Why Should You Join ROTC? | Pros & Cons Explained

[@SamEckholm]

For those interested in joining the Air Force as an officer, outside of ROTC, another great route you can take is attending the U.S. Air Force Academy. It's a 4-year tuition free university that also graduates the most amount of pilots every year. I'm so excited to announce the release of my online course called The Air Force Academy Blueprint! I cover everything you need to do to prepare, apply, and survive the Air Force Academy. You'll have access to over 60+ video lessons, downloadable resources and checklists, access to a private community of other applicants, and so much more. Sign up here: www.academyblueprint.com/

[@bamaboy741]

The best piece of advise one of my cadre members ever gave my class: “Don’t major in ROTC”. There were a ton of cadets in my grade year that were fantastic in ROTC, but they were neglecting their grades. They are not officers today because of this. Remember at the end of the day, you need your bachelors degree to earn your commission.

[@SamEckholm]

Great Advice

[@fmni1]

I've heard cases about this. That cadets became too obssed with rotc too where they were doing worst on their classes.

[@roadhouse6999]

They tell you not to major in ROTC, then get mad when you can't come reorganize the connex on thursday afternoon because you have too much homework.

[@MrMaximus366]

@@roadhouse6999 Yeah I just turned into an AS500 cuz of that. I got harrassed constantly because I would skip "optional training" because of my classes. Diamond gives really great advice that I passed on to my incoming 100's.

[@roadhouse6999]

@@MrMaximus366 What branch/school says "AS" instead of "MS" and says the full "hundred" instead of 1, 2, 3, 4, and -washout- MS5?

[@scoopem1]

I find out next Tuesday if I get the AFROTC Scholarship!! Edit: I GOT IT!!!!

[@JEDreal]

Good luck!

[@SamEckholm]

GOOD LUCK!!

[@linoderos5771]

Good luck man!

[@spongebob7651]

You got this !

[@averypeterson6956]

Bro same I hope we both get it.

[@aarontarpinian6531]

I’m currently in my Freshman year of AFROTC and currently loving it. This video is literally an exact description of ROTC. Great info for people who might want to apply.

[@mizmo]

Is the selection process to join AFROTC competitive, or can anyone sign up?

[@fraz6077]

Det 930 baby lets get it

[@thecoolchipys]

@@mizmo If you have a pulse you'll get into AFROTC. It gets more competitive starting your 2nd year.

[@justing2150]

He didn't make it clear, do you do field training instead of Basic?

[@thecoolchipys]

@@justing2150 Yes, two weeks in the summer at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in between your sophomore and junior year.

[@ohdaegi]

I was also ROTC in south korea and I'm discharged as lieutenant! always thx for america's sacrifice in the korea war. we go together!!

[@christopherlue9096]

🇰🇷🇺🇸💪🏻

[@smithragsdale8787]

Thanks for staying strong and defending against the communists! 🇰🇷 🇺🇸 💪

[@palathaxx]

🇰🇷🇺🇸

[@mike.b.beltran]

My favorite and most encouraging 4 years in my 20 years in the Air Force was being part of the AFROTC Cadre. I enjoyed seeing high school kids become leaders. Had I known about this program, I would’ve pursued this route. Thanks for sharing!

[@mike.b.beltran]

Looking at your B-roll of the cadets I think I saw some familiar faces.

[@4Tangemans]

My son is finishing his freshman year in AFROTC and he has flourished. With COVID locking down campuses, it was a great way for him to make friends and become part of a team instead of sitting alone in a dorm room. He has to manage his time closely and balance ROTC with his other classes but I am so impressed with the positive impact it has had on him this past school year.

[@kylekullin2520]

do you like Tom Petty?

[@mlstrib]

Great to hear. Hope he is doing well.

[@SamEckholm]

2024 AFROTC Updates: - All Field Training graduates are guaranteed a 2-yr scholarship. - All 4-yr scholarships are now 100% tuition/fees, regardless of location. - Any scholarship can be converted to a $10K/yr stipend for on-campus housing. - Full-time graduate (Masters/PhD) students may participate in AFROTC. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them below. 👇🏼

[@SamEckholm]

@@Realpilotboyy Make sure to check out my video on the Air Force Academy!

[@SamEckholm]

@@vapouredits5696 You can take part in the first 2 years, however to commission as an Officer in the U.S. Military you do need to be a citizen.

