heart. If commissioning and serving is his highest priority, this path gives him the surest chance to reach it.

Interesting about the scholarship being applied retroactively to cover this year. In the past, applying for the 4 year national scholarship as a freshman essentially became a 3 year and did not kick in until sophomore year. you are the second person I've seen post that it is coving freshman year as well. Must be a change in policy. Best of luck to your DS as he moves forward.

 

[GWU PNS (emeritus)]

That was a tough decision to make I'm sure. Sounds like he quickly weighed the pros and cons and made the best decision he could, using his head, not his heart. If commissioning and serving is his highest priority, this path gives him the surest chance to reach it.

Interesting about the scholarship being applied retroactively to cover this year. In the past, applying for the 4 year national scholarship as a freshman essentially became a 3 year and did not kick in until sophomore year. you are the second person I've seen post that it is coving freshman year as well. Must be a change in policy. Best of luck to your DS as he moves forward.

I have seen folks post about the 4 year scholarship and whether or not it starts at sophomore year. The guidance I have gotten from Naval Service Training Command is that there is no option for retroactive reimbursement. Meaning....it is essentially a 3 year scholarship but the 4/C Mids were competing with mostly high school seniors. I recommend any Midshipmen being advised otherwise to have their CO or XO check in with NSTC. This is the first year I have experienced this so there is a learning curve for the units as well as the applicants.

 

[IronmanDaremo]

My son seemed to be led to believe he would get retroactive stuff. Or at least that it would kick in this semester.

But I also have a ton of faith in our resident PNS ^^^^. I'm going to have my son follow up asap.

 

[GWU PNS (emeritus)]

Each PNS has a lot of latitude for how they handle noms. I sent noms in for Mids applying for scholarship, but I am close to topping out for my spots. And our campus recruiting jist had 5 more walk in the door last week so if they select I might be over my numbers. I just want them to get whatever they really want and I trust the process to sort that out.

 

[OldRetSWO]

I just want them to get whatever they really want and I trust the process to sort that out.

Early on in my Navy career, I learned the phrase "Good Things for Good People" and I've tried to carry that through even when it hurt me and/or my goals. Even if it meant losing a key person, I wouldn't hold a good/great sailor or officer back from what they were requesting if it was at all possible.

 

[NJROTC-CC]

Any possibility/interest in speaking to Admissions at USNA about an appointment to NAPS? I know it is an extra year, but that would solve the nomination issue because I have heard that all worthy NAPSTERS are found nominations when they complete NAPS.

 

[St.Katherine]

BanzaiPipeline, the Mid who put that thread up actually came from my son's ROTC unit, and they've shared a few texts, so that part has been helpful.

He notified his CO that he will not be requesting the nom. He'll take the scholarship and take a chance just leaving his Academy application in for consideration.

They couldn't find him a nom last year with the LOA, so he isn't overly optimistic that he's high on their selection list, even if it is a new cycle.

Just a suggestion from a parent with DS in Foundation Prep.

Have your DS write a personal letter to Admissions explaining how he really wants USNA.

With his LOA from last cycle, someone from Admissions will take notice of it. And who knows, during the next staff meeting deliberations, someone might just put his name in front.

I know there are regulars here in this forum, some 10-year member, who would criticize my advice. Don’t care… I’ve grown a thick skin with what or not I can advice. My DS wrote a personal letter prior to last cycle’s closing. It worked. No one really knows what goes on during deliberations.

 

[kinnem]

@NJROTC-CC I don't think that once you're in College you're eligible for NAPS. It also sounds like a waste of time for this student since he has a high GPA.

Without an LOA this year I would not rely on the ROTC nom to get in. He ends up at the same spot anyway, and once there no one will care where he went to college.

 

[FastFood44]

I will only echo the above comments; NROTC in my opinion was the way to go, for a multitude of reasons; more freedom in college, same commission, and guarantee of the scholarship

 

[IronmanDaremo]

I think that is his thought as well. He'll find out in the next few days if the other Senator gives him a nom. And then it is just a matter of waiting on an appointment offer, or another TWE. All out of his control.

As for reaching out to admissions? If it were up to me, I would probably have him do it to see the art of the possible. Why not shake the tree a little? But the downside is potentially ruffling a lot of feathers, and even burning some bridges with the ROTC unit. If the Academy was a guarantee after the actions? Sure, might be worth it.

However, the end result is a commission either way.

In the end, this is his call. I mentioned reaching out to Admissions to see what's up, but also counseled him on the downside. I am letting him have this journey as he is the one living it and has to make a choice that he is comfortable with in the long run. I am walking that thin line between enabling and guiding ........ and with my personality, that is a difficult thing to do!!

UPDATE: Just got a call from my son. There is a checkmark in his nomination box for his USNA portal, but it says it is the NROTC nom. The CO can rescind that of course, but the waters keep getting more muddy.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

I think that is his thought as well. He'll find out in the next few days if the other Senator gives him a nom. And then it is just a matter of waiting on an appointment offer, or another TWE. All out of his control.

As for reaching out to admissions? If it were up to me, I would probably have him do it to see the art of the possible. Why not shake the tree a little? But the downside is potentially ruffling a lot of feathers, and even burning some bridges with the ROTC unit. If the Academy was a guarantee after the actions? Sure, might be worth it.

However, the end result is a commission either way.

In the end, this is his call. I mentioned reaching out to Admissions to see what's up, but also counseled him on the downside. I am letting him have this journey as he is the one living it and has to make a choice that he is comfortable with in the long run. I am walking that thin line between enabling and guiding ........ and with my personality, that is a difficult thing to do!!

UPDATE: Just got a call from my son. There is a checkmark in his nomination box for his USNA portal, but it says it is the NROTC nom. The CO can rescind that of course, but the waters keep getting more muddy.

I think others covered the recommendation on taking the scholarship nicely.

As you evaluate options, should your DS finish this year at UMBC and be accepted/ move to his dream at USNA for 4 years, that sounds like goodness and his dream path.

I would say though if he doesn’t gain acceptance to the SA this year, there is a risk/ cost ratio here of being half done with NROTC and his degree and then starting over at USNA for a six year journey. Just confirm what he would owe NROTC back if he takes this path and completes his sophomore year in NROTC on scholarship then wants to transfer.

Point for comparison, a young adult I know, a second semester freshman, is fast-pathing through undergrad- many credits from APs in HS and taking 20 credits a semester. She’ll graduate with a bachelors in 2.5 years including a double major and semester abroad, and if it works out, then med school in a combined 6.5 or 7 years from her June 2021 HS graduation. I personally don’t know about the, um, outstandingness of taking six years for undergrad and starting over toward commissioning after being half done. But it’s not my dream or decision, it’s your DS’s so I guess it’s a man-in-the-mirror moment for your DS on whether his goal is the academy experience over getting out to be a leader in the fleet. And a conversation on who will pay the undergrad bill if he gives up a bird in hand to increase his changes with that endorsement nom from his unit leader.

Good luck to him and your family. Props to you for approaching this in such a reflective thoughtful manner and helping your young adult sort all of this out while respecting it’s his journey. And congrats on the NROTC scholarship and his thriving in the program.