My son is thinking about Air Force ROTC, any thoughts about it?

Question

He is a transfer to a Tech school from a CC.

Answer 1

ROTC? In a Tech school? I didn't think the opportunity was offered even in a city college. ROTC is usually a way to work into the military as an officer, to get some or all or your tuition paid towards a 4-year degree, and to learn a little about the service.

Be that is it may, if he's set on that branch, he'll likely want to go for an engineering degree -- such as aeronautical engineering.

Addendum:

No pitfalls that I know of. But an AA degree is pretty much useless in the military except to give an enlisted guy about a six-month lead on those without any degree at all.

I'd recommend your son get in touch with a 4-year college for which he can qualify, talk with their engineering department, and, if ROTC is his goal, whomever is in charge of that, and find out what courses are best for him to take to prepare for their school. This shows initiative (something some of the branches like in their officers), and drive (something colleges and the military like to see in their applicants). Bu your son has to do the legwork himself.

Answer 2

I think it's a good move.  

Answer 3

Think Marines!

Answer 4

The good thing about ROTC is you may attend the first two years without incurring a commitment.  There are also academic scholarships available.  How much on an active duty service commitment he will incur upon graduation depends on what he wants to do: for non-flying careers it's normally 4 years; pilot is 10 and nav is 5.

Whatever he decides to do he should not follow the advice of, "apply for what's open, then you can cross-train".  Cross-training for officers happens extremely rarely: most commonly from non-flying to flying.

If he has questions, please have him PM me