<p>For example, does a student's post-graduation commitment vary according to whether he received a 2, 3, or 4 year scholarship? It looks like a 4 year scholarship comes with a 4 year active + 4 year reserve/NG commitment. Yikes. A shorter commitment for a 2 year scholarship would be nice.</p>
<p>How much free time does a student lose because of ROTC? Does it kill all social life? </p>
<p>I'm asking because son wants to be a CIA agent. And, while he might get in USMA, I don't think he would be happy there. So it occurred to me that a civilian college with ROTC experience may be a viable compromise. (Especially since we won't qualify for aid and some of the schools that appeal to him are $50K +/-.)</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I know military experience is not necessary for CIA. But it might not hurt, and the scholarship certainly helps.</p>
<p>S's roommate (of 2 years) was NROTC and rarely ever saw him. Not because he was doing NROTC stuff but because roommate was always at GF's. They did see each other in their classes. Nice guy and I was disappointed in not seeing him in his uniform at graduation.</p>
<p>Army ROTC scholarships are a great deal. There are different programs. The most coveted is the 4 year scholarship - for that you do owe Uncle Sam 8 years. Normally 4 AD and 4 reserve but...... not all get AD. some only get reserves. Not only that - some reservists deploy more often than AD. You really should count on 8 years total.
There are opportunities for grad school as well and that could go along with his eventual career goals. </p>
<p>There is a program called Guaranteed Forces Reserve duty - GFRD. You get a 2 year scholarship and guaranteed reserves. This is a great deal as well.
Talk to an Army recruiter AND the Professor of Military Science and your son's desired school.
I say talk to both because you can get different info from each - they will want to sell you their wares - so to speak!
Ask questions - plenty of them!</p>
<p>Social Life - Army ROTC is not as big a deal as NROTC - you take a 2 credit course each semester. once you are contracted you do a lab - usually on Saturday's once a month. This is the "fun" part.
the only summer requirement is summer before senior year. they all go to Ft Lewis, Washington for LDAC. This is important because their grade here is instrumental in their branch pick.</p>
<p>If your son thinks he is interested - he may sign up for AROTC as a class for freshman and sophomore year - no scholarship, no committment.</p>
<p>No, I don't think son really wants to be an army officer. But, if it's a means to an end, he's the kind who would fulfill his obligation sincerely and gratefully. </p>
<p>The CIA Undergrad Scholarship looks perfect. Alas, I think we make too much to qualify. (I think it says $70,000 is max household income to be eligible.)</p>
<p>Now I'm off to learn more about Guaranteed Forces Reserve Duty. </p>
<p>You probably know you can't "push" your son into the Army - you can suggest it, however. Some kids just never really think about it and end up liking it. For others, it's the opposite.
Remember, even with a 4 year scholarship they can get out of it after a year. They aren't committed until the start of sophomore year and don't have to pay back money.<br>
For a kid without a scholarship - they may certainly take ROTC as a class for two years. This is a good intro to the Army and Army culture and gives the opportunity to decide if it is for them. My oldest did this for 3 semesters and decided the Army was not for her.</p>
<p>I think it is good to plant the seed - Army officer training is excellent training for his ultimate career goal - it may even give him a boost into the program.</p>
<p>Oh, absolutely. No pushing. I'm just gathering info on ALL college funding options in anticipation of our savings running out at the midpoint of his (likely private LAC) college career. (assuming no merit aid)</p>
<p>In fact, the whole military approach may be a moot point. After son mentioned an interest in West Point, his dad told me he'll do everything in his power to discourage it. He doesn't want him in harm's way.</p>
<p>That almost worries me more. As you know, we're talking about a teenager, here. And forbidding him to do something may actually lead him to want it more. </p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
In fact, the whole military approach may be a moot point. After son mentioned an interest in West Point, his dad told me he'll do everything in his power to discourage it. He doesn't want him in harm's way.
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>My daughter is headed there the end of June - sometimes you can't stop it.
There is just no way of knowing what the world will be like in 4-5 years.</p>
<p>And don't discount the possibility of a draft in the future (depending on if we get ourselves out of this current mess and who is elected President).</p>
<p>An Army officer out of ROTC is going to be deployed on the ground in command immediately upon commissioning. That is why the Army gives the scholarship. Have him look into the Navy ROTC program - many advantages.</p>
<p>
[quote]
After son mentioned an interest in West Point, his dad told me he'll do everything in his power to discourage it. He doesn't want him in harm's way.
[/quote]
Both West Point and Army ROTC grads wind up in the same service...doing the same types of things.</p>
<p>Please don't let anyone pressure him into doing things he does not desire to do. Choosing a different career because of someone else's opinion isn't normally a very good idea. (for or against)</p>
<p>Yes it's true, H doesn't want son in the military. But he knows better than to interfere. His comment about "everything in his power" was impulsive and reactive and said in confidence to me, his wife. If it really had much teeth to it I wouldn't even be here doing my research. </p>
<p>I assure you, we are calm, level-headed and supportive. And, if push came to shove we would borrow to fund his 3rd and 4th years at ___________ before driving him unwillingly to the Army.</p>
<p>I'm only looking into it because SON brought up USMA first.</p>
<p>So I have a question for you guys–if I got a 1.9 my first semester, will my scholarship get revoked? Or do they do a cumulative grade for the entire year? Any info will be MUCH appreciated!</p>