I also agree, that is why I state over and over again until I am out of breath that
BEFORE YOU ACCEPT THIS AFROTC SCHOLARSHIP UNDERSTAND YOU WILL OWE AT LEAST 4 YRS
I am also someone who states don't take it because you want to fly, since that means a 10 YR COMMITMENT. Tally the time and you are 34 before you can bolt...double your current age!
Life is full of would of, should of, could of's!
Now with that being stated there are some who at 17 know that they would rather eat Ramen for 4 yrs before they have to live at sea for 4 yrs to pay for their college education.
The same can be said for those who would do it to avoid being stationed on land!
This is where as parents with life experience step in, and say there are a lot of ways to get into that branch besides accepting an SA apptmt or a scholarship as a freshman in college if you have any doubts.
1. FAFSA and student loans as you take ROTC
2. Apply in college for a ROTC scholarship
3. OTS/C after you graduate
4. Enlist and then use that route with the GI Bill.
ROTC is not the only option.
Now as far as being a military doc. My suggestion is to look on this site for Hornet and discuss this with him personally. This is something he always wanted to do in the military. Career fields matter and the closer you can get to those in those fields the better picture you can make regarding the future.
Also agree that when you enter with a goal is probably not what your goal will be when you exit...again pm Hornet.
However, this is where I will disagree.
but I really don't think there is a single kid in country who really knows what they want
You might not know what you want, but if it comes down to the branch you know that in your heart of hearts.
Now let's go back a step and acknowledge that our DS wanted to be JAG, but through ROTC his military career has changed.
However, the branch never changed since he was 10.
That's the thing when it comes to ROTC or the military there is no guarantee regarding your job, the only guarantee is the branch.
SERVICE BEFORE SELF if you cannot accept that your desires take 2nd place over their needs than re-think it. Want only a fighter and transports won't do, than re-think your decision. Want to be a doc and would die if you get Public Affairs, look at my flier comment. You serve at the luxury and need of the service, your career aspirations come 2nd.
Our DS always knew that he did not ever want to serve on a boat or in a tank. We pounded in his head that to go for that dream job, but that doesn't mean you will get it; we would rather sell our kidney or go in debt than to see him hate his life for X yrs.
He decided to heed our advice and only applied for the AFROTC scholarship. He also only applied for AFA.
There are 17 yos that do know they do not want to be in one branch over another.
We also stressed if you want to serve the country there are other ways than the military.
No offense to you, and I wish your family the best, just trying to defend how there are some who can come to their decisions at 17.
Heck my 16 yo DS would rather eat his skin before going military...again if we are to accept them as adults making decisions even for college that impacts their life than we should take the approach that the military does that at 18 they are adults.
I am and will always be their safety net, but I do believe that this is their time to soar on their own.
I also know as a ROTC mom come the minute they turn 18 every branch will cut you out regarding anything...it is best to get accustomed to that now.