Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 6/23/2009

Question
My son was awarded a 4 year ROTC scholarship starting this fall. At the end of his high school year, he had an altercation with another student and the room and board will not be offered to him this fall.

Recently he was pulled over for faulty lighting (tag illumination). He was charged with dui, faulty lighting and possession of marijuana. This is a misdemeanor charge. He will soon have a meeting with his ROTC officer at the college he is to attend and disclose what has happened. He does not have any priors convictions or problems and will be completing the programs that are required. We are just wondering what the chances are of him being able to retain his scholarship? We need to be prepared.

Answer
Ma'am:
The chances of his retaining the full scholarship are definitely in doubt. My two coworkers that are sitting next to me and both ROTC graduates seem to think it unlikely. He has demonstrated a pattern of behavior with the fight and the other charges that make awarding the scholarship to your son versus another deserving candidate without a scholarship less likely.  He needs to demonstrate contrition and a genuine sense of remorse along with seriously reflect on if he wants to continue down this path. I would also encourage him to reflect on his motivation for becoming an Army Officer; he needs to have the moral compass to lead Soldiers in this time of constant deployments. Any faltering on his part could cost his Soldiers' lives.