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Son wants to join Air Force ROTC. What do you say?

guns-n-painthorsesguns-n-painthorses Member Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭
edited March 2015 in General Discussion
Well just like the title says, son is going to collage and wants to join the Air Force ROTC, and then after school join the wingnuts. Any advice/input from anyone who has been?
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Comments

  • PearywPearyw Member Posts: 3,699
    edited November -1
    I was in airforce ROTC at NC State from 1961-1963. I learned how to drill and other training. I though about joining the Air Force after college, but my vision was not good enough to be a pilot.
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  • Don McManusDon McManus Member Posts: 23,695 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Absent an ROTC Scholarship, I don't see the point.

    Really depends upon what his goal is. Assuming he wants to fly, and is committed, he should petition for a scholarship. If he is entering college in the fall, it may be too late. A family friend's daughter joined Army ROTC once enrolled at school and was awarded a scholarship for her last 3 years.

    Unless things have changed, pilot slots are hard to come by, and getting fully integrated into the program as soon as possible is going to be important.

    One of my best friends at college entered the pilot program and became an F-15C pilot. He was the one selected out of around 50 that applied from his class.
    Freedom and a submissive populace cannot co-exist.

    Brad Steele
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,500 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, it worked out for me. But that was back in 1965, when the USAF was desperate for pilots. I ended up doing 23 years, about half active and half Reserve. Flew for the first seven years.

    I highly encourage any and all young adults to serve their country in the military. Even if you don't make a career of it, it's something you owe to the nation that gives us all so very, very much.

    I do not, however, view the future of military service with rosy glasses. Career benefits such as pension and medical care are sure to be worth less and less, and that will have to be seriously considered.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • kimikimi Member Posts: 44,719 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd say let him make the choice.
    What's next?
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  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by kimi
    I'd say let him make the choice.
    This ^^ Just remind him that he would be subservient to a governing body that is currently acting in para-constitutionally and treasonous ways.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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  • guns-n-painthorsesguns-n-painthorses Member Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The choice is his to make.
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  • select-fireselect-fire Member Posts: 69,529 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by kimi
    I'd say let him make the choice.
    This ^^ Just remind him that he would be subservient to a governing body that is currently acting in para-constitutionally and treasonous ways.


    Mr. Negative
    You should try saying that to any military person.
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  • kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,984 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If he wants to be a pilot than join the navy...we have more aircraft. ..if he wants a higher standard of living than join the airforce.
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  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by kimi
    I'd say let him make the choice.
    This ^^ Just remind him that he would be subservient to a governing body that is currently acting in para-constitutionally and treasonous ways.


    Mr. Negative
    You should try saying that to any military person.

    to what end?
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It also depends upon what his major is (& his grades).

    My advice is that he ONLY commit to join as a commissioned officer. The USAF has been known to tell recruits to enlist, & promise that they would be sent to OCS. That is a ploy that will end with him serving 5 years as a low paid enlistee.

    Neal
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  • Don McManusDon McManus Member Posts: 23,695 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by kimi
    I'd say let him make the choice.
    This ^^ Just remind him that he would be subservient to a governing body that is currently acting in para-constitutionally and treasonous ways.


    Mr. Negative
    You should try saying that to any military person.



    While I see nothing unconstitutional in the actions of our military, those that joined or re-upped since March of 2003 know that they are members of an offensive military force that may be used for a pre-emptive strike at the whim of public opinion.

    I would not join now.
    Freedom and a submissive populace cannot co-exist.

    Brad Steele
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  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by kimi
    I'd say let him make the choice.
    This ^^ Just remind him that he would be subservient to a governing body that is currently acting in para-constitutionally and treasonous ways.


    Mr. Negative
    You should try saying that to any military person.



    While I see nothing unconstitutional in the actions of our military, those that joined or re-upped since March of 2003 know that they are members of an offensive military force that may be used for a pre-emptive strike at the whim of public opinion.
    I don't know of any either, however the CIC and our congress does seem to be acting in ways that the constitution does not expressly permit. And it would seem that anyone currently in the military can see that as well. If not, I'd be happy to discuss it with them.[:I]
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd do it for important life conditioning (dicipline) if not for the flying opportunity. If chances are he won't do any flying there than look at Embry Riddle or others that pretty much get you a flying job.
    I believe Ohio State also has a Bachelor's in the aviation field.
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  • select-fireselect-fire Member Posts: 69,529 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by kimi
    I'd say let him make the choice.
    This ^^ Just remind him that he would be subservient to a governing body that is currently acting in para-constitutionally and treasonous ways.


