I am doing AFROTC in college as a backup plan but am reapplying to USAFA. Does anyone know if unit commanders will take offense for wanting to ditch their program for USAFA by asking them to conduct my CFA, LOR, using them as a way to get a DODMERB waiver, and nomination?
Weird question - AFROTC Reapplicant
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Had a talk with my recruiting officer (let's call him Major) at my AFROTC Det about applying to USAFA yesterday about pretty much this topic.
First of all, MullenLE is 100% correct. However, I can expand on his points.
Although, one thing I will say is that going into AFROTC with the MINDSET of wanting to "ditch their program" is a surefire way to either not get a nomination from them or to get disenrolled from the program. I won't spoil AS100 year for you, but pretty much the only thing cadre judge about you is your attitude towards the program. If you seem checked out cause you have your eyes on AFA, you will find that cadre AND the POC (upperclassmen) will rank you poorly. Which directly affects your chances at getting the AFROTC nomination. You won't be "using" them as a way to get a nomination, you will be SHOWING them that you're WORTH a nomination.
First of all, MullenLE is 100% correct. However, I can expand on his points.
Major said that there is no aspect of 'possessiveness' from AFROTC cadre towards their cadets, especially for AS100 (freshman) cadets. There is even a chance that your Det/CC (the officer nominating/competing you) will be an Academy alum. Their job is to qualify you for a commission in the Air Force, and while they could possibly prefer AFROTC over AFA, they don't really mind HOW you commission, as long as you are on a path towards commissioning. And besides, there are even transfer programs between AFROTC and AFA. There's zero animosity between the two commissioning sources, at least from a cadre standpoint.
Although, one thing I will say is that going into AFROTC with the MINDSET of wanting to "ditch their program" is a surefire way to either not get a nomination from them or to get disenrolled from the program. I won't spoil AS100 year for you, but pretty much the only thing cadre judge about you is your attitude towards the program. If you seem checked out cause you have your eyes on AFA, you will find that cadre AND the POC (upperclassmen) will rank you poorly. Which directly affects your chances at getting the AFROTC nomination. You won't be "using" them as a way to get a nomination, you will be SHOWING them that you're WORTH a nomination.
One of the biggest memes in AFROTC is the omnipresent threat of DoDMERB. You can't escape it, and it takes significantly longer for AFROTC cadets that didn't happen to get a DoDMERB clearing due to an AFA application or a scholarship. If you have a health problem that requires a waiver, email your cadre SOONER rather than later.2. DoDMERB doesn't render waiver decisions. AFROTC/USAFA make those decisions.
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For the Class of 2025, USAFA will NO longer retain medical waiver authority for their applicants. AF Recruiting Service/Accession Medical Waiver Division in San Antonio, TX will have the medical waiver authority. AFROTC cadre have no input to a USAFA medical waiver UNLESS it deals with some type physical or academic performance (recovering from an injury and their performance on a physical fitness tests or where there was a history of academic accommodations), Commanders can provide an on-site assessment
Copeland 2025
USNA '25
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Will this mean that a waiver will be automatically requested upon your behalf should you be disqualified? I understand that USAFA generally chose to pursue a waiver for those deemed competitive for admission; will this be a similar process in AF RSMWC?
Thank you!
usafaco9496
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We worried about offending our DS beloved AFROTC Detachment when he reapplied as well. He made very clear that he would be part of their organization until the end if he did not get an appointment to USAFA. He was greatly supported by all of his supervisors, and when he did receive an appointment they announced it to the Detachment with joy and pride.