<p>My son received his appointment at USMA last week. He is in his 2nd yr of Army ROTC at a good NE university. His friends at ROTC are telling him he is better off staying. Some of the older cadre are also discouraging from going to WP.</p>
<p>Would appreciate comments either way of one over the other.</p>
<p>OK this is USNA not USMA, so take as you will:</p>
<p>My kid went to USNA after doing 1 year of NROTC at a good NE university. Fortunately, no pressure from NROTC classmates -- just lots of congratulations and a few "you must be crazy!" comments (refering to giving up the freedoms of civilian college life).</p>
<p>Today, my kid would tell you without hesitation that there is no comparison at all between the two options. The leadership training, intensity, mental and physical challenge and comradarie of the Academy experience is unparalleled. This isn't meant to start an Academy vs. ROTC debate -- I think its all about what the student as a unique individual wants and needs. My kid wanted the challenge and the intensity: know thyself, as they say! If your son believes that he can best reach his maximum potential via the challenging and intense experience of USMA, then his ROTC classmates really shouldn't have a say in the decision :)</p>
<p>Very well-said, oiixxg. That is the reason why I wanted to go Academy over ROTC as well, because of the differences in lifestyle. Some people are better suited for ROTC, while others are better suited for the Academy; in the end they put you at the same place--Academy grad = ROTC grad = OCS grad = Ensign/2d Lt. It's just a matter of personal preference and ambition, and only the individual can decide that. Good look to the OP's son, whatever he decides.</p>
<p>I know a lot of kids here that did ROTC, but they like the Academy a lot more (the training, information, opportunities available.)</p>
<p>I'm at NMMI as a prep cadet, and I must say ( no disrespect to rotc) but the ROTC is pretty....questionable here. I'm really looking foward to getting the heck outta here.</p>
<p>My son is still undecided about whether to accept his WP appointment. He is in his 2nd year at Army ROTC at Boston University. Cam anyone offer him some sound advice here. He is receiving pressure from his fellow ROTC cadets and officers. He wants to decide by spring break--in two weeks.</p>
<p>Mombo1, Continue to support your son with what ever he decides to do. It saddens me to hear that his peers are pressuring him . You might ask him if his ROTC "friends" are truly being friends. His "friends" should be there for support - not confusing opinions. You have helped guide your son this far. </p>
<p>Does your son have a non-military mentor (pastor, HS or College counselor or professor) that can spend time with him to write down the pros and cons of both options?<br>
It seems obvious he is committed to service. Ultimatly, the path he takes must be his own. As parents, sometimes we just need to walk next to our children. </p>
<p>Best wishes to your son, he's still a hero in my book! :)</p>
<p>It is a shame he has to be pressured like this. If he hasn't done so recently, a visit to West Point over spring break might help him make his decision. Even if W.P. is on their break, just walking the campus might help him make a decision. Good luck to your son.</p>
<p>Thank you for your kind opinions. I wish I had more knowledge of why West Point would be superior to ROTC. If anyone has any thoughts or facts about this, I would appreciate hearing from you.</p>
<p>Mombo1, I am a USAFA graduate and was an AFROTC commander at a university my last assignment prior to retirement. There is no question in my mind which is better--The Academy! There are certainly trade-offs, good and bad points, etc., but in almost all aspects, any of the Academies will out shine the civilian college/university. My sister is a WP graduate and will tell you every day of the week it was one of the greatest experiences of her life.</p>
<p>Again: this is USNA not USMA perspective but I think there are similarities.</p>
<p>Asking "why West Point would be superior to ROTC" may be the wrong question. Both programs lead to a commission and both have produced excellent officers in the past. However, they are different. The question is "which program is right for your son?" Your son, himself, is the variable in this equation.</p>
<p>I would recommend that you and your son shift your focus from the differences between the two programs the unique attributes of your son -- who he is, what are his strengths and weaknesses, what experiences will maximize those strengths and help him overcome his challenges. </p>
<p>It is also important to clarify your definition of "what is the goal?" If the goal is merely a commission, then the shortest/easiest path may be the right one. But I sincerely doubt your son's goal is the commission itself. Adjust the definition of the goal "To be the finest military officer and man that I can be so that I can contribute the most that I am capable of to my country" puts a different spin on the decision. With this as the goal, the extra 2 years seem like no big deal.</p>
<p>This is not to say that the Academy is the right decision. That's where the unique attributes of your son play come in -- if he can put aside the question of the 2 extra years, he can focus on what will be different at West Point and how much of an influence that experience will have on shaping him into the man and the officer he wants to be.</p>
<p>Outstanding comments! Thank you.</p>