ROTC and Graduating on time?

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Chilidog1000

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Hey there! I am going to be a freshman at TAMU in the fall (major is animal science with a pre-vet focus), and I am looking for advice on how I can fit all of my classes into 4 years. I made a doc of all of my required classes from TAMU, ROTC/The Corps, and Vet School prerequisites. Based on that I will have to take 19+ hours a semester and take summer classes, and even then I might not be able to fit in all of the credits I need. The Corps of Cadet is going to be very time consuming so I know taking 19 hours will be tough. They only let me take 14 hours this semester as well. Does anyone have advice on this? Do some classes in college fulfill multiple credit requirements? How have others done this?
 
If you're planning on becoming a Veterinarian, at least in the Army, you may want to rethink ROTC as a commissioning source.
 
Chilidog1000 said:
Could you advise why?
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Chances of going onto futher your education after the first 4 years is very small. Meaning full time education, espeically any medical related fields. They will want to commission you right away.

Which branch? I know for AF you have to fill out a form each semester that shows you on target for the anticipated graduation date. Some degrees have a little leeway for 5 years, but you still need prior approval for that.
 
ROTC will require a commitment of both time during your undergraduate studies and will also incur a service obligation. ROTC will expect that to be repaid beginning directly after graduation/commissioning from undergrad. ROTC is a program designed to produce line officers, not medical professionals. There is no way to be assigned to a medical profession AOC out of ROTC. The only way to become a Veterinarian in the Army is to direct commission. The Veterinary Corps falls under Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and if you take HPSP via them, that will also incur a service obligation. To minimize time commitment, it is more efficient to simply wait until after undergrad, get accepted into Veterinary School, then use the AMEDD direct commissioning program and HPSP to finance the education. This is really the only route to truly guarantee you get what you want.

Here is a link to the AMEDD veterinary program incentives.
 
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jaglvr said:
Chances of going onto futher your education after the first 4 years is very small. Meaning full time education, espeically any medical related fields. They will want to commission you right away.

Which branch? I know for AF you have to fill out a form each semester that shows you on target for the anticipated graduation date. Some degrees have a little leeway for 5 years, but you still need prior approval for that.
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Branch is Army, If I don't get into Vet school I would be fine with fulfilling my commitment and applying to Vet School at a later date.
Anonymous121 said:
ROTC will require a commitment of both time during your undergraduate studies and will also incur a service obligation. ROTC will expect that to be repaid. ROTC is a program designed more for line officers, not medical professionals. The Veterinary Corps falls under Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and if you take HPSP via them, that will also incur a service obligation. To minimize cost and time, it is more efficient to simply wait until after undergrad, get accepted into Veterinary School, then use the AMEDD direct commissioning program and HPSP to finance the education.

Here is a link to the AMEDD veterinary program incentives.
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Here is my original plan: I have received an Army ROTC scholarship, which I plan to use at TAMU to get my Bachelors in Animal Science with a pre vet focus. I will apply to Vet school at the required time (apply to multiple schools). If I don't get into Vet school I will start my service commitment and apply again at a later date. If I do get in I will apply for an education delay so that I can attend Vet School before I complete my commitment. I also plan to apply to the HPSP for my time in vet school. I am aware of the service obligation required by both scholarships and have been seriously considering retiring from the military anyways. From who I have talked to I have been told this is a hard (but possible) path. In your experience is this not true?
 
My DS will also be a freshman at tamu in the fall. The corps advisor, Meredith Simpson, is AMAZING!! We also met the XO of the Navy Unit (DS is NROTC) and he was very helpful and and answered many questions we had when we met him at NSC. I would definitely advise you reach out to Ms. Simpson and your AROTC contact at tamu.
 
botello said:
My DS will also be a freshman at tamu in the fall. The corps advisor, Meredith Simpson, is AMAZING!! We also met the XO of the Navy Unit (DS is NROTC) and he was very helpful and and answered many questions we had when we met him at NSC. I would definitely advise you reach out to Ms. Simpson and your AROTC contact at tamu.
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Thank you! I thought about contacting the corps advisor but I couldn't remember her name! I have already contacted the advisor for my college and Mr. Manning (the Recruiting Operations Officer for Army ROTC).
 
