Withdrawing from Army ROTC w/ National 4 Year Scholarship

Lazer5477

New Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2016
Messages
3
I am currently an MS I (freshman) in Army ROTC. I accepted the scholarship and contracted back in August. Since then, I have talked to family and friends and myself and I have decided that I do not wish to continue the program and commission into the Army. I let my MS I instructor know of my thoughts back in November, but he insisted I give it a bit more time. I know for a fact now that I want to dis-enroll myself and let them give the scholarship money to someone who truly desires to continue in the program and earn their commission. I was told I was one of the top performers in our MS I class, and was one of a few scholarship recipients, so I feel like they aren't letting me get off the hook easily. I have a counseling meeting in a few days; How can I let my instructor know that I want to forfeit my contract immediately while being firm in the decision and not letting them sway me? Also, how much and what type of paperwork will the voluntary dis-enrollment paperwork entail? Thank you all.
 
It won't be that much paperwork.

Since you are a good performer they will of course try and convince you to stay. During your counseling they will ask you what lead to this decision and what your concerns are. Just like any organization, they want to keep their best people. They will probably try and convince you to stay with the program until the end of this year, you can continue with your scholarship and not be obligated to pay anything back if you resign the program before the start of the next school year. If you truly want to leave now just be firm but respectful, listen to what they say but be clear with your intentions and reasons for wanting to leave. They can't and won't force you to stay in the program, they will try and sway you but in the end it will be your decision.
 
Jcleppe has said better what I was going to say.

You have obviously done well in high school to get a 4 year AROTC; and to excel as an MS1.
Admirable of you to want to withdraw asap so the monies can be used on other cadets. Not sure monies will stay with battalion for campus based, or go back to national pool (seems heard now the latter.) Remember saying "it is just not right for me" will lead to questions as to "what is just not right?" Up to you if you want to explain further. (note: suggest to try and avoid insulting or boorish comments.) Cadre will have the necessary forms to withdraw.
There is a reason ROTC allows cadets to withdraw without penalty after first year (used to be 2 years, and still is for service academy cadets.) Good luck to you.
 
First thing you need to do is not sign up for the spring class. That will be a pretty good indicator that you are done.
 
Are you still planning to go to the school/s where you were awarded? If a large part of your decision is due to college assigned I think you being a first board winner you could likely request change. If you have decided you do not any longer wish to follow a military path you might still get the 'You can decide after the first year' discussion. Your honor in not wanting to take funds that could go to someone that wants to continue as part of the program is not something I think they will fight as if you still plan to go to that school and have other funding they may see you as someone that could change their mind and either apply for a school based scholarship later with your honor showing why they would want to give it to you on top of your other qualities.
Sometimes it is good even in a one on one situation to take in a note card with your talking points and the responses you have thought out as part of your decision making. Thank you for being such an honorable young person.
 
Lazer - JCleppe, Wilco, and Clarkson gave you good guidance. Write your reasons on a card and keep it in your pocket so you can clearly convey your reasons to the Cadre. Your difficult decision is whether you are going to complete your second semester in ROTC and whether your tuition for this second semester has been paid. If you are doing well in school/ROTC and it won't negatively impact your personal situation, academics, mental health then completing the second semester (current term) would not be a bad thing. You are not contractually obligated until your starting your second year. Good Luck -

KeyzCat - The OP, Lazer, is a Military Science 1 (Freshmen in College). He is asking about withdrawing from ROTC after already contracting. He is not still in high school.
 
I have a counseling meeting in a few days; How can I let my instructor know that I want to forfeit my contract immediately while being firm in the decision and not letting them sway me? Also, how much and what type of paperwork will the voluntary dis-enrollment paperwork entail?

Well, how did it go?

Did you reconsider?

Did you withdraw from ROTC?

Just curious.
 
Update: I met with my instructor and recruiting officer, and they both would prefer me to stay with the program but fully support me in whatever path I choose. As I suspected, I will have to meet with the PMS soon. Thank you all.
 
Just out of curiosity, @Lazer5477 , what are your issues with continuing? Is it the program, or something else entirely? I will tell you I've noticed that a lot of officers weren't "good" at ROTC, but are making outstanding officers. And vice versa, in some cases. You applied for and accepted the scholarship for a reason. Unless it was to please someone else, I'd urge you to consider whether your career goals have actually changed, or whether the first semester of ROTC just wasn't what you expected.

As I'm sure you are doing, give it careful thought so you won't have any regrets later.
 
Back
Top