Any members having kids trying ROTC, Son has visited 2 schools one in one out of state, that being the Citadel. Wondering what reality of getting out of state ROTC to this school
I can really only speak to NROTC. It is important to realize that each military branch is unique. Many applicants apply to all branches. DS is in NROTC. Initially, his scholarship was placed at an out of state public school; he moved it to an out of state private school. For NROTC, the key is to get your scholarship application in as soon as possible. If you get a scholarship awarded in an early board, say, September or October, like my DS, your chances of getting your top choice unit are much higher. From what I understand, the Citadel is a popular unit. So, if that is your first choice, and you get a scholarship early on in the process, you have a good shot at it. By April or May boards, the unit can be filled with no slots left for the later recipients. I think applications open August 1st. I also suggest that you find out medical conditions that are non-waiverable for each branch of service. One family I know got an AFROTC scholarship only to find out that their son’s peanut allergies nullified the scholarship offer. It is also possible to quality medically for AROTC, but not NROTC etc. You want to get started early also to pass the medical and vision exams if you get an award. At this point, some families have a scholarship but are still waiting to clear medical. This is a problem if you are going out of state and are really relying on the funds for school as you must clear your medical to get the money. Best of luck! It is great that you have visited the CItadel. I know in my son’s officer interview, they asked him why he wanted the out of state public school (his first choice) and he was able to answer in an informed manner because he had visited the school.
I’d encourage your son to visit with his local ROTC officer and begin learning about ROTC and what is involved. He should go with a list of questions (he should do some research first) and also with a clear presentation of what his goals are (where do you want to attend school, why do you want to be part of ROTC, etc).
My son did earn an ROTC scholarship for an out of state private school, so it is entirely possible. The odds of your son having success in this likely depend largely on his school stats. physical fitness (and medical) and the needs of the military at this time (how many openings they have).
Good luck,