Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 9/4/2008

Question
My question is rather complicated and I've searched all over for an answer. I’m hoping you can answer.

I'm in my 4th year in college and will be graduating in May 09. While in High School I received a 4-year Army ROTC Scholarship and for five semesters (Fall 05-Fall 07) participated in ROTC and attended school full-time. I also received a DUI in Nov 06, but remained active in the program with no change (I have now satisfied all legal requirements and have been off probation for nearly a year).

In Nov 07 my mother broke her leg and had to have surgery. After completing the first semester of MS III year in Dec, I decided to help her and did a temporary transfer (as a “transient” student) to the local college, where I attended spring classes, but was told not to take ROTC courses (later told differently, too late). While at home for the past eight months I considered what I was doing and started looking at other options, some of which I had previously considered. This summer I was told I would have to do the entire MS III year, in addition to LDAC and MS IV year. That means I’ll have my degree and still have a year left, while I want to start serving as an officer.

I am very interested in becoming an Air Force Pilot. I am the son and grandson of Air Force NCOs and I almost chose that route out of High School. I realize that that I would rather serve my country in this manner. I have investigated several routes. I would most like to receive a pilot slot and attend OTS upon graduation next summer, in either Active or Guard/Reserve status. I have a 3.35 GPA.

I would like to know if this is possible, to transfer out of ROTC into OTS and if I would have to repay my money or whether it would be taken care of. Thank you so much.  

Answer
Dear Thomas --

The bad news is: you will not be granted a commission in any service until you have completed your ROTC training.  The good news is:  you still have good options available to you.

If you earned a four year scholarship and have only used three years, you may petition to use the fourth year for graduate school or use it to get an additional bachelors degree while you complete your ROTC training.

You will not be allowed to decline your remaining scholarship, and go to OTS as you have already signed your advanced ROTC contract, and that is a binding contract.  If you choose not to complete your ROTC training, you can be compelled to serve as an enlisted Soldier, and I believe that is not an option you want to consider.

Prior to commissioning, if you will have a degree the Air Force needs, you can petition to receive your commission in the Air Force rather than the Army.  Each year many cadets make the inter-service transfer prior to their commissioning.  However, very few are offered pilot slots.  Those slots are saved for Air Force Academy graduates, and a few Air Force ROTC graduates.

Alternatively, if you have a GREAT GPA and excellent graduate record exam (GRE) scores, you could petition the Army ROTC program and the Air Force ROTC program to transfer you to the Air Force program now.  You could then get an advanced degree in something the Air Force wants you to have, and be very competitive for pilot slots when you get commissioned in the Air Force in 2010.

Please write back if you need any clarification on any of these issues.  I wish you the best of luck finding a good path to your goals.