[@paytonzerkle65]

Do you rank up after you graduate from the academy or do you stay an officer

[@SamEckholm]

@CHRISTIAN HARMAN yep apply at the same time. It’s look good on both applications too. Makes you stand out because you’re interested in becoming an officer no matter what route you take

[@SamEckholm]

@@paytonzerkle65 yep

[@TheCmcyclist]

I finished ROTC decades ago for the Army. It was a great experience. I chose not to go active duty and resigned my commission before the second gulf war. Sadly 8 years of reserve duty was not as awesome as ROTC. But the training and friendships during ROTC classes, including basic, advanced courses and the subsequent officer basic course was well worth the experience.

[@eclipsesmind7950]

Wait so do I have to enlist after college or can I just resign after ROTC

[@tadeuszlufik]

ROTC was a commitment but it wont ruin your 'college experience' if you know how to balance priorities. Remember what it preps you for - a legit job with good benefits and a community out the door with people your age. Self sufficiency and a path to making $ and having pretty much everything else provided for you is a more than legitimate tradeoff. Different career field in the USAF incur different commitments after you graduate and you influence your own destiny starting with how well you do in ROTC. ROTC is a much more enjoyable balance than the Academy.

[@kevinbergeman4069]

To expand on the ROTC video, you really should talk about the differences between the programs at the 6 Senior Military Colleges/Universities (Texas A&M, VMI, The Citadel, North Georgia, Virginia Tech, Norwich) and normal ROTC.

[@hoofgripweightlifting6872]

Norwich Grad here. I agree.

[@dangerdavedestroyerofdomai6991]

MTI: "We have the highest standards for PT" Angry Cops: *dies

[@Born2Losenot2win]

That nearly killed me from laughter

[@landenconner4462]

I was recently awarded a full-ride Army ROTC scholarship. Planning to major in biochemistry and extremely excited to see where the military takes me!

[@eagles2249]

Oooo. I bet you will end up in some very interesting work if you end up getting in legit military bio work

[@landenconner4462]

@@eagles2249 I sure hope so…

[@sammitchell1924]

I’m a present senior in highschool and was thinking about doing rotc as well. I wanted to know how you are liking rotc as a whole and also what some of the other rotc members are majoring in. Sorry about the questions but I’m worried about my future

[@landenconner4462]

@@sammitchell1924 I don’t know what happened to my previous response , but I wanted to tell you that, as a sophomore, ROTC has been going well, and I just got back from the once-a-semester FTX weekend. We got 4 hours of sleep the first night and 6.5 the second (oof), but the land navigation, and operations were great! We call it “embracing the suck,” so yes, it is challenging, but the challenge will make you a tougher, better officer and human being. The cadre you have determines a lot, and I am fortunate with mine. The camaraderie between your fellow cadets is also really tight due to the collective struggles and victories.

[@learningwithlanden]

@@sammitchell1924 This is where I talk about my ROTC experiences if you want to learn more…

[@luisreyrivera5006]

Production was clean and information was worth a sub, I’m definitely checking out the scholarship options

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks dude!

[@lucesalome7287]

Due to you I’m actually considering joining the AAF and I’m not even American just because I feel like you create a great example that you don’t need to be a pilot or a soldier in Iraq, Thanks! And keep up the great work

[@meonlydanielle]

Additional info about changing majors or losing your scholarship, if you decide after your first year that you hate the AF or your major, then you are let go free and clear. If you start your second year (and accept that money), and then change your mind... you have to pay the AF back. I always recommend apply and give it a shot, but don't wait too long to decide.

[@AsianSensation245]

As a USNA grad and a current NROTC Advisor, this was a solid breakdown for ROTC as a whole. Good video with great info! If anyone is interested in checking out the ROTC program, I would highly recommend emailing the ROTC unit at the University of which you wish to attend and get in contact with their staff to assist with questions/concerns about the program. Each unit is going to be slightly different from one another for various reasons (size, location, resources, staff/student intent, etc). This is just one of my biggest recommendations.

[@TCGriswold_ICXC]

Very informative. I'm an ROTC grad, but later taught at the Air Force Academy for four years. Pros and cons to each program for sure.

[@AyeshaKhan-ky5so]

ROTC, itself is 4 years right? Then why do we again need 4 years in Airforce academy after graduating?

[@lenoirsolo1978]

He was a teacher not an attendee.

[@rileymcdonough2942]

Great content, I remember you were a guest discussing what I believe it was the F-35 to me and our CAP Fredericksburg squadron. You really helped me with understanding USAFA and I m now choosing which summer seminar date. Thank you keep up the great work.

[@SamEckholm]

I'm glad! I appreciate the support.

[@AmberKuunani]

I’m currently enlisted and looking and applying to the rotc program! Your videos are always helpful and top notch quality! Thank you for another informative and high quality video, sir !

