ROTC Without Commissioning – Options for DD

[Robiannae]

I'm seeking some guidance on behalf of my daughter (DD), who is currently weighing two very different but exciting options.

DD recently graduated from high school while simultaneously earning an Associate of Science in General Studies through dual enrollment at a local community college. She’s been awarded an almost fully funded scholarship to attend a strong out-of-state university through a competitive academic program, where she plans to pursue a degree in Engineering possibly leaning heavily to Mechanical or Aerospace. Her long-term goal is to influence policy related to technology and infrastructure. This path would allow her to graduate debt-free.

She is also strongly interested in leadership development and structure, which originally drew her to the service academies. Her application to USMA is still open — she is 3Q qualified and was recently informed that her name may be forwarded for consideration for a civil prep opportunity. She attended SLE and has long considered West Point her top choice.

As she evaluates the next steps, she’s become interested in whether ROTC might offer a similar environment for growth and development. However, most ROTC programs we've looked into seem to require a commitment to commission by the end of sophomore year, particularly if financial assistance is involved.
We’re hoping to understand better:

• Is it possible to participate in ROTC for all four years as a civilian without contracting, if no scholarship is accepted?
• Are there students who remain non-contracted for leadership experience only?
• What are the day-to-day or structural differences for non-contracted cadets?

Any insights or shared experiences — especially from parents, cadets, or those familiar with ROTC or civil prep — would be invaluable as DD navigates this decision.

 

[MidCakePa]

One of DS’s best buddies participated in AROTC for four years without contracting or accepting financial assistance. He’s a foreign national (from an allied country) so not eligible to commission. He just enjoyed the classes and cadets — it was all about the experience. He was a top performer and a favorite of the battalion and cadre. He was as “all in” as any other cadet and actually outperformed many.

 

[kinnem]

All ROTC programs run for 4 years. (I won't confuse this post with the exception which involves a particular type of military school).

The unit must approve all non-scholarship Cadets and Midshipmen to continue in the program after sophomore year. If one continues, one would either wash out or contract and commission.

I believe at some military colleges, eg VA Tech, VMI, people can continue on without commissioning as part of a leadership program. As far as I know this is not available elsewhere.

Certainly in a non SMC unit, the day to day, or structural, difference is non existent. The same activity, participation, and responsibilities are expected of everyone. I think you'll find that participants don't know who is, or is not contracted: or if they do, no one cares.

ROTC programs and active duty in the military, provides great skill enhancement and leadership opportunities. Who else would entrust a new college graduate with the responsibility for 10s of millions of dollars of equipment, and the care of 80 men and women (the size of DS's first platoon).

When DS left the Marine Corps he was scarfed up by the State of California for both his leadership and technical skills. They were thrilled to have him on board.

There are generally opportunities to earn a Master Degree around the time of promotion to a field grade officer, which might fit in nicely with your DR'S long term plans

 

[glen]

I'm seeking some guidance on behalf of my daughter (DD), who is currently weighing two very different but exciting options.

DD recently graduated from high school while simultaneously earning an Associate of Science in General Studies through dual enrollment at a local community college. She’s been awarded an almost fully funded scholarship to attend a strong out-of-state university through a competitive academic program, where she plans to pursue a degree in Engineering possibly leaning heavily to Mechanical or Aerospace. Her long-term goal is to influence policy related to technology and infrastructure. This path would allow her to graduate debt-free.

She is also strongly interested in leadership development and structure, which originally drew her to the service academies. Her application to USMA is still open — she is 3Q qualified and was recently informed that her name may be forwarded for consideration for a civil prep opportunity. She attended SLE and has long considered West Point her top choice.

As she evaluates the next steps, she’s become interested in whether ROTC might offer a similar environment for growth and development. However, most ROTC programs we've looked into seem to require a commitment to commission by the end of sophomore year, particularly if financial assistance is involved.
We’re hoping to understand better:

• Is it possible to participate in ROTC for all four years as a civilian without contracting, if no scholarship is accepted?
• Are there students who remain non-contracted for leadership experience only?
• What are the day-to-day or structural differences for non-contracted cadets?

Any insights or shared experiences — especially from parents, cadets, or those familiar with ROTC or civil prep — would be invaluable as DD navigates this decision.

Seems like your daughter is in a great position. Especially if the state university she is being offered a nearly full scholarship offers an ROTC program. All ROTC programs allow non-contract or non-scholarship cadets to participate during the first 2 years. Continuation in the last 2 years (Advanced Course) is typically reserved for those either on scholarship or that have contracted voluntarily to commission, and is competitive. However, continuation without a scholarship or contract is at the discretion of the PMS, PNS, PAS. This includes most Senior Military Colleges where the first 2 years of ROTC is mandatory for the Corps of Cadets. At VMI, cadets not contracting are placed in the Army program and take leadership classes in lieu of ROTC labs their final 2 years, similar to The Citadel where non-contracting cadets take mandatory leadership classes in lieu of ROTC leadership classes.

 

[Papa7]

Short answer Yes. Please talk to a ROTC advisor at her schools.

 

[Robiannae]

Seems like your daughter is in a great position. Especially if the state university she is being offered a nearly full scholarship offers an ROTC program. All ROTC programs allow non-contract or non-scholarship cadets to participate during the first 2 years. Continuation in the last 2 years (Advanced Course) is typically reserved for those either on scholarship or that have contracted voluntarily to commission, and is competitive. However, continuation without a scholarship or contract is at the discretion of the PMS, PNS, PAS. This includes most Senior Military Colleges where the first 2 years of ROTC is mandatory for the Corps of Cadets. At VMI, cadets not contracting are placed in the Army program and take leadership classes in lieu of ROTC labs their final 2 years, similar to The Citadel where non-contracting cadets take mandatory leadership classes in lieu of ROTC leadership classes.

Thank you. She will reach out to the ROTC advisors as suggested.

 

[Robiannae]

One of DS’s best buddies participated in AROTC for four years without contracting or accepting financial assistance. He’s a foreign national (from an allied country) so not eligible to commission. He just enjoyed the classes and cadets — it was all about the experience. He was a top performer and a favorite of the battalion and cadre. He was as “all in” as any other cadet and actually outperformed many.

That's great to know - Thank you.

 

[Stalker97]

I'm seeking some guidance on behalf of my daughter (DD), who is currently weighing two very different but exciting options.

DD recently graduated from high school while simultaneously earning an Associate of Science in General Studies through dual enrollment at a local community college. She’s been awarded an almost fully funded scholarship to attend a strong out-of-state university through a competitive academic program, where she plans to pursue a degree in Engineering possibly leaning heavily to Mechanical or Aerospace. Her long-term goal is to influence policy related to technology and infrastructure. This path would allow her to graduate debt-free.

She is also strongly interested in leadership development and structure, which originally drew her to the service academies. Her application to USMA is still open — she is 3Q qualified and was recently informed that her name may be forwarded for consideration for a civil prep opportunity. She attended SLE and has long considered West Point her top choice.

As she evaluates the next steps, she’s become interested in whether ROTC might offer a similar environment for growth and development. However, most ROTC programs we've looked into seem to require a commitment to commission by the end of sophomore year, particularly if financial assistance is involved.
We’re hoping to understand better:

• Is it possible to participate in ROTC for all four years as a civilian without contracting, if no scholarship is accepted?
• Are there students who remain non-contracted for leadership experience only?
• What are the day-to-day or structural differences for non-contracted cadets?

Any insights or shared experiences — especially from parents, cadets, or those familiar with ROTC or civil prep — would be invaluable as DD navigates this decision.

Most SMCs have those options. At most places (A&M, Va Tech, Norwich, Citadel, VMI, NGC-well I guess all SMCs) have mandatory ROTC classes for 2 years for those in those Corps. Like SAs-you have to affirm and at those SMCs for the last two years that means if you don't, you don't incur military service. I know A&M will let you remain in the Corps, hold rank, even get Corps scholarships as a D&C (Drill and Ceremonies) cadet. At A&M, instead of mandatory ROTC classes the last two years you take D&C classes (ethical leadership, etc. geared towards the civilian world). Some do it because they decided they put in too much work the first two years just to walk away (might as well enjoy the fruits of your suffering) and enjoy the benefits of being an upperclass cadet. The Corps at A&M also has a very powerful network in Texas so some folks elect to stay in for four years for that reason. Some do it because they have 4 year Corps scholarships (no military service obligation). But you get 4 or less years to be in the Corps at A&M. If you are an Engineering major and it takes you an extra semester or year, you do that as regular old "non-reg" student.

