ROTC... is it for me?

I have recently submitted my ROTC application (senior in high school). I feel weird because I feel very passionate about doing it but then there are times like this where I doubt that it is for me.

At the college I applied to there is a 4+1 sort of program where you can take graduate courses during undergrad. All of the engineering degree paths require coop semesters to graduate as well (5). I went in a webinar yesterday where they touched on this, and many of the students are offered full-time positions at the places they did their coop at. For example, a girl in CE got offered a position at apple and another in EE got offered a position at NASA.

I know that if I go into ROTC and stick with it all four years of college then I must commit to the 4-12 year commitment, which I can for sure see myself doing as I want to try to get into the pilot program (if it helps, I’m currently a licensed private pilot and want an EE degree), but there is a part of me that thinks going the coop route is better because getting a job through the program may work nicely for me. But on the other end, I want to learn the leadership skills and responsibility that the military would give me. Either way I go I will try to do that 4+1 program, I want that master’s degree. I’m having trouble sorting out my values- am I ready to commit myself to my country? To be an officer and lead others? I know I have what it takes, but the idea of this throws my past self’s imagination of what was in mind for my future away (sorta). My brother joined the military at 18 so I have seen and heard from him how difficult it is, you do have to have a mindset to join, I don’t really believe I am there yet.

To be clear, I am NOT applying as a scholarship student. I would never take that away from someone who does not have these moments of doubts like I do.

If anyone in ROTC has ever had thoughts like this, where are you now? Did you drop out of the program? Did you further educate yourself on what the military has to offer? Is it even a good idea to go into the military in 2021? I know I will gain valuable skills that I could not get anywhere else while giving back to the country that has given my family so much, but why do I not feel fully committed?

And I know it sounds bad that I see ROTC/the military as an opportunity to gain skills rather than an opportunity to give back, would I be in it for the wrong reasons? If I stick with 5 coop semesters I have the chance to intern with NASA, Tesla, Apple, Kroger, and so many more places. With ROTC I would do 3 coop semesters instead, would I be missing out on a big opportunity from one of these places that could lead me into a great future? The military would as well of course, I’m just so lost.

Thank you

I can’t speak to ROTC directly but just wanted to point out that there is no guarantee that you will get your coop placement at one of the big name companies or government agency that you names. Most coop students work for companies you’ve never heard of.

IMO, there are many different roads to success. I wouldn’t second guess yourself.

If you are not on scholarship, I believe that you can do the first two years without a commitment. You will know a lot more in that time.

@smallstroom: Having doubts is fine. It shows you are thinking through this serious option and, as @Eeyore123 points out, you can continue to decide whether or not a military commitment is for you as you pursue ROTC. You may get more traction on your thoughts by sharing them in the ROTC subforum of the Service Academy forums where you will get feedback from current and former military with ROTC experience: