Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 15:51     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, I agree that if your kid isn’t totally committed to the idea, the academies are probably a bad fit. But that doesn’t mean they need to drop the process now. It doesn’t hurt to keep going and give some time to consider it.

I’m surprised at the “all or nothing” attitude about ROTC, however. As others have pointed out, ROTC would provide a middle ground that can give a lot of the benefits while also having a more mainstream college experience and more flexibility to drop the program without disruption to their academics if your kid decides they aren’t 100% invested in it.

If your kid is wishy-washy about the academies, ROTC seems like a reasonable foot in the door without as much commitment. What is it about ROTC that makes it an absolute no-go vs the academies?




The school where dc will likely end up does not have ROTC. and as others said, there is no comparison to the academies. Fwiw dc has plenty of background on the academies, and is not going in blind whatsoever at all


But it seems like if his ultimate goal is to be a military officer, then they would be looking at schools with ROTC as an alternative. The fact that he is not suggests to me that he likes the service academy more for the prestige than for the ultimate result of becoming a military officer. Which suggests that maybe it’s not the right fit.
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 15:43     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
A SA gives you a leg up as an officer but you just need a college degree. If they want a SA, great, but if not I wouldn't do ROTC if you can afford college and just have them get a degree and go in as an officer so they owe nothing.
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 15:25     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, I agree that if your kid isn’t totally committed to the idea, the academies are probably a bad fit. But that doesn’t mean they need to drop the process now. It doesn’t hurt to keep going and give some time to consider it.

I’m surprised at the “all or nothing” attitude about ROTC, however. As others have pointed out, ROTC would provide a middle ground that can give a lot of the benefits while also having a more mainstream college experience and more flexibility to drop the program without disruption to their academics if your kid decides they aren’t 100% invested in it.

If your kid is wishy-washy about the academies, ROTC seems like a reasonable foot in the door without as much commitment. What is it about ROTC that makes it an absolute no-go vs the academies?




The school where dc will likely end up does not have ROTC. and as others said, there is no comparison to the academies. Fwiw dc has plenty of background on the academies, and is not going in blind whatsoever at all

Ok, so there’s no comparison of ROTC to the academies, but he isn’t sure he *wants* the academies.

It’s unclear to me what is sort of maybe appealing about the academies but not appealing enough to be certain he wants to go, that some of what he likes couldn’t be gotten from ROTC with less commitment.

But whatever. You and he seem far more committed to “no ROTC” than committed to the academies. Good luck with whatever he chooses.


Omg you’re a freak. Why are you so angry about what an 18 year old kid wants or doesn’t want?? So so weird. Kids have preferences. Why do you care?

I’m not at all angry, although you seem so. I *am* confused but what seems to be an irrational line in the sand, but it’s your (and/or his) choice. As I said, good luck with the decision, either way.
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 14:49     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, I agree that if your kid isn’t totally committed to the idea, the academies are probably a bad fit. But that doesn’t mean they need to drop the process now. It doesn’t hurt to keep going and give some time to consider it.

I’m surprised at the “all or nothing” attitude about ROTC, however. As others have pointed out, ROTC would provide a middle ground that can give a lot of the benefits while also having a more mainstream college experience and more flexibility to drop the program without disruption to their academics if your kid decides they aren’t 100% invested in it.

If your kid is wishy-washy about the academies, ROTC seems like a reasonable foot in the door without as much commitment. What is it about ROTC that makes it an absolute no-go vs the academies?




The school where dc will likely end up does not have ROTC. and as others said, there is no comparison to the academies. Fwiw dc has plenty of background on the academies, and is not going in blind whatsoever at all

Ok, so there’s no comparison of ROTC to the academies, but he isn’t sure he *wants* the academies.

It’s unclear to me what is sort of maybe appealing about the academies but not appealing enough to be certain he wants to go, that some of what he likes couldn’t be gotten from ROTC with less commitment.

But whatever. You and he seem far more committed to “no ROTC” than committed to the academies. Good luck with whatever he chooses.


Omg you’re a freak. Why are you so angry about what an 18 year old kid wants or doesn’t want?? So so weird. Kids have preferences. Why do you care?


Not the pp, but there are some applicants who chase prestige and aren't actually interested in being military officers. Someone with no interest in ROTC if they decline an Academy appointment seems to fit this mold. Not a lot of patience in the SA world for this type...
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 12:29     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, I agree that if your kid isn’t totally committed to the idea, the academies are probably a bad fit. But that doesn’t mean they need to drop the process now. It doesn’t hurt to keep going and give some time to consider it.

I’m surprised at the “all or nothing” attitude about ROTC, however. As others have pointed out, ROTC would provide a middle ground that can give a lot of the benefits while also having a more mainstream college experience and more flexibility to drop the program without disruption to their academics if your kid decides they aren’t 100% invested in it.