 

[99Gold]

Most SMCs have those options. At most places (A&M, Va Tech, Norwich, Citadel, VMI, NGC-well I guess all SMCs) have mandatory ROTC classes for 2 years for those in those Corps. Like SAs-you have to affirm and at those SMCs for the last two years that means if you don't, you don't incur military service. I know A&M will let you remain in the Corps, hold rank, even get Corps scholarships as a D&C (Drill and Ceremonies) cadet. At A&M, instead of mandatory ROTC classes the last two years you take D&C classes (ethical leadership, etc. geared towards the civilian world). Some do it because they decided they put in too much work the first two years just to walk away (might as well enjoy the fruits of your suffering) and enjoy the benefits of being an upperclass cadet. The Corps at A&M also has a very powerful network in Texas so some folks elect to stay in for four years for that reason. Some do it because they have 4 year Corps scholarships (no military service obligation). But you get 4 or less years to be in the Corps at A&M. If you are an Engineering major and it takes you an extra semester or year, you do that as regular old "non-reg" student.

Also, the legacy aspect is big at A&M for the Corps. We know a lot of cadets and grads that were in the Corps for that reason and had no intention of commissioning from the start. I would say that more intend to commission in ds's outfit at the end of fish year than at the beginning.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

I think if you read all the good input provided by others, hopefully you'll realize that your question is, in some ways, too forward looking.

It really does not matter at this point whether your daughter CAN do more than two years in ROTC, or whether she ultimately decides to serve. The ROTC program is a terrific leadership-development opportunity, and anyone, with or without a scholarship or an interest in commissioning, is welcome to participate for two years with zero obligation.

What comes after that, you ask? As a fellow parent, I'd ask, "Why worry about it?" It seems to me, should your DD not be offered an appointment to USMA, that she ought to attend Plan B school with the scholarship and enroll in the ROTC program of her choice there, assuming it is available.
By the end of two years in ROTC, she will know whether see wants to continue and whether she desires a commission. That's kind of the whole point of the two-year, "try before you buy" system.

Fingers crossed for that appointment, but I think you have a really great backup plan, that might just be a Plan A in disguise, if that doesn't come through!

 

[RBI90VMI]

While VMI commissions over half of it's graduates, VMI's mission is to produce citizen-soldiers, men and women educated for civilian life and also prepared to serve in the armed forces.

The legacy aspect and alumni connection is very strong in Virginia. It might be the crowd that I associate with, but I have heard many an employer state that they would hire a VMI graduate simply because they knew the quality of hire they were getting.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

While VMI commissions over half of it's graduates, VMI's mission is to produce citizen-soldiers, men and women educated for civilian life and also prepared to serve in the armed forces.

The legacy aspect and alumni connection is very strong in Virginia. It might be the crowd that I associate with, but I have heard many an employer state that they would hire a VMI graduate simply because they knew the quality of hire they were getting.

I am CERTAIN that is true in Virginia for VMI, as it is in South Carolina for The Citadel. However, we also both know these alumni networks go far beyond the state borders. Lots to be said for an SMC degree.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

Great posts above. On a four year ROTC scholarship, prior to day 1 of year 2, the candidate must decide to seek commission/ stay in, or walk away. After that, they are subject to potential recoupment of the scholarship funds. So you have 1 year basically to decide in or out when on a 4 year. Here though in your scenario, as others mentioned you'd have up to 2 full years in ROTC to kick the tires, and decide if ROTC and a path to commission is for you. All without the pressure of keeping the ROTC scholarship.

Does the dream school that's offering tremendous scholarships/ aid have AROTC - either hosting itself or as part of a host program nearby? (it's not at all colleges)?

I agree with the above post about it perhaps being premature/ too soon to know if she wants to commission, and that trying ROTC is a great way to kick the tires/ try it on. It's a busy time for ROTC units but they may have a few 2nd Lts stowed with them until they go to their first MOS/ assignment. I'd encourage her to reach out and speak with the unit openly about her goals and interests.

If you have questions about ROTC please post them - my "kid" (now an officer) was all-in about ROTC vs the academies. Happy to answer any specific questions if they arise.

BTW, sounds like your DD is a h*ll of a driven, talented person. Awesome that she has a path to graduate debt free and is exploring all these options. Good luck to your DD and your family.

 

[Usnavy2019]

You could also look into AROTC Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty. GRFD guarantees you will serve in the USAR or State ARNG after graduation. I understand your initial post asked about non-commissioning options, but if the commitment of AD is the issue, GRFD might be less intimidating. It would allow DD to serve and practice leadership, but also have civilian pursuits.