[@yan_4523]

Im currently doing JROTC to hopefully get accepted on OTS after collage to accomplish my goal of becoming a pilot on USAF

[@SamEckholm]

Best of luck!

[@captainthez6532]

I want to become pilot too

[@yan_4523]

@@SamEckholm Thank you so much, the demo team is definitly one of my inspirations to Accomplish my goal

[@yan_4523]

@@captainthez6532 wish you luck brother

[@maxmikkelsen166]

your best bet is doing ROTC in college. It can be pretty tough to get a pilot slot from OTS

[@Legbookformer]

I'm actually heavily considering ROTC assuming I don't get into West Point's class of 2026, so what you talked about in this video is very helpful for me, thanks!

[@MrReplay2]

@Cristian Vintimilla did you get in

[@MrReplay2]

did you get in

[@Zach.3246]

How’d it go?

[@umerchohan2499]

ROTC is a great opportunity for anyone, but if you don’t take it seriously and are glorified by the free college idea, you’re not truly interested. Like anything, nothing is free, you’re going to be constantly on edge about keeping your gpa up, or your fitness ability. Work hard enough to survive that, it’s truly is incredible at the end. I considered it as a high schooler before college but I had other scholarships and plus, my major was really difficult to begin with and I don’t think I would be able to keep up. It does without a doubt help a lot of people and has changed a lot of people too.

[@phrog408]

I have been always been wanting to attend a AFROTC program ever since 4th grade. I am now a freshman and it has all been one big waiting game for me so far.

[@justinhogenauer317]

Sam definitely did his hw on this vid. As a current AS300 AFROTC cadet on an in-college Type-2 scholarship, all his information is accurate to my experience. Great video! Sam, Can you do a video on the AF Special Operations career fields? 🙏🏼👀

[@SamEckholm]

Appreciate it! May have to haha

[@richs6205]

Your explanations are very clear and thorough. Well done presentation on all counts.

[@SamEckholm]

I appreciate that!

[@josiahsmith7885]

Hello :) I would like to start by saying, thank you so much for making the content you do and for providing this invaluable information. I had been considering joining the Air Force because of my high interests in Aerospace Engineering and because I have been unsure whether or not I'll be able to pay for college. But I was extremely unsure and a little insecure about it all. When I started to look up information about the Air Force and how ROTC works, most, if not all of the actually helpful videos came from you! I've been watching your videos for a few months now, and you have no idea how much I appreciate your videos. Almost exclusively because of your content, I have had all my questions about joining and the process answered, and I now can confidently say that I will for sure be joining the AFROTC this fall when I start college! In fact, now, I am absolutely looking forward to joining, and I can't wait for the adventure to begin! You have done an amazing job portraying all sides (the great opportunities and the tough aspects) of a choice for the Air Force and I just wanted to give a quick thank you for reinforcing me and informing me in the best way possible. This channel has been absolutely invaluable for me the past few months, and I can't wait to experience it for myself, and one day be able to share my experience just like you are now. Please do keep up making content about the Air Force, and just know that your work on KZbin means a LOT to people like me. Keep up the good work!

[@clinthinrichs9910]

Currently a Sophomore on scholarship in AFROTC, going for a pilot slot but you've made me consider PA if I go non-rated. Going to use this video for future reference for others!

[@isaiahgee4622]

Thank you officer Eckholm for all this information. Both parents have served as enlisted , Air Force and it has made an impression on me . Looking forward to serve the country

[@definitelyhuman3512]

This is a really nice video, I'm not even out of highschool, and I hope I don't change my mind, but my plans are to eventually get Into the navy's ROTC at the college I live by. This really gave a lot of information, thank you!

[@SamEckholm]

Best of luck!

[@definitelyhuman3512]

@@SamEckholm thank you!

[@user-uz5ib8el4j]

Was watching your videos around junior, senior year of high school i didn't know what to do afterwards but i knew i wanted to go to college found out the nearest College that has ROTC. It's been a ride as of now im a AS100 its tough but should be worth it. Ill come and update as move up, been studying hard for the AFOQT wish me luck! And thankyou for the insight 😊

[@jakemerchant950]

Dad did AFROTC at UNH, graduated in '92, and then spent the next 25 years of his life flying F16's, MQ-1s, & MQ-9s, overseeing ISR, and lecturing idiot Army brass in Iraq & Afganistan on how he and his could do their jobs better than they ever could. Col. James S. Merchant (Ret.), USAF, 1992-2017.

[@jdouthit24]

ROTC has been a great experience for me. I commission in May!

