<p>I was part of the class of 2014, and I reported on June 28th, 2010 for R-Day. At first, I actually enjoyed West Point. But suddenly, something clicked in me, and I hated it. After the 4th week of Beast, I left for some reason. I honestly don't know why when I look back on it now.
It may have been that my family did not support me, and I felt completely alone. I wish I didn't leave. But that is in the past.</p>
<p>I'm joining the ROTC program at my university, and I want to apply for a scholarship. With reflection, I realized that I really, really want to be an officer in our army. I felt empty without the army in my life. I also want to apply for a ROTC scholarship.</p>
<p>I know that the interviewers are going to ask: Why did you leave? How can we know that you won't do it again?</p>
<p>I know that I want to be an officer in the army. Without this I will feel empty.</p>
<p>I can't completely gather why exactly I left. Please HELP!!</p>
<p>You are going to find that if you are thoughtful and mature in your self-understanding about separating from West Point, you are going to have no problem with your ROTC application. The officer will first ascertain that maturity and thoughtfulness and then will drive on. West Point provides over two years for the cadet to affirm their contractual commitment as that is the intelligent and thoughful way to go. West Point is not for everyone and that also includes those who go on to be very successful officers in the US Army.</p>
<p>In fact, the only possible drawback I can find in your story is the amount of time and effort and concern you seem to be focusing on your separation from West Point.</p>
<p>I am pretty much almost like you, except I left the Naval Academy on I-day for the Class of 2015 and not a day has gone bye on which I reflect on how stupid I was. My emotions took me over that day and I wish I could go back and change the decision…</p>
<p>There is no stigma in your decision to leave Beast unless you insist there is one. Beast is designed just so those who decide it is not for them decide to separate. In many cases, a decision to leave could show more maturity and self confidence. West Point is not for everyone by design and that is not a qualitative statement just fact. It is a specialized and small part of the development of officers and is in many ways different from ROTC. Obviously you have great attributes which allowed you to gain entry to West Point.</p>
<p>If you are convinced that your career will be in the “profession of arms” as an officer in the US Army, then certainly do and seek out your local ROTC officer and sit down and discuss your options. You will find the the officer will not have major concern for your leaving West Point, but they will do their job and make sure you understand why you left. So consider it carefully and with maturity and state your case.</p>
<p>For the first two years, right to the recommitment ceremony before the Cow year starts, West Point is not trying to drive out or “test” cadets to determine if they are “good enough” - but rather goes out of their way to make sure the West Point method is appropriate from the Cadet’s point of view. you owe it to yourself and to your country and to other applicants to leave West Point if you determine this is not for you - be it beast or the day prior to the start of the Cow year. Many leave West Point for their own appropriate reasons and then carry on via the ROTC channel to become US Army officers. The US Army makes no distinction as far as your career as an officer whether you become one via OCS, ROTC or West Point. To become a US Army officer is what this is all about and if that was not why you went to West Point you likely should move on.</p>
<p>If you want to serve as an officer in our military, the military would be more than happy to put you through the rigours, whether it be through ROTC, a service academy, or OCS after graduation. If you can tough it through training, I don’t think you’re going to have a problem making officer</p>
<p>Plenty of people leave SAs and go ROTC. The questions I would ask are these: 1. Why do you want to serve in the Army. 2. Why did you decide to leave WP? 3. What do you think will be different in the Army and/or ROTC. If you can answer these intelligently, I’d say you have a great shot.</p>