<p>Packmom, what I'm saying is that you can do ROTC without scholarship or contract for two years at most places (candidates include those who begin ROTC after they are enrolled as a student and those who weren't awarded 4-year scholarships, but are still are interested). Army offers the oppportunity to sign on SMP/GRFD. Navy, Air Force, and Army offer the 2 or 3 year scholarships. Schools like VMI require mandatory ROTC participation, but about 30% still don't go through scholarship/commission. You have to decide by the end of your sophomore year whether you want to go with the professional officer courses (MSIII & MSIV) and receive a commision.</p>
<p>momoney77-</p>
<p>What an impressive D! That is awesome!</p>
<p>Thanks nurseypoo (btw...that's fun to say). I'm pretty proud of her. :)</p>
<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>I am not sure who posted the original topic, but I would like to shed some light on the issue for anyone asking the same question. First, let me give you a little background about me. I am currently a NROTC Midshipman at the University of Missouri, a 2nd semester Freshman. I applied to USNA last year, got a nomination, but no appointment. I am actually reapplying for this year, class of 2011, and have received 3 nominations (1 senator, 1 congressman, and 1 from NROTC commander). Coming up later this semester, if I do receive an appointment, I am going to have to make the same decision.</p>
<p>After being in an NROTC battalion at a civilian college, I do think that I can make my decision, if I am presented the opportunity, with a more educated and level mindset. Taking 15 hours last semester (including precalculus) and trying to do everything else with the NROTC proved to be quite a challenge. We have to do PT monday and thursday mornings, as well as participate in atleast one battalion event. I chose drill team, which took up atleast 3 hours during the week. On top of that, we had to get MOOD (Midshipman Officer of the Day) qualified and participate in 10 study hall hours a week. I think that no matter what school you go to, whether it be the Academy or NROTC, the first semester is going to be QUITE an adjustment. You will have many things thrown at you and will be expected to keep them all lined up and in order. Being at a civilian college as well, you also have the distraction of enjoying regular civilian activities in your "free time." I do think that having that "pull" or "attraction" might cause more students to lose focus than they might if they were at the Academy, but it all depends on how much you want to be there. </p>
<p>Honestly, I think it all comes down to what you think suits you best. Obviously, since you have no way of knowing whether or not you are going to like the Academy, or NROTC for that matter, it makes the decision very tough. I encourage everyone to visit the NROTC units they are interested in possibly joining. Talk to freshman there and see what their year is going like. Talk to the staff, see what is required of their freshman. You need to find out whether or not you can see yourself in the unit while you are there. In the end, both USNA and NROTC graduates end up in the exact place with the exact same committement. To some, having a more "college experience" is important. Being in a NROTC unit, you can participate in fraternities, student government, and the many other civilian aspects of college life. I think that for anyone that is granted the opportunity to MAKE the decision (having both an appointment and acceptance to college) is a blessing. Think about it, but in the end you just have to go with your gut feeling. Both places offer great opportunities. I hope this has helped. Thanks.</p>
<p>-Will</p>
<p>Will - my son is currently in the same boat as you, just a year behind. He has Noms to USNA and AFA but has UMissouri NROTC as he back-up plan. Can you drop us an email direct to <a href="mailto:MikeKnight2011@aol.com">MikeKnight2011@aol.com</a> re how you like the unit there? Thanks - Dan & Mike - Voorhees, NJ</p>
<p>Go NROTC. I did it for a year at UW before coming to USNA, and I can tell you that I enjoyed life, and the Navy, a whole lot more.</p>
<p>This place is more depressing than anything. I was on MO to Boston to shoot against MIT this weekend and visited a friend in NROTC at Harvard. It made me miss college that much more. Coming back on the yard always sucks.</p>
<p>Please take whatever I just said with a grain of salt...a big one. I didn't get any sleep last night as I was up doing a nav chart that my LT wouldn't give me an extension on. I don't really feel like I can give this place a fair chance until Youngster year.</p>
<p>Hang in there, buddy. It DOES get better, and it's all worth it. Keep chugging!</p>
<p>Ditto Zaphod's post. The academy gets better each year. After third class year, it's all down hill from there to graduation.</p>
<p>Assuming, of course, that you pass EE. ;)</p>
<p>Coming from a member of the University of Central Florida Army ROTC, and a candidate for the second time to the Naval Academy (I didn't get in last year), I can tell you that both programs have different things to offer. There are a few people that left Westpoint because they did not want to immerse themselves in the Army experience 24/7 this early in their career. The choice for me, however, is simple. What I want to do is be a leader, plain and simple. The best places to go to become a great leader are the Service Academies. ROTC is a great experience, but it does not nearly quench my thirst for becoming a leader my subordinates will follow and admire.</p>
<p>Oh, and by the way, I'm a sophomore at the University I attend, and I can tell you the whole party scene and independence that you have...it gets old fast, and it's just like attending any other school after a short while.</p>
<p>Hang in there, Krypter, and keep trying. Have them give you the nickname "Boomerang" because no matter how many times they throw you away, you keep coming back.</p>
<p>The class of 1992 had one guy in it who would have been a Senior at Rice had he not come to USNA as a Plebe that year. You're not alone.</p>