Reapplying as an AFROTC Cadet

[zrh177]

Hello!

This past April, I was unfortunately denied appointment to the USAFA class of 2019. While this was a rather disappointing outcome, I nonetheless was able to earn a type-2 AFROTC scholarship and will be attending Boston College next year.

While I am extremely appreciative to have the opportunity to be a part of the ROTC program, it has been my whole-hearted goal since day one to attend a US Service Academy. Accordingly, I am reapplying to the USAFA in a bid to fulfill that hope. However, as I would be equally content and honored to be a midshipman in Annapolis just as much as a cadet in Colorado Springs, I am strongly considering reapplying to the USNA as well. Nevertheless, the more and more I've considered the specifics of my situation, I believe there might be a few snags in reapplying to the Naval Academy. That is, as an AFROTC cadet on scholarship, I understand that reapplying to the USAFA is acceptable, but would attempting to earn appointment at an Academy in a different branch even be permissible? I can imagine it'd be a somewhat awkward conversation to explain to my commander next year that I'd be leaving ROTC let alone for a different service. Not to mention, I feel as if I'd seem somewhat traitorous.

In closing, let me say that whether the goal of attending a Service Academy is accomplished through the Navy or the Air Force makes little difference to me. Regardless of such ambivalence, I do wish to do the right thing and to follow a course that won't be littered with oddities and pitfalls. If any of you have any advice for a reapplicant such as myself, please feel free to share. Thank you so much in advance!

Sincerely,
Zach

P.S.: I understand that ROTC commanders are allotted the power to grant SA nominations; in brief, how does this process work?

 

[Usafamom2016]

i really can't answer this question, but I know an appointee who did just this last year. He was declined for appt last year, did ROTC for a year and now is an appointee for the class of 2019. if you PM me, I can try to connect you.

 

[AFrpaso]

First, I'm sure most here appreciate a well thought-out post, but you really do not need to be so formal on an internet forum.

As for your question, there is at least one guy at the AFA that used to be prior Army enlisted. I know many who are prior AFROTC cadets. Personally I do not know of any cadets who came from a different service's ROTC program.

Leaving for a different service isn't 'traitorous'. Despite whatever ridiculous rivalries exist between branches, we all fight on the same team. Two of my classmates are attempting to cross commission into the Marines and my commander is an Army captain. Everyone works together more than you might think.

The most important thing is that you keep an open line of communications with your chain of command and make your intentions known. Talk about your desire to attend a service academy and how your chances will greatly improve if you apply to more than one. Always remember that at the end of the day an O-1 is an O-1 whether you came from an academy, ROTC program, or OTS/OCS. Good luck.

 

[mrsjeffs]

i really can't answer this question, but I know an appointee who did just this last year. He was declined for appt last year, did ROTC for a year and now is an appointee for the class of 2019. if you PM me, I can try to connect you.

Hi there, our oldest son is in ROTC this year but wants to reapply for 2016. Is he allowed to apply both through ROTC and individually, or does he have to choose one avenue to proceed? If he's allowed to do both, what are the pros & cons of each method? Thank you.
Kind regards,
Mrs. Jeff S

 

[Usafamom2016]

Are you asking about a nomination? You should request all nominations that you are eligible for, which would be ROTC in addition to senate and representatives from your home state. The more slates you can be on the better.

 

[mrsjeffs]

Are you asking about a nomination? You should request all nominations that you are eligible for, which would be ROTC in addition to senate and representatives from your home state. The more slates you can be on the better.

Yes, thank you for your helpful information!

 

[zrh177]

@AFrpaso Thank you for your advice and information... even the first bit! And @Usafamom2016 I appreciate the offer, but it seems as if AFrpaso has got me covered, so thank you anyways. I'll be putting all of y'alls counsel to good use here soon!