USMA vs NROTC

The choice is less ROTC v Academy and more Army v Navy. His primary consideration should be which service.

Years ago I had both NROTC and AROTC scholarships. Before I heard from either, I played the what if game. Looking at the lifestyles, locations, etc, I decided Navy would be a better fit for me. From that point on it was Go Navy.

If he chooses the NROTC scholarship, I think it would be less "turned down West Point for Norwich" and more "accepted the honor to serve in the Navy."
 
CatDog99 said:
God bless him

Frank Stanley Reasoner | Vietnam War | U.S. Marine Corps | Medal of Honor Recipient

U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Frank Stanley Reasoner was posthumously presented the Medal of Honor for military valor during the Vietnam War.
www.cmohs.org www.cmohs.org
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Another bit of military trivia as far as the Reasoner Patrol.

2nd Lt Bill Henderson, who I would soon have as a plt commander , would receive a silver star for his actions on July 12th, and he had an uncle kia as a Marine in ww2

They named an airfield after the uncle

Henderson Field

.
en.wikipedia.org

Lofton R. Henderson - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

And a bit of trivia about Reasoners NAPS class. He had a USMC prior class mate named Ripley

“Ripley at the Dong Ha Bridge” is a painting that proudly hangs at the USNA today.
 
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courvid said:
Good morning all, my DS just received word that he has been accepted to USMA (and we couldn't be more proud). He was also granted a 4 yr NROTC scholarship (which honestly he was excited to use). Now he has a difficult decision to make (with no bad outcome). The question is, can anyone give some PROs & CONs to each route? Obviously, one will ultimately be Army and one Navy which is really where is decision will probably be made. But, what are the real advantages to attending an academy vs ROTC to help inform his decision? Thanks.
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Good Posts all around, but I think sometimes "personal bias" enters equations on these forums. IMHO, I think people who either attend or have children who attend or have attended ANY Academy think that sometimes nothing compares, and that is fine but try and remember these forums are anonymous and a lot of what is posted are "personal feelings". Your son needs to be happy, so make sure he has ALL available info before he decides, then support him fully!

Your son needs to visit both, speak with students at both, decide if he wants an academy or a SMC and go for it! Both are good choices, and the Commissioning is the same. The difference is jobs, the Navy is basically seagoing and the Army is basically shore based. While there are numerous exceptions, your son should make a decision based on what jobs he wants to do AFTER graduation, and the promotion potential within his chosen specialty.
 
Does he want to be immersed in military life or have the college experience?

Does he want to have a chance to be immersed in military life for two years at which point he can "nope" out or do NROTC and not really get that chance to leave military life once he has started?

If he had to be in the Army in a least desirable "job" vs Navy in a least desirable "job" which would be prefer?
 
Small Team Bacsi said:
Another bit of military trivia as far as the Reasoner Patrol.

2nd Lt Bill Henderson, who I would soon have as a plt commander , would receive a silver star for his actions on July 12th, and he had an uncle kia as a Marine in ww2

They named an airfield after the uncle

Henderson Field

.
en.wikipedia.org

Lofton R. Henderson - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

And a bit of trivia about Reasoners NAPS class. He had a USMC prior class mate named Ripley

“Ripley at the Dong Ha Bridge” is a painting that proudly hangs at the USNA today.
Click to expand...
Colonel Ripley was VMI NROTC commander for his last duty station. His grandson is currently a 2nd class cadet at VMI in Marine Battalion and plays Lacrosse.

That's a great historical link to Henderson Field. Reading "Helmet for My Pillow" at the moment.....
 
Impulsive said:
Good Posts all around, but I think sometimes "personal bias" enters equations on these forums. IMHO, I think people who either attend or have children who attend or have attended ANY Academy think that sometimes nothing compares, and that is fine but try and remember these forums are anonymous and a lot of what is posted are "personal feelings". Your son needs to be happy, so make sure he has ALL available info before he decides, then support him fully!

Your son needs to visit both, speak with students at both, decide if he wants an academy or a SMC and go for it! Both are good choices, and the Commissioning is the same. The difference is jobs, the Navy is basically seagoing and the Army is basically shore based. While there are numerous exceptions, your son should make a decision based on what jobs he wants to do AFTER graduation, and the promotion potential within his chosen specialty.
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This! All I could do as a parent was make sure my son had the information and tools to make a decision that was in line with HIS goals and desires.
 
TRAILRUNNER00 said:
This! All I could do as a parent was make sure my son had the information and tools to make a decision that was in line with HIS goals and desires.
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Actually you could have told your son to come here and ask his own questions “if“ he in fact had any questions. His decisions his life it’s time for him to ask HIS own questions. That should no longer be moms job.

Not said in any way to be snarky

.

 
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courvid said:
Thanks all for the advice, he has decided to accept USMA!!! Go Army!
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Congratulations! Thank you for letting us know. Now he must drive on & only look forward to a bright future of learning & leadership. GO ARMY!
As for you mama, be sure to pick up the West Point Mom's Survival Guide and consider joining us on FB (both the Class of 2026 page and the WP Moms page--of which I am an admin...)
 
DrMom said:
Congratulations! Thank you for letting us know. Now he must drive on & only look forward to a bright future of learning & leadership. GO ARMY!
As for you mama, be sure to pick up the West Point Mom's Survival Guide and consider joining us on FB (both the Class of 2026 page and the WP Moms page--of which I am an admin...)
Click to expand...
Second getting the book West Point Mom's Survival Guide. Also, your local West Point Parents Club can be a good source of information and support.
 
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