[@jayalexandria4017]

Did you start as a freshman? Was it a smooth process?

[@jdouthit24]

@@jayalexandria4017 Yes, was awarded the ICSP as a AS100.

[@chris.magnum]

This is the best comprehensive overview of AFROTC I’ve found! Way to go Sam!

[@OldManPaul]

Nice work Sam! It's nice to have all the information available today that we didn't have 30+ years ago. Keep up the good work.

[@simpleacorn3481]

Im hoping to just go to the USAFA, but I'm definitely making ROTC a backup plan. Currently I'm in an army JROTC program and its a lot of fun, even with all the chair force jokes that I have to deal with.

[@kaydenchan7093]

Fun Fact: you can transfer or reapply to the Academy if you are in an ROTC. Also, you can switch branches, like if I am in a Army ROTC, I can go to the Naval Academy or Air Force Academy.

[@theprominence2368]

Thanks Sam I really want to become an officer in the airforce and I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and I want to thank you for all you do for those who want to join I’m about to enroll in JROTC at my Highschool and I’m excited

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks dude! Best of luck

[@ricaesquivel5538]

Going to college this fall joining the AFROTC program. Unfortunately I didn’t qualify for a scholarship, but the in-college scholarship is my goal the entirety of my freshman year! Honestly I’m very excited on what AFROTC has to offer to me. I hope to become a well-rounded person by the end of it though. Thanks for the informative video, there were some questions I still had but your video answered all of them. :D

[@dragoncarver5341]

Nailed it. I wish I had a reciter who spelled it out that clearly...I was ROTC, Type 7, @Michigan now an f16 pilot.

[@ascarixv3765]

How hard is the process for someone with absolutely no aviation background?

[@louisthole5911]

Are you talking about getting into Rotc or getting a pilot spot?

[@ascarixv3765]

Louis Thole if you are referring to my comment, I meant getting a pilot slot and successfully becoming a pilot

[@louisthole5911]

@@ascarixv3765 the process of getting a pilot slot with no aviation background is pretty tough. You'll need to work hard to get the best grades, commanders's rank, physical scores, and test scores. alot of the test scores depend on aviation knowledge. I would reccomend taking a few flight lessons and probably even try to take a pilot ground school before you go into the pilot application process.

[@jacobaparicio1812]

I want to join Army ROTC but I'm a bit nervous because as a Highschool senior I am not the most physically fit person but I'm trying my hardest to beat the struggle and gett better and better every day.

[@mychinanigans5993]

You should do it! I joined the army without being fit. It helped a lot!

[@berrynice5687]

All you need it the motivation buddy, an you will achieve your goal. Good luck 👍

[@jacobaparicio1812]

@@berrynice5687 thanks man

[@GTBANNA]

When I joined AROTC in college I was also not very physically fit, but I was able to work at it, and now I am in great shape. Just keep working at it, as long as you don’t give up you will reach your goals. The army doesn’t expect you to be a pt stud as an MS1, as long as you show improvement the army will be happy.

[@721gamegona7]

Im glad ROTC helps in that cause next year in 10th grade Im joining JROTC.

[@SamEckholm]

JROTC is awesome too! Best of luck.

[@721gamegona7]

@@SamEckholm Thank You!!

[@Drewinsk]

@@721gamegona7 Your lucky we dont have jrotc where I am:( We do have Civil Air Patrol though.

[@721gamegona7]

@@Drewinsk Thats something I wanted to join when I was in middle school but I hope your schools puts the program.

[@morganbangs2969]

Im in afjrotc and ive put a lot into it and ive got a lot from it. Im the command chief and its a lot of stress, but ive worked my butt off for it and im proud.

[@edwardcook7673]

Take Engineering and take the ROTC scholarship. When you get your commission you will end up working with fine and excellent people. I made the mistake of not taking the scholarship but took a commission in the Navy. ‘79 Chemical Engineering Manhattan College. I worked two part time jobs to get through college. I would like to thank Admiral Rickover for taking me in and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.

[@joshthalheimer]

This is an excellent, very informative summary. Thank You Sam.

[@mathguy8685]

Current AS200 who (somehow) just got a nonrated EA. Great video and explanation of what it takes to get through AFROTC. Edit: Rising 400 now, also they've moved Field Training back to Maxwell.

[@juliandeveaux2848]

Thank you, helped a lot, good information.

