My husband has been a ROTC cadre member for nine school years now. He’s been an instructor at the MSI and MSII levels. He’s been the ROO (recruiting officer). He’s worked with private schools and state schools. Despite what he might think, I actually listen when he comes home and talks about work. This is why it pains me to see so many misconceptions out there about ROTC.
1. The biggest misconception I see is the attitude that it’s easy to get a ROTC scholarship. Guess what? The Army only wants the best. They have also felt the effects of the economy. Where there may have been 11 scholarships three years ago. This year there may be 3. No joke. You need to be just as competitive as for any other scholarship. Don’t forget to apply as early as you can too.
2. You have to meet the minimum requirements to get into the university. Just because you may meet the minimum requirements for a ROTC scholarship, if you can’t get into the university where the program is housed, it doesn’t go you much good, does it? They will skip your application and move on to someone who has a better chance of being accepted to the university. If you’ve already been accepted early decision, all the more in your favor.
3. We’ve got it. West Point is your first choice. That’s great! There are only so many slots. What’s your back up plan? If you’d still like to become an Army officer, and attend college, consider a good ROTC program that fits you. They’re not all created equal. Plus, in ROTC there’s none of that Plebe crap.
4. You are not signing to join the Army as soon as you walk in the doors. In fact, did you know you can take the first two years of classes with no obligation? You can. You will learn a lot of useful skills like time management and leadership with no commitment to the Army. You will make the decision to contract before your third year. If you have a scholarship, yes, you have a commitment from the time you sign for the money.
5. You can play varsity sports and be in ROTC at the same time. A good cadre will work with you. I can’t tell you how many athletes we’ve seen go through the program over the years. It can be done.
Still have questions? Contact the ROTC department of colleges you’re looking at attending.
Wow, I didn’t really know any of these, especially the one about being about to take the first 2 years of school with no obligation. Great post!
I know you say it is possible to play a varisty sport and do rotc but is that also true at the Ivy’s? My son is a very good lacrosse player, excellent student and definitely want military. Might mjor in engineering. All that seems way too much to me. Thoughts? Also, he is beng recruited fo lacrosse and is afraidto tell the coaches that he wants to do rotc. Not sure what to tell him. Thanks.
Your son needs to talk to the coaches and the ROTC dept at the schools he’s looking at applying. A good coach and a good cadre will both work with him. I personally wouldn’t go to a school that tells you that you can only do one or the other. There’s no reason it can’t be done unless one or both organizations on campus is being stubborn. If that’s the case, maybe your son doesn’t want to be involved with such an organization if they’re going to demand his soul and suck all of his time.