Red flag after calling AFROTC...

ThePilot18

The most Texan American you'll ever meet
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Nov 24, 2019
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Hey all,
I just called the AFROTC detachment that I'm looking at going to. Since I received a Type 7 scholarship, I called the Recruiting Flight Officer to ask a few questions about what is covered and what isn't in terms of tuition. Well, right away, he said he was not familiar with the different scholarships. I ended up having to explain everything to him (all the tiers of the scholarships, etc.) I asked if the school is one that pays for the full tuition even if you're out of state, and things like that.

He really didn't know anything, and honestly, I felt like I was explaining everything to him. Not to mention he was very rushed and on the very verge of being rude.

Should I see this as a red flag? I know it was just one person but still, it was pretty bad. Let me know your thoughts.
 
Your focus is on getting your questions answered. Today you encountered someone who was not helpful.

Recommend sending a note with your understanding of the process and a few very specific questions to a couple members of the cadre to the published email in their detachment site (LMK if you need one if it's not clear and I'll find/ share), seeking to confirm options since your goal is to use your scholarship at their school.

No, I wouldn't take it as a red-flag on the whole program yet. Just annoying to deal with someone who is helpless when they should be helpful. I'd follow-up and see if that attitude is pervasive - if their whole unit can't answer questions then THAT would be a red-flag. I'd refocus on your needs - you'll be dealing with helpless people throughout your life and military career. Not your job to assess his incompetence and try not to let it ruin your day. Just re-ask, carry forward and know that most programs have a couple of people without specific skills. Hope that helps.
 
That's good advice, and I'll follow through with it.
Not your job to assess his incompetence and try not to let it ruin your day. Just re-ask, carry forward and know that most programs have a couple of people without specific skills. Hope that helps.
But I should clarify, it was not his helplessness or incompetence that set off the red flag in my mind at the time. It was the general rudeness and attitude, which you mentioned. I'll be sure to keep looking. Thank you.
 
Was this a regular USAF recruiter or a specific officer/ROTC recruiter?
The regular (enlisted) recruiters are there in large part to bring in Airmen and that is what they are trained for and how they get measured/evaluated. I've seen many recruiters from all services who were not well versed on officer programs and they are really
not the right people to go to for Officer Program related info.
 
Was this a regular USAF recruiter or a specific officer/ROTC recruiter?
This was a Recruiting Flight Officer at the school in the ROTC det. He is an active duty Air Force officer.
 
Wow - pretty crappy representation there. Maybe I'd try the national phone link

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Maybe I'd try a different detachment. :)
But that is good advice.
However, one thing my kids and I noticed as they went through ROTC and college choices is how much detachments can differ. For instance, some reached out to my kids while others offered responses like the one above. Another thing that stood out to us was websites and if they were dynamic with good info and helped sell the detachment; or, were they out of date or obviously not seen as an important source of communication.
All of these things can reflect on the detachment leadership and energy directed to the units - is the commander waiting out the assignment for retirement or really enthused to help college kids become officers. Will the detachment being bringing opportunities like Project Go to the cadets or will the cadets be left to figure things out themselves?
Don't get me wrong, my kids have great AFROTC experiences, but we've heard opposite stories. I think experiences like the one above can be a red flag. However, reach out again because the officer's response might be a one-off experience or due to a personal or work crisis.
 
Imo, it’s a good idea to visit a unit to assess the culture, etc. I know at out local state U, they had a “shadow a Mid” and overnight for NROTC. May be difficult during COVID, but maybe not?

And that person you talked to May have been having a really bad day. It’s election time, during a global pandemic. Lots of grumpy people out there these days....seriously, could have caught him in a bad day.
 
He might have been someone new to the unit. Also, some of those questions should be directed to the bursar-s office
 
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