If your kid is wishy-washy about the academies, ROTC seems like a reasonable foot in the door without as much commitment. What is it about ROTC that makes it an absolute no-go vs the academies?




The school where dc will likely end up does not have ROTC. and as others said, there is no comparison to the academies. Fwiw dc has plenty of background on the academies, and is not going in blind whatsoever at all

Ok, so there’s no comparison of ROTC to the academies, but he isn’t sure he *wants* the academies.

It’s unclear to me what is sort of maybe appealing about the academies but not appealing enough to be certain he wants to go, that some of what he likes couldn’t be gotten from ROTC with less commitment.

But whatever. You and he seem far more committed to “no ROTC” than committed to the academies. Good luck with whatever he chooses.


Omg you’re a freak. Why are you so angry about what an 18 year old kid wants or doesn’t want?? So so weird. Kids have preferences. Why do you care?
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 11:43     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
I’d encourage him to stick out the application process. He obv didn’t ED anywhere- so nothing to lose by finishing out his application. A congressional nomination does not mean he will be accepted. It simply means he is a qualified applicant. Let the decisions come out- for the academy and wherever he applied RD then have him decide.

I think it’s normal to have doubts. A lot of those doubts may be he feels like he won’t get accepted or is maybe bracing for the rejection so it doesn’t sting as much. Just let it play out and let the decision ultimately come from him.
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 11:39     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:and seem on the fence. Anyone btdt or in the process? If you don’t like military, Trump, Hegseth etc please move on.


Why?

Who in their right mind lets a child do this now?

You posted this question on a soical media platform zero privacy.

Shame on you for even having a consideration for your child to go to war against the American people and needless wars in other countries for a fascist dictator.


Have another Guinness, Rosie.



You don’t know what you are talking about. The academies and ROTC can be a fabulous opportunity - and often for lower class URMs and first generations who would never have a chance to go to college without it. I know middle class kids who went ROTC at USC (now $99k a year and unaffordable to the families) who were able to attend college, learned to fly and now make huge salaries as airline pilots. That would have never happened without the academies or ROTC


Middle class kids go to Ivys for free


Why do you keep focusing on "Ivies"? Give it a break already.


No one is focusing on Ivys. Just one of many example of how MC and first gen kids absolutely do not need to seek out a service academy to get “free” college. Many, many colleges will offer them very generous if not fully funded tuition assistance. An academy is hardly a middle class kid’s “only” opportunity at college
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 10:37     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:and seem on the fence. Anyone btdt or in the process? If you don’t like military, Trump, Hegseth etc please move on.


Why?

Who in their right mind lets a child do this now?

You posted this question on a soical media platform zero privacy.

Shame on you for even having a consideration for your child to go to war against the American people and needless wars in other countries for a fascist dictator.


Have another Guinness, Rosie.



You don’t know what you are talking about. The academies and ROTC can be a fabulous opportunity - and often for lower class URMs and first generations who would never have a chance to go to college without it. I know middle class kids who went ROTC at USC (now $99k a year and unaffordable to the families) who were able to attend college, learned to fly and now make huge salaries as airline pilots. That would have never happened without the academies or ROTC


Middle class kids go to Ivys for free


Why do you keep focusing on "Ivies"? Give it a break already.
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 10:15     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:and seem on the fence. Anyone btdt or in the process? If you don’t like military, Trump, Hegseth etc please move on.


Why?

Who in their right mind lets a child do this now?

You posted this question on a soical media platform zero privacy.

Shame on you for even having a consideration for your child to go to war against the American people and needless wars in other countries for a fascist dictator.


Have another Guinness, Rosie.



You don’t know what you are talking about. The academies and ROTC can be a fabulous opportunity - and often for lower class URMs and first generations who would never have a chance to go to college without it. I know middle class kids who went ROTC at USC (now $99k a year and unaffordable to the families) who were able to attend college, learned to fly and now make huge salaries as airline pilots. That would have never happened without the academies or ROTC


Middle class kids go to Ivys for free
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 10:01     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:and seem on the fence. Anyone btdt or in the process? If you don’t like military, Trump, Hegseth etc please move on.


Why?

Who in their right mind lets a child do this now?

You posted this question on a soical media platform zero privacy.

Shame on you for even having a consideration for your child to go to war against the American people and needless wars in other countries for a fascist dictator.


Have another Guinness, Rosie.



