ROTC...worth it?

Paying for College
1

<p>Got accepted to ASU for the fall and the average out-of-state tuition is $25k per year. I haven't gotten my financial aid letter yet, but I heard they don't give out too much money. I'm thinking about the ROTC but then again people tell me ARMY isn't the way to go...but the Air Force only gives 3 year scholarships...either way after college, I would be stuck for 4 years in either service...and they way I look at it...I would be stuck somewhere I don't want to be in my prime 20's. Plus, four days of the week, the classes/physical stuff is at 6 in the morning!</p>

<p>I'm thinking of just enjoying college and just live with paying off loans after I graduate...</p>

<p>Does anyone know if I did take an ROTC scholarship...they told me I could drop out of it after the 1st year...but would I need to repay them ???</p>

2

<p>if you don't want to be in the army, don't do it. It taxes you physically, emotionally, intellectually. You can't be half-hearted about it and do well.</p>

3

<p>ROTC is an honorable commitment. Don't even think about it as a way to pay for college. If you're not ready to give your life for your country, then find a different way to pay for college. ROTC is not for just anyone. And no offense but with the attitude you exhibit in your post, it is not for you. "Stuck here.. stuck there.. stuck defending my country".. don't do it please.. the last thing we need is someone whining that he/she didn't sign up to actually serve his/her country.. "I just wanted to pay for college.." This is the REAL THING.. possible loss of life.. get it?</p>

4

<p>My S is in NROTC. It is demanding amd requires committment that comes from within. Several students that started out with him have dropped out. Some quit because the couldn't handle the physical training and one in particular who had a scholarship was booted from the program because of an obvious lack of committment and respect for the ROTC program. If you don't want to serve your country then don't take the scholarship away from someone who does.</p>

5

<p>If your an intelligent person dont go into the armed forces, even for money. They promise you the world but you really wont like it. Look at it this way, you will be graduating college w/ some loans but you'll find a great job right out of school and make that money back. Rather, you wont waste 4 years after college when you could be making buisiness connections, getting a real job, and experience for that job. Don't forget partying and fornicating.</p>

6

<p>"If your an intelligent person dont go into the armed forces, even for money. They promise you the world but you really wont like it. Look at it this way, you will be graduating college w/ some loans but you'll find a great job right out of school and make that money back."</p>

<p>I completely disagree with this. Some of the smartest people in the world are in the military. And many people get out of college and do not have jobs and are already tens of thousands of dollars in debt, often for years later. It is very honorable and wise to go into the military, while they might make false promises it does provide a steady job, with decent pay, housing, and medical benefits.</p>

<p>"Don't forget partying and fornicating."
I'm so glad that's what today's youth looks forward to. No wonder the country is being shot to s h i t.</p>

<p>To the OP:
If you're not looking at the military whole heartedly, do not do ROTC smply as a way to get through college. The commitment is huge, but the rewards are great. Think it through and don't use to government as your ***** to pay for your schooling without paying back.</p>

7

<p>Completely agree with GlitterHairDye...and pretty much everyone but xsuubiex. I'll be doing NROTC/marines next year, and getting the scholarship was the result of years of high school preparation. Anyone who wants to do it should have military service as their primary goal, not money. There's no way you'll make it if you go in with the attitude you have now. If you suddenly have a change of heart and realize that serving your country honorably and nobly is a goal that you have for yourself, then go for it. It's a great program.</p>

8

<p>"If your an intelligent person dont go into the armed forces, even for money. They promise you the world but you really wont like it."</p>

<p>If you're an intelligent person, you'll do a little research before committing your life to the service. You would realize that maybe they don't fufill every promise they make to you, but at the same time, you'd find out so much more that you wouldn't care.</p>

<p>I've been in NROTC for a year now, and let me tell you that the people I've met and befriended are some of the brightest and hardest working people I know. Many have prior enlisted service and are wise beyond their years.</p>

