Should I do Army or Air Force ROTC (Urgent plz help!)

Devil Doc said:
Hello Asher. I’m a proud Virginian taxpayer and high school teacher who happily sends off a few students a year to VPI.

You mentioned debt and being from out of state. Why VT for this particular major? It isn’t listed in the top twenty five. For IR, national security, foreign affairs, et al. one thinks of the Ivy’s and the Georges. George Washington University, Georgetown, and George Mason. Well, lots of people don’t immediately think of Mason but it does have good programs due to the proximity to Sodom on the Potomac.
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Just want to add that when I was researching colleges several years ago, George Mason's tuition was the lowest out-of-state I found (with what I was looking for). Might be worth a look.
 
Wishful said:
Just want to add that when I was researching colleges several years ago, George Mason's tuition was the lowest out-of-state I found (with what I was looking for). Might be worth a look.
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Mason is a great bargain with a bunch of majors to choose from. They have master's and doctoral programs more in line with international and national security topics. Their School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution is Now the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. They used to have a Center for Conflict Analysis and Resolution but now I can't find where it still exists. They would have conferences and meetings of the smart people of the world who tried figuring out war, hunger, slavery, and other topics of conflict. My son presented to an audience there once on the topic of human smuggling. How and why a Marine combat engineer officer would be in that position I cannot say, but it was quite fascinating.

carterschool.gmu.edu

S-CAR to become the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

carterschool.gmu.edu carterschool.gmu.edu
 
First off, remember that Hap Arnold started off as an Infantryman - now that I got that out of the way. I have a strong bias (career Army Officer - Infantry, raised in an Air Force household). I would go Army, with the understanding as AROTC Dad said, you could get branch detailed. Personally, I think being branch detailed is a good thing - because you need to understand who you are supporting (combat arms guys/gals in the mud). Also, focus on Arabic, good - have you looked into Project GO (highly recommend it). Comp Sci major - have you considered Cyber??? A small, very competitive Army Branch, but with a LOT of growth potential. As I recall VTech has a pretty good cyber program. Given the recent scare of the USAF cutting (then reinstating) a bunch of cadet slots/scholarships, I would lean towards the Army. In fact back when I was a PMS in the (2005) I picked up a couple of AFROTC cadets that were being cut to make numbers and turned them Green - they went on to commission and successfully serve as Army Officers. Good luck.
 
Brotherram said:
First off, remember that Hap Arnold started off as an Infantryman - now that I got that out of the way. I have a strong bias (career Army Officer - Infantry, raised in an Air Force household). I would go Army, with the understanding as AROTC Dad said, you could get branch detailed. Personally, I think being branch detailed is a good thing - because you need to understand who you are supporting (combat arms guys/gals in the mud). Also, focus on Arabic, good - have you looked into Project GO (highly recommend it). Comp Sci major - have you considered Cyber??? A small, very competitive Army Branch, but with a LOT of growth potential. As I recall VTech has a pretty good cyber program. Given the recent scare of the USAF cutting (then reinstating) a bunch of cadet slots/scholarships, I would lean towards the Army. In fact back when I was a PMS in the (2005) I picked up a couple of AFROTC cadets that were being cut to make numbers and turned them Green - they went on to commission and successfully serve as Army Officers. Good luck.
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I definitely have considered cyber in the army two issues in joining the army for me:
1: I’m a first gen American with middle eastern parents who generally do not like the military (not specifically the US military, they just don’t like war). To them the Air Force is more technically oriented. Perception is reality with my parents so they were “okay” with me becoming an officer in what they deem as a technical branch.

2: I want to fly and I do not want to have a desk job (not that I wouldn’t be content with one, just would rather fly) Rotary aircraft are cool but I always wanted to fly jets. (I don’t like the ocean so I would never join the navy) the reason I’m choosing a technical major such as CS or EE is because I want something to fall back on that is reliable and that I enjoy if the military doesn’t work out for whatever reason. I’m also re applying to the Air Force academy for this reason as you have less control over your career outlook in rotc vs the academy based on all the research I have done so far and the people I have spoken too
I also appreciate the advice when it comes to the AF getting rid of scholarships, only thing I can do there is getting a high gpa and AFOQT so I hopefully don’t end up cut if another unfortunate situation like that happens again,
 
I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but attending a school with the potential for 180K in debt and banking on an ROTC scholarship is a terrible idea. What happens if you get injured after sophomore year and get booted? What happens if you show up at the wrong party and get in legal trouble? What happens if you get poor grades and lose your scholarship? What if you just straight up don't get selected for a scholarship due to a reduction in force? All of these are things I've seen happen to cadets.

This might be an unpopular opinion, but a lot of young, impressionable, future cadets get sucked into senior military colleges for the military training aspect. The senior military colleges are great at what they do, but I have yet to see that particular form of education give any of my senior military college graduate friends any sort of advantage in terms of ability. I think they have some advantage for branch selection in the Army from what they've told me, but that's about it.

I have plenty of friends who are legacy graduates of those schools going back generations. Some chose to attend those schools for a particular program or degree. Some really just enjoy that lifestyle, and had the means to pay for it. Those are valid reasons. Not saying you don't have a valid reason, but the vibe I get from your post is you're very much shooting from the hip to try and hit a very specific target. Take a deep breath. It'll be all right. Make sure you review your options and do what's smart for you.
 
Guys, I have made a final decision. After much consideration with the Air Force and Army ROTC leaders on campus through personal zoom calls as well as consulting with my parents, academic and career advisors over career prospects for me in both branches, I have decided to drop all Air Force ROTC classes for the Fall of 2021 at Virginia Tech and will be joining Army ROTC. I believe this is the best decision for me personally. Regardless of where life takes me I am confident in this decision and myself to accomplish and aim high academically and eventually earn a scholarship. Thank you everyone for your responses.
 
