If you go to a military school are you considered a soldier?

Question

If you go to a military school are you considered a soldier?

Answer 1

You are considered a soldier once you complete Army IET or get comissioned from ROTC or West Point.  ROTC in high school doesn't count.

Answer 2

nope, only those in active service to their country and under jurisdiction of the "uniform code of military justice " can call them selves soldiers. Other institutions are considered para-military.

Answer 3

You are not considered "a soldier" until you are one.

Military school really isn't "in the military." They're just private schools. Often they're run by ex-military or retired military officers in a quasi-military format, but, while you're attending, even when you graduate, you're not "a soldier" any more than you're "a soldier" in any public school.

On the other hand, college can be a different thing. ROTC can commit you for a few years of service. If you attend one of the Academies, you can get your commission on graduation and are committed to the service for a few years. But, while "IN" a college ROTC program, or one of the Academies, you're still not considered "IN the military."

Answer 4

Most military personnel would not consider someone attending a military school to be a Soldier, Marine, Airman, or Sailor until they have graduated AND been commissioned or completed IET.  Until that time, they are not actually serving; it's as if they're in a long-term and extensive version of Basic Training.

However, it should be noted that officers from military institutions are very well-respected (provided that they act accordingly) among enlisted personnel and NCOs (non-commissioned officers).  Provided that someone treats me respectfully and knows what s/he's talking about, I, as an NCO, am happy to salute and follow that individual's direction.