<p>Yes, there were some who dropped out of the unit because they're priorities were more like xsuubiex's, for others the Navy just wasn't for them. Either way, they came into the program with the right mindset...things just changed as they became more educated.</p>

<p>"even for money"</p>

<p>Wow...if money is your only motivation for doing something, go buy a couple thousand lottery tickets. You might have more luck than you have respect for the Armed Forces. Sure it's nice not having to pay for college, and getting a meager stiped twice a month, but you have to remember that SOMEONE is paying for you. It's the average Joe Taxpayer. HE'S sending you to school. He's willing to pay a little bit more to Uncle Sam so that you can get the best training in the world to defend this country. To go into ROTC with the intent of dropping out after a year is not only downright deceitful, it's STEALING. Unfortunately there's no punishment for it.</p>

<p>Think for a moment, if you will, about what ROTC is. You wouldn't come out of college and be the humble soldier who does what he is told, you would be an OFFICER responsible for the lives of dozens of men and women, the burden of their well-being would be upon YOU. I sure as hell know that I wouldn't want an officer who mooched off the government so he could get a free ride leading me into combat.</p>

<p>As for that 'partying and fornicating' comment...I whole-heartedly agree with you Glitter. Comments like that make me sick. If that is your only goal during college, please, for the love of this society, use a rubber...or two! We don't need more of you in the gene pool!</p>

<p>I'm done here. If you rethink your goals and decide you want to serve something higher than yourself, feel free to talk to me about ROTC. Until then, stick to the National Bank of Mom and Dad as your financial source.</p>

9

<p>"would be stuck for 4 years in either service...and they way I look at it...I would be stuck somewhere I don't want to be in my prime 20's. "</p>

<p>Definitely do not accept the ROTC scholarship. It is provided for students who want to be professional military officers. It is a career choice and an honor to receive. The correct attitude should be I'll serve for 5 years of active duty and then decide if I wish to remain in the military. Feeling "stuck" means that the soldiers you lead will be in jeopardy with a leader who is not committed.</p>

10

<p>Here is a response to the person saying to get a "real" job and not go into the military. This is taken from a response by Senator John Glenn to Howard Metzenbaum:</p>

<p>Senator Howard Metzenbaum to Senator Glenn:
"How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?"
Senator Glenn: "I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I
served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by antiaircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program.
It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank. I ask you to go with me ... as I went the other day... to a veteran's hospital and look those men - with their mangled bodies - in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job! You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee... and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their Dads didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in
Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends buried than I'd
like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this nation, and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job? I'll tell you, Howard Metzenbaum; you should be on your knees every day of your life thanking God that there were some men - SOME MEN - who held REAL jobs. And they required a dedication to a purpose - and a love of country and a dedication to duty that was more important than life itself. And
their self-sacrifice is what made this country possible. I HAVE held a job, Howard! What about you?" For those who don't remember - During W.W.II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney representing the Communist Party in the USA If you can read this . . . thank a teacher.... If you are reading it in English . . . thank a Veteran.</p>

11

<p>Fabulous quote, tjm! </p>

<p>I wish more people really understood military careers and the tremendous opportunities available. And talk about the ultimate in community service!</p>

12

<p>
[quote]
If your an intelligent person dont go into the armed forces, even for money. They promise you the world but you really wont like it. Look at it this way, you will be graduating college w/ some loans but you'll find a great job right out of school and make that money back. Rather, you wont waste 4 years after college when you could be making buisiness connections, getting a real job, and experience for that job. Don't forget partying and fornicating.

