Originally Posted by
LukeAmadeus
Tweet, thanks for the response. I think that's a really great idea. How do you find ROTC to be an easier route? I am very interested in getting a masters in Geology, and I want to pick up some kind of engineering too, like aeronautical engineering. I really don't know where to begin looking for these things — any recommendations?
Also, I suppose as a grad student they'll at least pay me something to live on, right? and also for teaching? I'm used to a full-time job right now, and I have a few bills to pay so I will need some income.
But, I suppose in AFROTC they'll pay for my masters degree, right? Whatever info people have on this, I'd love to hear it.
Also: how do I guarantee a flight slot through ROTC?
Let me preface this by saying I am fairly out of touch with ROTC, but my understanding is UPT slots for AD are programmed based on the knowns at the time when a particular class enters USAFA or gets contracted (2 to 4 years prior to commission) depending on scholarship, type of slot and so forth for ROTC folks. Along the course of going to school, things happen due to sports injuries, other medical DQs, academic failings and a mryiad of other reasons to quit school to render people ineligible for UPT. Because OTS is such a short process relatively speaking, their slots fluctuate based on the needs of the service. If we are having a big buildup like President Reagan did and the needs of the service exceed the number of ROTC grads, then OTS spots will be fairly easy to get. If we are in a drawdown and they are closely examining eye tests, heart murmurs and GPAs for USAFA/ROTC guys, then the Yeagers and Steve Canyons of the world don't have much of a chance to get in via OTS. ROTC is going to get some pilot slots. By going back for another degree, you get the chance to compete via the ROTC program.
I don't remember enough about the ROTC program to even describe the two year or the four year process here. Your best bet is to go see the ROTC detachment at your closest university. These folks are usually very informative and very soft sale, because ultimately ROTC is an elective at first.
Good luck