    Mr. Negative
    You should try saying that to any military person.



    While I see nothing unconstitutional in the actions of our military, those that joined or re-upped since March of 2003 know that they are members of an offensive military force that may be used for a pre-emptive strike at the whim of public opinion.
    I don't know of any either, however the CIC and our congress does seem to be acting in ways that the constitution does not expressly permit. And it would seem that anyone currently in the military can see that as well. If not, I'd be happy to discuss it with them.[:I]



    I don't think they would appreciate your opinion about their boss. Heck just pull up to the gate greeter on a U.S. base and discuss that you want to tell a bunch of them about how bad their govt. is... That there would be hilarious. You might get to be on the 6 pm news.
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  • grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 48,464 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Would just have to ask what's in it for him.

    Does it help to get a Commission when he does enlist.
    Can he get college credits(some Places allow that)
    If he does go enlisted does it get him rank after Bootcamp.
    What will be his Military specialty. What will he do.


    Going Air Force and Not being a pilot would seem to me to be one of the safest services to join.
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  • BikerBobBikerBob Member Posts: 2,745 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I see nothing wrong with it.
    ROTC = Reserve Officer Training Corp. so after successful graduation they become a commissioned officer, so I wouldn't enlist before hand. And I'd check the current fine print as with the scholarship comes a commitment for a certain number of years. I think that number may increase if he goes to flight school. Worked that way at Navy, so I'd assume something similar. May want to check that.

    But if he wants to fly and that gets him there, what better way, just make sure he can pass the flight physical before he's under commitment. I've seen guys get hurt after they were in school (torn retina, etc) and not get what they hoped for...

    Good luck to him!
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  • select-fireselect-fire Member Posts: 69,529 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by BikerBob
    I see nothing wrong with it.
    ROTC = Reserve Officer Training Corp. so after successful graduation they become a commissioned officer, so I wouldn't enlist before hand. And I'd check the current fine print as with the scholarship comes a commitment for a certain number of years. I think that number may increase if he goes to flight school. Worked that way at Navy, so I'd assume something similar. May want to check that.

    But if he wants to fly and that gets him there, what better way, just make sure he can pass the flight physical before he's under commitment. I've seen guys get hurt after they were in school (torn retina, etc) and not get what they hoped for...

    Good luck to him!



    +1
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  • cce1302cce1302 Member Posts: 9,555 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If he's going ROTC to get "free" college, tell him to get his school paid another way.


    If he's going ROTC to become an AF officer, college is just a benefit along the way.
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  • bigoutsidebigoutside Member Posts: 19,443 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Pearyw
    I was in airforce ROTC at NC State from 1961-1963. I learned how to drill and other training. I though about joining the Air Force after college, but my vision was not good enough to be a pilot.


    Go Wolfpack!!
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  • andrewsw16andrewsw16 Member Posts: 10,728 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Tell him to go for it. He will get a fine education and serve with some of the best troops in the world. As for the political angle and the Constitution, do you trust him? Do you respect his judgment? When you get commissioned as a military officer you swear to uphold the Constitution. Obedience to the officers appointed over you is SECONDARY to upholding the Constitution. If your kid has been brought up right and has the right values, we WANT him in the military. In that way, the right orders will be REFUSED when and if the need arises. When I was on active duty we were quite clearly instructed to analyze orders and obey only those that did not violate the Constitution. That is still being taught. But, we need officers and enlisted who possess the moral fiber to hold to that concept. Just ask yourself, Would your boy? [:)]
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  • 4627046270 Member Posts: 12,627
    edited November -1
    Yes go for it, nothing says he has to stay with the Air Force but if he does stay with it, gets the grades, an ROTC Scholarship will certainly help pay tuition. I served 23 years, honestly I wish like hell I had the drive when I was in school, there is nothing wrong with enlisted, I was very good at my job, and my name was know when it came to maintenance & troubleshooting, I would have enjoyed being a pilot. But I got into aircraft armament systems, I was already into guns, since I was 10, I got to work on some big stuff. Never regretted my life choice, military is not for everyone, but I think it would help every single citizen,
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  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by kimi
    I'd say let him make the choice.
    This ^^ Just remind him that he would be subservient to a governing body that is currently acting in para-constitutionally and treasonous ways.


    Mr. Negative
    You should try saying that to any military person.