[/quote]

People like you make me sick. How can you say such a thing when young, intelligent Americans are currently dying and have died for YOUR freedom and the freedom of others throughout America's 230 year history? Is 4 years after college serving the country which has given so much to you really more of a waste than making business connections? Next time you say something so blatantly stupid, remember the young, intelligent Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending your freedom to make such idiotic comments.</p>

13

<p>If you're an intelligent person (and know which "your" to use) you'll realize that this could be a great opportunity to you not just to pick up some great skills but also to see part of American culture many do not see (the military). Your time in the service will undoubtedly help you in the civilian sector. Think about it: how stressful will those board room meetings be compared to the stresses of military life (even if you don't see combat, it's a very demanding job!).</p>

<p>The choice is with you. I'm attending West Point this fall, and I think it's totally worth it. However, don't half-ass this, and don't do it for the money. You'll be miserable. I suggest you give it a shot without a scholarship if you're leaning on only doing it for the money, and if you don't like it, then drop it. If it turns out you really do like it, many detachments seem to offer 3.5 year scholarships in addition to the 3 and 2 year scholarships, so shoot for those. I think you'd be pleasently surprised of how cool some military people and the military life can be. It's not for everyone, but do give it a shot!</p>

14

<p>It sure is a good think that idiots like this don't have an interest in good deals like West Point/ROTC etc. I'd hate to think a bumbling moron who didn't want to be there would get such an awesome chance to have one of the most noble careers in existance, and may I add (in the case of West Point) a world class education. I agree, I feel sick. </p>

<p>I have had a lot of friends ask me why I would 'waste' five years and live in a prison where I might not be aloud to listen to music, watch TV or have a girl friend. Why would I risk dieing? I had a senior administrator at my school advise me twice not to get shot or anything. (He wasn't joking). </p>

<p>A commission isn't throwing away five years. I see it as a guranteed managment position by the world's largest employer with guranteed health care, lots of benefits, housing, free education (including masters..75% of USMA graduates who serve for 8 years earn their masters in the military) not to mention guranteed advancement if you don't severely mess up. And, yeah, you won't get bored. You'll always have that light at the end of the tunnel that if you don't like you seniors, they will transfer you in a few months. </p>

<p>Yes, ROTC is worth it for you. But I don't know if these individuals are worth the time spent by the ROTC programs looking into them.</p>

15

<p>Can you still have a good time in college though if you do ROTC? I want to do Naval ROTC at Arizona State and I am 100% committed to becoming a Marine Corps Officer, but can you go to a party here and there? Tailgate at a football game with friends? Go to a bar on a friday night? I know what I want as a student and as a marine officer but I was just wondering if you can still have a little bit of a college experience, while at the same time doing the ROTC program?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

16

<p>Holy thread revival!</p>

<p>Actually to answer your question, yes people have a life and participate in ROTC. However, you should pass on the going to bars on Friday night until you are 21 so as not to screw up your standing. They take underage with alcohol seriously.</p>

17

<p>Yeah, you really have to know what you’re getting into and weigh your options well…</p>

18

<p>I plan on doing AROTC once i start college…keep in mind you can also get scholarships through the Army National Guard that are almost as much as an ROTC scholarship. It gets detailed but maybe look into that. That’s what I plan on doing</p>

19

<p>According to wiki, this is what Sen Metzenbaum did in the '40s. </p>

<p>“During the 1940s, he practiced law in Cleveland, mostly for large labor unions, first the Communications Workers of America and then the International Association of Machinists.”</p>

<p>He worked for the people who made the tools that our armed forces used to win the war. We would not be free without our armed forces. But if we only had our armed forces, and not our lawyers, journalists, and, yes, politicians and community activists, we would not be free either. Look at China - they have a valiant and competent military, AFAIK. Yet they are not free. </p>

<p>This does not answer the OP, but I felt a need to set the record straight.</p>

<p>I agree ROTC does not sound like the right choice for the OP. OTOH I am not sure financial reasons should be ruled out for everyong considering a military option. Some of the best soldiers in our history were conscripts, who for the most part did not join out of a desire to be a soldier.</p>

20

<p>I’ve asked a similar question in College Life, if anyone would answer:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/929166-what-rotc-life-like.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/929166-what-rotc-life-like.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The college I’m going to isn’t exactly known for drinking (Bryn Mawrtyrs for life), but I’d like a social life outside of class. Someone said one isn’t allowed a girlfriend. Is that true? You can’t have relationships when you’re in ROTC?</p>