Want to join ROTC as a Sophomore

[Jefflaw]

Hi everyone,
I would like to join ROTC as a sophomore. I was wondering how the process goes compared to MEPS.
Is a Med Read done first or the actual physical?
How would I qualify for a scholarship?
Some more personal info:
I have a history of scoliosis - no longer have it. Unfortunately, got a student conduct violation for alcohol - no police record. (Highly regretting the violation)
I have a 2.9 GPA as a Biology and Education major and am pretty physically active - ran track in high school, set the record for indoor pole vaulting at my high school and 400m, and am currently working at a doctors office and have worked at a hospital as a research assistant. Also have over 230 hours of community service since beginning college - alongside being the philanthropy chair for two organizations at the same time. Any help would be appreciated

 

[clarksonarmy]

You didn’t say what type of ROTC. Best thing to do is contact the ROTC program at your school and ask these questions. If you were at my chocolate I would tell you that until you enroll in ROTC class you aren’t going to be considered for a scholarship or sent for a DODMERB physical. First step would be to sign up for the class.

 

[Jefflaw]

You didn’t say what type of ROTC. Best thing to do is contact the ROTC program at your school and ask these questions. If you were at my chocolate I would tell you that until you enroll in ROTC class you aren’t going to be considered for a scholarship or sent for a DODMERB physical. First step would be to sign up for the class.

Apologies, I should have specified that it was Army ROTC.
I have spoken with the cadre commander - sorry if that is not the correct term, and he had said the same thing, to enroll in the class next semester. But, I have all these questions which I would appreciate to have some insight on before enrolling.

 

[kinnem]

Speak with the Recruiting Officer Officer (ROO) at the unit. I'm sure he or she will answer your questions. You don't go through MEPS, you go through DoDMERB and that process will start with a questionnaire and a physical. I expect you'll need to check a box that says you have a history of scoliosis and then you'll have the opportunity to expand on that and explain your current condition. They may ask for additional medical records at that point.

You would qualify for a scholarship by being an outstanding cadet... good grades, good leadership, good PFT scores, etc. Itr probably won't happen out of the gate. You might also ask the ROO if you can apply for the high school scholarship at this point. I don't know how Army addresses thatr, although Navy allows it while in your freshman year.

See the ROO.

 

[clarksonarmy]

If your not willing to enroll in a class and put in the effort to show us what you’ve got...don’t expect much in return. At some point you are going to have to ask the ROTC program to make the case that your medical and moral issues shouldn’t stop you from becoming an Army Officer.

 

[Jefflaw]

If your not willing to enroll in a class and put in the effort to show us what you’ve got...don’t expect much in return. At some point you are going to have to ask the ROTC program to make the case that your medical and moral issues shouldn’t stop you from becoming an Army Officer.

Thanks for the response!
I can not enroll as of yet - enrollment opens on November 7th!
My history of scoliosis has largely been resolved and am no longer considered to have the condition. Most recent x-ray show 4° with physician, ortho and chiropractic clearance.
And I have made a huge impact at my university in terms of philanthropy - and have had quite the successful year with two medical positions.
I'm hopeful that I can join the program with no issues. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[Jefflaw]

Speak with the Recruiting Officer Officer (ROO) at the unit. I'm sure he or she will answer your questions. You don't go through MEPS, you go through DoDMERB and that process will start with a questionnaire and a physical. I expect you'll need to check a box that says you have a history of scoliosis and then you'll have the opportunity to expand on that and explain your current condition. They may ask for additional medical records at that point.

You would qualify for a scholarship by being an outstanding cadet... good grades, good leadership, good PFT scores, etc. Itr probably won't happen out of the gate. You might also ask the ROO if you can apply for the high school scholarship at this point. I don't know how Army addresses thatr, although Navy allows it while in your freshman year.

See the ROO.

Great! I really appreciate the response. So when filling out the questionnaire - is it like the MEPS process where you would send up medical records first and based off of that a physical is provided? Or is it that you take the physical and bring medical records?

 

[kinnem]

@Jefflaw - No idea. Never gone through it myself. Jump in and find out. As part of the process they will certainly tell you. Will knowing the answer now mean anything or change anything. At best it changes when you start pulling together your medical records. Given your history of scoliosis I would start doing that now. I'm confident that at some point you will need them. Good luck!

 

[clarksonarmy]

Once they decide to send you for a DODMERB you will fill out an online medical history. You will go for a physical and based on your history and the physical they may ask for additional information or follow up doctor visits.

 

[Jefflaw]

Once they decide to send you for a DODMERB you will fill out an online medical history. You will go for a physical and based on your history and the physical they may ask for additional information or follow up doctor visits.

Ok, so I would physical first then - with the medical records sent up based off the physical. Thanks for the help. Looking forward to the experience and whats to come after!