Chilidog1000 said:
Here is my original plan: I have received an Army ROTC scholarship, which I plan to use at TAMU to get my Bachelors in Animal Science with a pre vet focus. I will apply to Vet school at the required time (apply to multiple schools). If I don't get into Vet school I will start my service commitment and apply again at a later date. If I do get in I will apply for an education delay so that I can attend Vet School before I complete my commitment. I also plan to apply to the HPSP for my time in vet school. I am aware of the service obligation required by both scholarships and have been seriously considering retiring from the military anyways. From who I have talked to I have been told this is a hard (but possible) path. In your experience is this not true?
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You are assuming that you will be released from your contractual obligation of ROTC. If they have you locked into an AOC as a 2LT, they could, within all reason, deny your release or any sort of "educational delay."
 
Anonymous121 said:
You are assuming that you will be released from your contractual obligation of ROTC. If they have you locked into an AOC as a 2LT, they could, within all reason, deny your release or any sort of "educational delay."
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I have no wish to be released from the contract- I still plan to fulfill the service obligation from ROTC, I would just go to Vet school before fulfilling the obligation. If I am not granted the educational delay (I know nothing is a guarantee) the plan is to complete my service obligation and apply for Vet School afterwards.
 
Chilidog1000 said:
I have no wish to be released from the contract- I still plan to fulfill the service obligation from ROTC, I would just go to Vet school before fulfilling the obligation. If I am not granted the educational delay (I know nothing is a guarantee) the plan is to complete my service obligation and apply for Vet School afterwards.
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@Chilidog1000 I'm a big fan of the ROTC program - my DS is in it now. Looks like you're committed to attend TAMU next year - great - go for it fully, focus on excelling in academics and adjusting/ learning/ growing in ROTC, and see if it's a fit during year 1. My unsolicited recommendation is that given your interests to become a vet, you continue to keep an open mind and explore the HPSP program path to commission and serve, and consider finding an undergrad degree you can afford after merit scholarships and financial aid - even a state school that's affordable to you. You may find an alt path to serve is the best fit for you and don't be afraid to make a change, if so.

Plus, you don't know what MOS you'll serve in - some like 153A - Rotary Wing Aviator require additional years of training and service. You do you, but consider whether you want to be:
1. debating between using your military or AARP discount to go to the movies
2. in a position where if a dream civilian career opportunity presented itself, that you could within a few years take it as opposed to being "locked in" for so many years.

Undergrad costs are daunting but continue to do a cost/ benefit analysis on whether a tuition and other ROTC benefits while on undergrad scholarship is worth the multi-year commitment given you plan to be a vet.

HPSP details below - good luck//

THE HPSP WILL COVER YOUR FULL TUITION​

The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is one of the most comprehensive scholarships available in the health care field, covering your full tuition for an advanced medical degree while also providing you with a monthly stipend.​

This program could be for you if you are pursuing a career in one of these fields:​


  • Medical (including Osteopathy)
  • Dental
  • Veterinary
  • Nursing
  • Counseling and Clinical Psychology
  • Optometry

HPSP provides you with:​


  • Full tuition for up to four years, depending on specialty
  • Funding for books, equipment, and other school fees
  • Monthly stipend of $2,000+ plus a monthly allowance for food and housing
  • Up to a $20,000 sign-on bonus, plus Officer’s pay during school breaks
  • Salary increases with promotions, time in service, and cost-of-living adjustments

Requirements for HPSP:​


  • U.S. citizenship
  • Active duty status in the Army
  • Qualification as a commissioned Officer
  • In progress or completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
  • Acceptance to or enrollment in an accredited graduate, doctoral, or medical school program in the U.S. or Puerto Rico
  • Full-time student status during the length of the program
 
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