Asher.Raza.2020 said:
Guys, I have made a final decision. After much consideration with the Air Force and Army ROTC leaders on campus through personal zoom calls as well as consulting with my parents, academic and career advisors over career prospects for me in both branches, I have decided to drop all Air Force ROTC classes for the Fall of 2021 at Virginia Tech and will be joining Army ROTC. I believe this is the best decision for me personally. Regardless of where life takes me I am confident in this decision and myself to accomplish and aim high academically and eventually earn a scholarship. Thank you everyone for your responses.
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Good luck, and thanks for the update!
 
Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hy!
Tech, Tech, VPI
Sol-a-rex, Sol-a-rah
Poly Tech Vir-gin-ia
Ray rah VPI
Team! Team! Team!
 
FezR said:
I definitely have considered cyber in the army two issues in joining the army for me:
1: I’m a first gen American with middle eastern parents who generally do not like the military (not specifically the US military, they just don’t like war). To them the Air Force is more technically oriented. Perception is reality with my parents so they were “okay” with me becoming an officer in what they deem as a technical branch.

2: I want to fly and I do not want to have a desk job (not that I wouldn’t be content with one, just would rather fly) Rotary aircraft are cool but I always wanted to fly jets. (I don’t like the ocean so I would never join the navy) the reason I’m choosing a technical major such as CS or EE is because I want something to fall back on that is reliable and that I enjoy if the military doesn’t work out for whatever reason. I’m also re applying to the Air Force academy for this reason as you have less control over your career outlook in rotc vs the academy based on all the research I have done so far and the people I have spoken too
I also appreciate the advice when it comes to the AF getting rid of scholarships, only thing I can do there is getting a high gpa and AFOQT so I hopefully don’t end up cut if another unfortunate situation like that happens again,
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I am also first generation American, my mother was bombed by allies, occupied by the Russians, saved by a British Officer, and married an American NCO - follow your dream, your parents are and will be very proud of you - don't let your perception of their past restrict your future.

Everybody wants to fly - I had this conversation with a Vietnam Vet Army aviator when I was a freshman. The Air Force gave me the tech major speech, the Army said we've got more aircraft than the Air Force does (MAJ Dyer was a great salesman and fine officer). If I was pursuing EE or CS because of future potential plan B careers, I would think cyber would be even more employable - just guessing.

Whatever you, good luck - enjoy the ride and remember it is about service not scholarships.
 
FezR said:
I definitely have considered cyber in the army two issues in joining the army for me:
1: I’m a first gen American with middle eastern parents who generally do not like the military (not specifically the US military, they just don’t like war). To them the Air Force is more technically oriented. Perception is reality with my parents so they were “okay” with me becoming an officer in what they deem as a technical branch.

2: I want to fly and I do not want to have a desk job (not that I wouldn’t be content with one, just would rather fly) Rotary aircraft are cool but I always wanted to fly jets. (I don’t like the ocean so I would never join the navy) the reason I’m choosing a technical major such as CS or EE is because I want something to fall back on that is reliable and that I enjoy if the military doesn’t work out for whatever reason. I’m also re applying to the Air Force academy for this reason as you have less control over your career outlook in rotc vs the academy based on all the research I have done so far and the people I have spoken too
I also appreciate the advice when it comes to the AF getting rid of scholarships, only thing I can do there is getting a high gpa and AFOQT so I hopefully don’t end up cut if another unfortunate situation like that happens again,
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Dont want to sound like a Debbie downer, but getting a pilot spot is competitive. If you do get a spot, then you must medically qualify. If you medically qualify, you have to pass UPT. If you pass UPT, chances are you wont fly a fighter. Why, because they only offer fighters to a few. In my sons class of 19, one got an A-10 and he was a national guard (which means he was guaranteed it if he passed) The thing about UPT is that while they ask you if you want to go the fighter/bomber route or the everything but fighter/bomber route, the Instructors determine which route you will take. If you go the fighter/bomber route, then depending on your class rank, how the instructors perceive you and what are the needs of the Air Force are, you may or may not get a fighter. My point is not to put all your eggs in one basket. You could fly fighters, not saying you wont. Just don't be fighters or nothing
 
Humey said:
Dont want to sound like a Debbie downer, but getting a pilot spot is competitive. If you do get a spot, then you must medically qualify. If you medically qualify, you have to pass UPT. If you pass UPT, chances are you wont fly a fighter. Why, because they only offer fighters to a few. In my sons class of 19, one got an A-10 and he was a national guard (which means he was guaranteed it if he passed) The thing about UPT is that while they ask you if you want to go the fighter/bomber route or the everything but fighter/bomber route, the Instructors determine which route you will take. If you go the fighter/bomber route, then depending on your class rank, how the instructors perceive you and what are the needs of the Air Force are, you may or may not get a fighter. My point is not to put all your eggs in one basket. You could fly fighters, not saying you wont. Just don't be fighters or nothing
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I'm well aware of how competitive a pilot slot is. The detachment I am attending has a history of cadets going to ENJJPT and flying fighters from UPT. Yes, nothing is a guarantee, and it is going to be hard, but that's exactly why I stated I have a degree to fall back on if that doesn't work out. I also don't *have* to fly fighters. That is just what I hope to do. Flying C-130s sounds awesome too, becoming a CSO or an ABM are also very intriguing career paths. Demands of the air force change all the time, assuming I qualify, the day I make it to UPT they might not want more fighter pilots at all. I appreciate the advice and I will keep that in mind.
 
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