NROTC ADVICE

[Lynda Garron]

Hello Moms, I have a senior in high school who has signed the delayed entry program and is struggeling with the decision of whether to go to school or to go enlisted. We his parents think he should do the application and see if he gets excepted and if he does, go to school. We're looking at U-Maine on 11/3, and Worcester State later in Nov. Our advice to him is you'll never regret the college education and you can then go in as an officer. I would love to talk to some mons who have children doing the ROTC program, anyone out there? Lynda Garron

[Christy Adams]

ROTC - Reserve Officer Training Corp, NROTC - Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp, DEP - delayed entry program, from what we were told, if our son signed up before he graduated high school, he could pick his entry into bootcamp, I think the recruiter said it had to be within the year. This was an added bonus for us as his sister was getting married that year, so he got to choose to go after the wedding. A school, is the particular base they go to for their particular training. Our son, Jared is in Aircrew, so A school is in Pensacola.... It depends what rate,(job) they sign up for, that will determine where they will go for A school. I will say, my son seems SO happy with all his decisions so far, no the road hasn't been easy as aircrew is one of the hardest programs. He is a much more solid in his goals and he has a CLEAR direction on how to get to the next step. I see kids that he graduated in quitting college, working at Subway, not sure what they want to do with their life..... I am so happy that Jared has made this decision..... And I NEVER thought I would be saying that!! Our recruiter was GREAT! The whole family went in and had a conference with him and he gave us good honest answers, not pushy! If you don't have a great recruiter, find a different one - he is your lifeline to your son. I can only speak from our experience, my son's decision to enlist was the right decision and he is very sure he made the right decision. I will say, for some, the military is their only way... Jared was recruited to colleges to play sports, was a great student and had lots of options other than the military - I still feel he made the right choice! OK, I must quit blabbing - sorry!

[Debswerkin]

Hi, I read alot aobut "Nukes" but I have yet to see anyone interested in a medical career. My Sea Cadet wants to become a Navy Doctor. Does anyone out there have any input on this?
Debbie

[Wendy]

Debbie, My daughter is looking into the NROTC nursing program. What she really wants to do is become an occupational therapist. That is a five year program at most schools. The recruiter that we talked to said that the Navy looks at each case individually to decide if they would pay for the 5th year. So many unanswered questions. I just don't know how you ever really know what to do.
Wendy

[William]

Hi Lynda,

I am a Navy ROTC Coordinator with 16+ years in the Navy, and with the last eight years in the recruiting field. Apply to both no harm in doing that. The cool thing about NROTC is the first year of college is without obligation. What that means is your son can do an entire year in college and then decided if all this is for him.

[Wendy]

Hi William,

It's nice to hear from someone that's so involved with the ROTC. My daughter has completed her application and has had her interview. How long does it normally take to hear whether or not she's been accepted into the program?
Wendy

[Susanne]

Hi Lynda,
I'm just a hair behind you but in the same boat. My daughter has wanted to join the Navy since she was 11 and is now on the brink of graduation. We have a recruiter coming to talk to us about her options. I will approve of whatever my daughter chooses...either college with an ROTC program or enlistment. My family all votes for college first but I just don't know...I just want her to be happy.
Susanne

[Debi]

Good Morning ! I ran into this Discussion ! And yes it does spark an interest. I have a son who has applied and I would just like to know what the process is , I mean as far as doing all the test the only one he has not done is his physical and he is about to take the SAT ? but after that how long before you find out when he has been officially excepted and when does school start for him ? Just trying to plan early.

[Wendy]

We just got the official acceptance letter!! Hooray. Unfortunately, she has been assigned to the one school that she has not yet been accepted to. Now we have to keep our fingers crossed that she does get accepted.

[Paulette - NROTC mom]

Congratulations Wendy!

My daughter is in the NROTC program in her Freshman year and LOVES it. Just thought I would pop in and say hello :) Good luck on the acceptance !

Paulette

[TheyGrewAgain]

Call the school and let them KNOW her scholarship status, and call the NROTC unit at the school to see if they can work with the university to help bump her school app into acceptance. Don't freak right away if you get on a wait list for the school.

My daughter's school acceptance wasn't finished until about five weeks before the semester started. Harrowing, but so worth it!