Would an ROTC cadet killed in the line of duty qualify for a military funeral?

2019-05-03T16:11:30-04:00

One of the two students killed at UNC-Charlotte was an ROTC cadet. Killed while trying to take down the shooter. Would he qualify for (1) a military funeral, (2) a posthumous commission, (3) a decoration for valor [Soldier's Medal?], (4) all of the above, (5) none of the above?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2019 4:19 PM

2019-05-03T16:19:44-04:00

The last time there was a school shooting and a Cadet was killed trying to protect people, he was granted Full Military Funeral Rites.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 3 at 2019 4:31 PM

2019-05-03T16:31:14-04:00

I don't know whether he DOES qualify, but under those specific circumstances, he SHOULD.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made May 3 at 2019 4:34 PM

2019-05-03T16:34:16-04:00

The first thing that comes to mind: was the cadet contracted, meaning did completion of ROTC require a service obligation? The school ROTC program will have a Battalion Commander, find this person to answer your questions.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made May 3 at 2019 9:40 PM

2019-05-03T21:40:31-04:00

One of the high school kids killed in Florida was in JROTC. Although he was not officially entitled to anything, I believe he was given the honor of a military burial to the discontent of many. Quite frankly, I was pleased he was provided the recognition. Yes, you can argue about contracts and oaths, but what made the men who died that I knew, and there were to many, different was their mental attitude and their heart. If he was taking action against the killer, I'm sure my departed brothers will embrace him.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2019 10:50 PM

2019-05-03T22:50:10-04:00

1. Up to a local commander. Technically no, but I'd be all for it, personally.
2. Nope, not unless they met the requirements for commission.
3. Probably not the Soldier's Medal, although possible. If it were judged an attack by a foreign terrorist entity, the cadet could get a Purple Heart. Just getting killed doesn't qualify you for any other medal; you earn them by actions you take.
4. 5. see above.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 4 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-05-04T12:56:04-04:00

New reporting this morning indicated he will be buried with military honors, I expect that this is an exception to policy. Military burials and funerals are a VA benefit and cadets are eligible on a very narrow basis for VA benefits. I would not be surprised to find that his ROTC detachment would conduct the honors.

I don't expect that he will be posthumously commissioned.

Awards: Cadet Command Regulation 672-5-1 has an appropriate Cadet Award that could be used.
Chapter 3, Cadet Awards
3-1. Scholarship Awards
See CCR 145-1, Army ROTC Scholarship Policy, Administrative and Procedural Instructions.
3-2. DA Awards to Cadets
a. ROTC Medal for Heroism. A Silver Medal (SM) pendant with ribbon bar, for ROTC Cadets who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism performed on or off campus.
(1) Criteria:
(a) The achievement must result in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from fellow students or from other persons in similar circumstances.
(b) The performance must involve the acceptance of danger or extraordinary responsibilities, exemplifying praiseworthy fortitude and courage.

Soldiers Medal would be considered if the cadet were on CTLT or similar training with active duty personnel. I believe the West Point Cadet who performed heroically in the Kenya Embassy bombings was recognized with a Soldier's Medal. The Army is pretty tight with Soldiers Medals. It is a three star commander approval level, in the case of Cadet Command, HQDA approval.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made May 4 at 2019 1:04 PM

2019-05-04T13:04:45-04:00

My unqualified comment: ROTC has been around for a long time. I would guess that this issue came up in WW2 and has been repeated since, so it is very likely that the issue is covered by the Army Regulations. That being said, IMO, the cadet "leaned in" proving he was a warrior and deserves a warrior's funeral.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 4 at 2019 8:46 PM

2019-05-04T20:46:41-04:00

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Outstanding_Volunteer_Service_Medal

I'd suggested this before for a similar thread a cpl of months back (I don't think it was for the same thing or not, I think that was a different case, an active-duty USAF member lost trying to stop a robbery, I'm recalling more as I think about it now, I didn't know if you might've seen it at all, I'll try to find it and send it in here if I can), I didn't know if you knew of it, this one, I should definitely think, might possibly be quite suitable, aside from the one you'd mentioned, just something I figured you might find quite possibly germane, honest, I'd be most eager for your thoughts, no rush, whenever you've got time, OK?

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal - Wikipedia

The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) is a military award which was created under Executive Order 12830 by George H. W. Bush on January 9, 1993. The medal was designed by the Institute of Heraldry and was first issued in December 1993.[5][6]