RPI AFROTC and The Arch

Joined
May 1, 2019
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Hello everyone! I’m an incoming freshman at RPI doing AFROTC, and I was wondering if anyone knew how exactly students selected to continue in AFROTC would be able to do field training during their sophomore year summer, as well as the newly mandated Arch program. I understand that some exceptions are made for students unable to participate in the arch; does this apply? Thanks a bunch for the help!
 
Could you please educate me on what the 'Arch' program is? It sounds like a new mandate and I am not familiar with it. Thanks!
 
DS asked about that at the interview at MIT and it was suggested that he contact the detachment commander. DS chose another school, so didn't find out the answer. Since it's just two weeks training, it may fall before The Arch starts?
 
Could you please educate me on what the 'Arch' program is? It sounds like a new mandate and I am not familiar with it. Thanks!

The Arch is a Rensselaer specific program in which all rising juniors take their would-be Fall semester classes in the Summer. Think of it as just a more intensive Summer school, except that everyone has to do it. (I believe this year is the first time it was required) This frees up a semester for the students, allowing them to take on a research project, internship, or co-op relating to their major. Since all rising juniors forfeit their Summer for this program, I’m unsure of how they can still attend field training without becoming significantly behind on their coursework.
 
Could you please educate me on what the 'Arch' program is? It sounds like a new mandate and I am not familiar with it. Thanks!

The Arch is a Rensselaer specific program in which all rising juniors take their would-be Fall semester classes in the Summer. Think of it as just a more intensive Summer school, except that everyone has to do it. (I believe this year is the first time it was required) This frees up a semester for the students, allowing them to take on a research project, internship, or co-op relating to their major. Since all rising juniors forfeit their Summer for this program, I’m unsure of how they can still attend field training without becoming significantly behind on their coursework.
I'm pretty confident the ROTC programs will find a way to work this out. Who knows? ROTC participants may be excused as there are also bigger issues.... how do they handle military science classes, lab, and other training when the kid is off campus for a semester? I know they make it work for kids doing a semester abroad, but that's not an entire class year missing a semester at the same time late in their college years, when they're expected to provide key leadership for the unit.
 
My DD is in RPI nrotc, if afrotc is anything similar, their participation in the summer arch program is waived. The Arch program at RPI is new, and this is the first year it is mandated for sophomores- basically after 2nd year, you get 2 weeks off, then must stay and take summer session classes. Then during junior year, you either take the fall or spring semester off- the idea is for the student to participate in externships with companies, participate in research projects, or travel abroad during the fall or spring semester. So, due to summer training and the fact that you have to be in school for the fall/spring semesters, rotc students are waived, as are certain athletes on varsity teams. In theory it sounds good, however, the challenges for those that are waived from it now are getting the classes you need or want during your junior year- due to summer class scheduling and the sequence of classes in your major, it may be problematic bc your fall semester junior year you can get slammed with heavy courses all in one semester. (the most challenging ones, rather than being able to spread them out between fall and spring semesters). Best of luck to you and congrats!
 
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