Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 12/11/2009

Question
Hello,

I am currently a rat at the Virginia Military Institute, ever since I was in about middle school I had always wanted to go to the Coast Guard Academy, but after visiting VMI and talking to a few alumnist I feel in love with it. But I have contracted with a 4 year Army ROTC Schlorship. The first year is no obligation of course. I really dont think a comission in the Army is what I want to do. After overearing an upperclassmen who was in my shoes last year said that the Coast Guard will come up and visit once a year and then I could keep the Army Schlorship with all the benefits but instead serve back my time in the U.S. Coast Guard. I was wondering if this is true? and if not then are there Schlorships like the Army one where I can serve in the Coast Guard

Answer
You would have to talk to the Coast Guard about a scholarship, but I've seen people on Army scholarships go into other branches before. It does usually require that the gaining service (in your case Coast Guard) to do a one for one swap of personnel. It is also done on a case by case basis. If you don't absolutely want to join the Army , I would advise you to turn down your scholarship now so that someone else can have the opportunity and you don't end up disgruntled and in the Army.