    While I see nothing unconstitutional in the actions of our military, those that joined or re-upped since March of 2003 know that they are members of an offensive military force that may be used for a pre-emptive strike at the whim of public opinion.
    I don't know of any either, however the CIC and our congress does seem to be acting in ways that the constitution does not expressly permit. And it would seem that anyone currently in the military can see that as well. If not, I'd be happy to discuss it with them.[:I]



    I don't think they would appreciate your opinion about their boss. Heck just pull up to the gate greeter on a U.S. base and discuss that you want to tell a bunch of them about how bad their govt. is... That there would be hilarious. You might get to be on the 6 pm news.
    Not appreciate my opinion about their boss? Put down the pipe man, most of them are the ones that helped FORM my opinion about the CIC. LOL!!
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    I think that he will love it. During high school I was in a Navel Jr. ROTC program, I believe that being part of the program kept me out of much of the issues that can happen to young kids. When I joined the Army I was brought in as a E-3 as well as being set into a higher promotion schedule. There is really nothing but positives with him going into the ROTC program.
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  • JamesRKJamesRK Member Posts: 25,670 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    I don't think they would appreciate your opinion about their boss. Heck just pull up to the gate greeter on a U.S. base and discuss that you want to tell a bunch of them about how bad their govt. is... That there would be hilarious. You might get to be on the 6 pm news.
    What are you talking about SF? In the first place if you lollygag around too long at the gate after the sentry or policeman tells you to move on you're going to get spun around and booted off the station for blocking traffic.

    In the second place your average young hard charging soldier, sailor, airman, marine and puddle pirate knows more about their government and how it works than your average young bright college student or junkie roaming the streets. They already know how dorked up their commander-in-chief is. No need to tell them.

    If by "their boss" you mean Barrack Hussein Obama, that Constitutional Professor thinks he is the Command-in-Chief of the American people. I've heard him say it. I don't think the clown has ever read the Constitution.
    The road to hell is paved with COMPROMISE.
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Minot sucked
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  • JamesRKJamesRK Member Posts: 25,670 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by cpermd
    Minot sucked

    [:D]
    The road to hell is paved with COMPROMISE.
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  • JamesRKJamesRK Member Posts: 25,670 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think catpealer111 liked Minot. I think he was planning to homestead up there.
    The road to hell is paved with COMPROMISE.
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  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My son had a four year Army ROTC scholarship to FSU....he was set to go, until Annapolis called...I would only go ROTC if you get a four year stent! They pay for college,and you serve 5 years active and reserve after...Great way to start your life as a citizen of the US...and will open doors to society that would never be opened with out the reward..BTW..very hard to get a four year scholarship..[;)]
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  • CaptFunCaptFun Member Posts: 16,678 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My father was NAVY ROTC in college and I wanted to fly so I pursued and got a NAVY ROTC scholarship coming out of high school, but they did not want to pay for my first choice College as it was VERY expensive and had a smaller program. They said BUT we will pay for Georgia Tech which was my second choice. Can you guarantee I will make pilots? No. OK, thanks. I can pay for Georgia Tech on my own. As it turns out a good many of my friends were NAVY ROTC at Tech and did actually get wings so I saw a lot of what they went through. Another friend of mine was a nuke engineer (but not ROTC) and I remember just before graduation, he scored a deal with the NAVY so that they gave him a large "signing bonus", went to OCS right after graduation and then back to Tech for a Masters (and I think a PhD) As far as I know he was on subs and not carriers. So, you don't "have" to do ROTC to get ahead, but it helps.

    My nuke friends Dad by the way was an FFL and I bought my first concealed carry gun from him.... (still have it, still carry it when walking the dog....[:)])
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  • kimikimi Member Posts: 44,719 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I taught Marine and Navy high school ROTC for seventeen years, with the vast majority being Navy. I would imagine the standards for college students today are still very high for those who get scholarships and later get commisioned. Should your son join and exhibit the talent necessary to earn a scholarship he'll probably get it. Academically, as I recall, a 3.3 GPA was required to be eligible for such a program. I wish him well whatever he decides to do.
    What's next?
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  • Rack OpsRack Ops Member Posts: 18,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
    Absent an ROTC Scholarship, I don't see the point.


    Maybe he just wants to serve his country.
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  • JamesRKJamesRK Member Posts: 25,670 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If he's planning to join a military or naval service after school, I don't see a downside to ROTC.
    The road to hell is paved with COMPROMISE.
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