How will dropping ROTC affect my military career?

2019-05-01T17:37:58-04:00

Hello,

I am a ms2 in an rotc program. I’m a non scholarship cadet and I haven’t been really well in school and though I like the program I don’t feel like me continuing school and trying to be a officer is the best route for me at this time. Mainly because I am not doing good in my classes and I think some time away and working slowly on my bachelors online would be more beneficial to me. And getting some real experience would help me in the long run in being a good leader.
What would happen if I was to drop the program and go on active duty?
Would it affect my chance for promotion to an NCO?
And would it make it where if i decide when I am completing my masters that I couldn’t enroll in rotc again because I dropped out the first time?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2019 5:46 PM

2019-05-01T17:46:38-04:00

Unless you are dropped with prejudice it won't impact your career. If you drop because you decide that it's right for you at this time than you that's ok. I have seen many cadets leave and come back a year later. Most are now Officers after completing the program successfully.

Understand though that there is no guarantee that anything will be easier in a year, or three, or five, so think long and hard about your decision.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2019 5:47 PM

2019-05-01T17:47:15-04:00

From what I understand about ROTC, you are not contractually obligated until you enter your 3rd year. If you drop from the program, it should not affect you in a negative way. It should not affect any chances of getting promoted to SGT. As for the last part of your question....that one I do not know.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-05-01T17:48:55-04:00

You can't enroll if you have a bachelor's. All you can do then is OCS. I'd highly encourage you not to drop out. All you need to do is graduate. The idea that enlisting will give you some leadership advantage is often misplaced; it's a different level and a different job, and the two have very little to do with one another. Four years of training and leadership classes will go further than you think in that regard.

Response by COL Dan O'Rourke made May 1 at 2019 6:03 PM

2019-05-01T18:03:34-04:00

Going back to rotc, or on to ocs later, I would question what is different this time. Otherwise if you’re a good soldier I wouldnt really be bothered that you dropped from rotc.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 1 at 2019 6:26 PM

2019-05-01T18:26:39-04:00

No need to worry!

As an MS2 you have no commitment and as a matter of fact, the program is designed for college students to have a taste of military style of life before signing on the dotted line.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 1 at 2019 7:09 PM

2019-05-01T19:09:46-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Unless you are breaking a contract (DD Form 4), I wouldn't worry about it. When you have a discharge with a classification, RE Code and Disposition, it impacts your ability to enlist. You are likely able to even resume ROTC later if you meet all other eligibility requirements.

Uhmmm, dumb guy question, why are you worried about promoting to become an NCO? According to your profile, you are an NCO. Are you talking promotion beyond E5?

The only caution I'd have for you is watching out for the age limit for commissioning.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2019 8:14 PM

2019-05-01T20:14:03-04:00

No issues in your current status. And as long as you can step it up as a Soldier no problems making it to the NCO Ranks. If you get it together, when you come back for your Masters you will be good to try again. You’ll come in as an MSIII then finish the two year program.

Response by LTC John Mohor made May 1 at 2019 10:00 PM

2019-05-01T22:00:16-04:00

Cody,
You’ve read all the other posts so here’s another perspective. I went to a military school I did all four years as a cadet in ROTC. I delayed Camp one summer due to a temporary physical impairment maintained above a 2.0 after freshmen year. I went to summer school three of five possible summers and a year and a quarter extra. I failed two Spanish courses retook and passed each in order to complete the third and fourth courses required for my degree! It’s about perseverance, overcoming challenges. Please think long and hard before just dropping out. Something in you has a drive find that fire again. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a tutor or professor! That’s what it took me to get thru that first freshman year( I didn’t know how to properly study and manage my limited time right. Thanks to my bumps in the road I met my future wife even. Good luck Soldier!

Response by 1LT Ryan Millican made May 2 at 2019 8:03 AM

2019-05-02T08:03:32-04:00

If you’re only an MS2, then more than likely you have not contracted. Right now, it’s just another class and won’t hurt your career at all.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made May 2 at 2019 9:01 AM

2019-05-02T09:01:01-04:00

Since you are an MS 2 and non scholarship you haven’t contracted with ROTC yet so there shouldn’t be a problem