VMI ROTC Programmer from W&L

3

3rdinf

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DS1 has accepted an appointment to USAFA;this thread is about DS2.

DS2 eschewed ROTC and SAs because he wants to pursue the quickest route to an MD. He has accepted an academic scholarship at Washington & Lee and now thinks he may wish to participate in ROTC at VMI (adjacent to W&L). Twin competition has returned.

Any observations?
 
Well, commissioning via ROTC is not the quickest route to an MD.
 
3rdinf said:
DS1 has accepted an appointment to USAFA;this thread is about DS2.

DS2 eschewed ROTC and SAs because he wants to pursue the quickest route to an MD. He has accepted an academic scholarship at Washington & Lee and now thinks he may wish to participate in ROTC at VMI (adjacent to W&L). Twin competition has returned.

Any observations?
Click to expand...
Does he still want to get an MD? If so, then research how that works and likely chances of being allowed to go to med school direct from AF/A/NROTC, and if he is not allowed, what officer community is ge prepared to go into?
Has he researched HPSP scholarships for his Service of choice and USUHS medical school, no ROTC?
 
kinnem said:
Well, commissioning via ROTC is not the quickest route to an MD.
Click to expand...
He is considering not commissioning after graduation. He intends to serve as an MD after medical school. He wants the leadership training.
 
Well, if he's accepted to the advanced course (the last two years) then it's my understanding he would have to contract and would then have a commitment. I think he could certainly do 2 years as a college programmer.
 
The ability of Washington and Lee students to pursue a commission through VMI’s ROTC program is outstanding. What a great opportunity! I say DS2 should go for it... and Hooah!
 
If his goal is to get some leadership lessons, learn from others and even gain an understanding of the military, then ROTC as an elective would be a good option. In this case it could open the door to other paths and get a better understand if his brother’s life. No requirement to continue in the program, can be done as an elective with no goal to commission, and learn what he can!
 
Currently there aren't many W&L AROTC students but your DS can change that. All it takes is a few students to sign up and once others realize you're not necessarily joining the Army and you get to do some cool stuff it can grow. I was in a fraternity that definitely worked that way. We ended up with a bunch of ROTC guys (and some of our girlfriends), many of whom are now retired, some having reached the rank of colonel. If he ended up getting a 3.5 or even a 2 year scholarship it would be substantial for a W&L student.
 
DS 1 is an MD in AF, he did civilian college and then med school via HPSP (was waitlisted at USUHS - now called USU) -- AF paid for his med school and then he did AF residency for 3 years, and only owes 4 years now because of the 4 years of med school. He's 6 years out of med school and just pinned on Major. He can get out next summer if he wants. The 7 years he will have spent in the AF medical system gave him leadership opportunities. While not a flight surgeon, he went to FS school and may try to get assigned as a FS if he stays in. He saw HPSP as a great way to pay for med school and then serve his country. Never wanted SA or ROTC route, but senior year of college looked into HPSP.

DS 2 graduated from USAFA in 2013

3 years difference between them -- still lots of competition -- DS 2 deployed twice before DS 1 deployed last year.
 
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