Is it possible to switch from Army ROTC to Air Force ROTC as a scholarship cadet heading into your final year?

2018-07-26T03:03:14-04:00

Asking for a friend: He has 1 year left to become a 2nd LT in the Army however he wants to switch to AirForce ROTC. Is it possible get a release or he would most likely have to continue in Army ROTC? He is a schoolarship cadet. Also he hasn't gone through AC. He'll be end of camp commission.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 4:16 AM

2018-07-26T04:16:18-04:00

That's a question for his unit commander, whom I imagine is a colonel, and has the authority to make such things happen.

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Jul 26 at 2018 6:33 AM

2018-07-26T06:33:31-04:00

If he has 1 year left before commissioning in Army ROTC, I would assume he’s already a contracted cadet. That being the case, the contract he signed will govern. I sense is that it’s doubtful he can switch service components at this late date.

That said, he should see what his contract says and speak with the Senior ROTC instructors about his options with the expectation he will enter service as an Army 2LT.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 7:23 AM

2018-07-26T07:23:16-04:00

That’s two completely different pots of money. He’s already contracted and will probably be branched soon, if he’s on track. Why switch now? That’s not a unit commander decision, cadet command scholarships aren’t decided at the local level.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 26 at 2018 9:33 AM

2018-07-26T09:33:20-04:00

Probably better to stick with the Army until graduation. Look up rules on accepting commission in a different service. It’s possible. A long time ago a guy in my ROTC class took a Marine commission.

Response by COL David Turk made Jul 26 at 2018 11:15 AM

2018-07-26T11:15:46-04:00

In addition to the comments already posted, he might want to check if there are available scholarship slots in Air Force ROTC. The Air Force may not have a slot for him to transfer into, even if it is allowed.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jul 26 at 2018 12:43 PM

2018-07-26T12:43:34-04:00

With the Army trying to grow the active force, I would say it is improbable that the Army will release him from his commitment. If I were him, I would plan on fulfilling his service obligation. That being said, he can always request to transfer to the USAF. I just would not expect approval.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 12:52 PM

2018-07-26T12:52:12-04:00

Back in 1991 i transfered from airforce rotc scholarship to army. I had to do an extra year of army ROTC while just taki g additional classed, But policies and processes always change.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 7:57 PM

2018-07-26T19:57:33-04:00

Gotta pay it back but it’s the army’s discretion.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-07-27T14:51:42-04:00

Its not impossible. I knew someone who was contracted Army than went Air Force, the kid was not in the first two years so was not hard obligated. Like others mentioned it will all be due to the needs of the service and the commanders discretion. If the Army is hard up to bring in new talent than they might not let him go. The only way to know for sure is start the discussion with the commander.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2018 12:49 PM

2018-08-31T12:49:36-04:00

I will go out on a limb and say no, the Air Force has time requirements to be able to commission through ROTC, I think it's two years minimum at a Det...although it's been awhile since I went that route, but the Army would have to disenroll him and they already have invested time and money, both of those are significant hurdles.... I will Echo a previous responder and advise he fulfilled his commitment with the Army at this point...if he wants to be a commissioned officer. Maybe look for a green to blue possibility down the road... Or he can ask to be disenrolled from the Army ROTC and go OTS commissioning route in the Air Force....lots of variables...biggest question is "why?" Sounds like he needs to sit down with one of his army mentors and make a decision now before he actually is the member of a unit and can affect more members than just himself