You don’t know what you are talking about. The academies and ROTC can be a fabulous opportunity - and often for lower class URMs and first generations who would never have a chance to go to college without it. I know middle class kids who went ROTC at USC (now $99k a year and unaffordable to the families) who were able to attend college, learned to fly and now make huge salaries as airline pilots. That would have never happened without the academies or ROTC


+1. Here are discussions of possible careers out of the Academies or ROTC. https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/careers-after-military-rotc-vs-academy.10390/
Anonymous
Post 01/04/2026 09:43     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, I agree that if your kid isn’t totally committed to the idea, the academies are probably a bad fit. But that doesn’t mean they need to drop the process now. It doesn’t hurt to keep going and give some time to consider it.

I’m surprised at the “all or nothing” attitude about ROTC, however. As others have pointed out, ROTC would provide a middle ground that can give a lot of the benefits while also having a more mainstream college experience and more flexibility to drop the program without disruption to their academics if your kid decides they aren’t 100% invested in it.

If your kid is wishy-washy about the academies, ROTC seems like a reasonable foot in the door without as much commitment. What is it about ROTC that makes it an absolute no-go vs the academies?




The school where dc will likely end up does not have ROTC. and as others said, there is no comparison to the academies. Fwiw dc has plenty of background on the academies, and is not going in blind whatsoever at all



If your kid truly wants a military career. not just 4 or 5 and out, then go to the academy it's the best option.
Anonymous
Post 01/03/2026 23:44     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, I agree that if your kid isn’t totally committed to the idea, the academies are probably a bad fit. But that doesn’t mean they need to drop the process now. It doesn’t hurt to keep going and give some time to consider it.

I’m surprised at the “all or nothing” attitude about ROTC, however. As others have pointed out, ROTC would provide a middle ground that can give a lot of the benefits while also having a more mainstream college experience and more flexibility to drop the program without disruption to their academics if your kid decides they aren’t 100% invested in it.

If your kid is wishy-washy about the academies, ROTC seems like a reasonable foot in the door without as much commitment. What is it about ROTC that makes it an absolute no-go vs the academies?




The school where dc will likely end up does not have ROTC. and as others said, there is no comparison to the academies. Fwiw dc has plenty of background on the academies, and is not going in blind whatsoever at all

Ok, so there’s no comparison of ROTC to the academies, but he isn’t sure he *wants* the academies.

It’s unclear to me what is sort of maybe appealing about the academies but not appealing enough to be certain he wants to go, that some of what he likes couldn’t be gotten from ROTC with less commitment.

But whatever. You and he seem far more committed to “no ROTC” than committed to the academies. Good luck with whatever he chooses.
Anonymous
Post 01/03/2026 23:38     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:and seem on the fence. Anyone btdt or in the process? If you don’t like military, Trump, Hegseth etc please move on.


Why?

Who in their right mind lets a child do this now?

You posted this question on a soical media platform zero privacy.

Shame on you for even having a consideration for your child to go to war against the American people and needless wars in other countries for a fascist dictator.


Have another Guinness, Rosie.



You don’t know what you are talking about. The academies and ROTC can be a fabulous opportunity - and often for lower class URMs and first generations who would never have a chance to go to college without it. I know middle class kids who went ROTC at USC (now $99k a year and unaffordable to the families) who were able to attend college, learned to fly and now make huge salaries as airline pilots. That would have never happened without the academies or ROTC
Anonymous
Post 01/03/2026 23:34     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, I agree that if your kid isn’t totally committed to the idea, the academies are probably a bad fit. But that doesn’t mean they need to drop the process now. It doesn’t hurt to keep going and give some time to consider it.

I’m surprised at the “all or nothing” attitude about ROTC, however. As others have pointed out, ROTC would provide a middle ground that can give a lot of the benefits while also having a more mainstream college experience and more flexibility to drop the program without disruption to their academics if your kid decides they aren’t 100% invested in it.

If your kid is wishy-washy about the academies, ROTC seems like a reasonable foot in the door without as much commitment. What is it about ROTC that makes it an absolute no-go vs the academies?




The school where dc will likely end up does not have ROTC. and as others said, there is no comparison to the academies. Fwiw dc has plenty of background on the academies, and is not going in blind whatsoever at all



Why do you conclude that? Most universities -USC, Harvard, UVA - have it.
Anonymous
Post 01/03/2026 22:13     Subject: Anyone with a dc applying to an academy? Dc received a congressional nom yesterday. But they’ve somewhat lost interest
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:ROTC sounds like it's a better option. It's a significant amount of work during college but you can leave the program at any time and you're still a student at the college, unlike the service academies. Many kids have a hard adjustment but end up sticking it out because they make friends in the program, etc.


We are aware of ROTC of course. Why do you think it’s a better option?


Because they can get the scholarship through rotc and still have a normal college experience. They can also quit rotc without transferring colleges, which sounds like it could be nice to have as an option since he’s not 100% all in. This keeps a commissioning option on the table without the same level of commitment.