[@FighterJetOfDoom]

For all my fellow teens out there who want to join the Air Force, I’d recommend seeing if your high school has AF JROTC. If it doesn’t, see if your area has a Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. Right now I just started as a CAP cadet as Airman Basic

[@elverde8087]

How many years were you in AFJROTC? I'm looking into the military with two yrs rotc

[@mizmo]

This video came at the perfect time, thank you

[@braydenselfe5223]

Thank you. I love your videos. You are helping me so much with my future. Keep up the great work.

[@SamEckholm]

Appreciate it!

[@snowrider9018]

Unfortunately I could not meet the standards to get an Air Force scholarship (me only receiving a 1110 when I needed a 1240) so I applied for an Army scholarship instead and received 3-year tuition R&B. Air Force and Army curriculum are different in terms of their respective customs and environment. But by no means are they different when it comes to cameraderie and respect for one another. I’m glad I joined Army ROTC. I learned a lot about myself and definitely humbled myself a few times coming out of my sophomore year in college. And there is no doubt that there are other soon-to-be-officers going through the same thing I am. Much respect to those pursuing ROTC, and good luck to you balancing this, your school life, and everything after. 🇺🇸

[@nathanmcnaughton7454]

Thinking about joining ROTC. Vid really helped and answered all my questions! Thank you!

[@codyjewett946]

I am actually a type 7 HSSP at Michigan Technological University's DET 400 and I love your videos man. Still waiting for FT21 selections to come down, but we're told they'll be soon. Air Power!

[@SamEckholm]

Appreciate the support! Best of luck to you 🙌🏼

[@omarcorrea758]

Honestly you are the best.i really lean a lot in this video

[@zackrodriguez9369]

I’m a senior, commissioning in May and have a type 2 scholarship. They do provide a room and board grant... at least at my school.

[@SamEckholm]

Well afrotc.com says otherwise haha. But hey that’s awesome you’re getting that benefit!

[@zackrodriguez9369]

@@SamEckholm You’re correct, my school pays room and board for cadets on scholarship. I always associated the room and board grant with ROTC. Anyways, great videos! Maybe I’ll see you out in the wild blue yonder!

[@robertswofford1161]

For anyone that was prior enlisted looking to do ROTC. The AS100 (Freshman) aero classes can be waived and depending on time served so can the AS200 (Sophomore) aero classes can as well, but the lab portion will still need to be taken. This will help with the course load especially when anyone goes into their field training prep year. Ask the cadre that are overseeing the program to see what the options are.

[@jeffreypaula2739]

Unfortunately I didn't know about this until it is too late. I'm 32 years old. Have a BS in Business (paid student loans) but would have enjoyed going to school for computer science major (I have a minor in CS) then become an officer. For now, i could settle with doing OTS for a business administration job. Maybe someday later I can get that highly desired STEM major. Possibly with GI bill after serving at least 4 years active duty

[@Iammarlonbrown]

You can go get your masters and join rotc in grad school

[@jeffreypaula2739]

​@@IammarlonbrownDidn't know this, might check it out.

[@gabrielkeene7226]

I was recently awarded the type 1 scholarship to study mathematics, which is super exciting! It’s nice not having to worry about how to pay for college. Thank you for making this video. While I’m obviously done applying, this would have been great resource for me when I was going through the application process and didn’t know very much about the program. I hope that those who are getting ready to apply find this!

[@christophervanasse9911]

Bro this is wild. I was searching for AFROTC videos and literally recognize the cadets in the thumbnail. You also seem familiar but I honestly don’t remember for certain. I was at Det 410 at St Thomas for one year in 2016 -17 but was removed from LEAD because I didn’t do well. Pretty sure I was the only cadet in the history of Det 410 to get removed. It was an amazing year but honesty I locked out a lot of those memories from my mind after getting removed bc I had a really tough time and several rough years after that. Lost my scholarship. Glad to see such an awesome video though, my little brother is graduating in a few years and I’m encouraging him to join ROTC in spite of me not making the cut.

[@arandomperson7141]

I plan to join AFROTC in college + I'm in AFJROTC rn! I'm so excited !

[@francisebbecke2727]

I did this. I took Army ROTC at the start of college in 1973. The draft ended that year. The Professor of Military Science called me in and offered me a three year scholarship telling me that it would increase my service obligation from two years to four years. I took the deal. After graduation I served one year at Fort Bliss, TX and three years at a Nike Hercules Air Defense site in North Germany during the Cold War. I joined the Army Reserve after this and earned a reserve retirement after age 60 which I now am receiving. It is not enough to live off but it is still nice to have. It complements other sources. The GI bill helped me get my master's degree. Overall it was a good deal for me. I can't say it is for everyone. I did get called to active service during Desert Storm in 1991 and Iraqi Freedom in 2003, but was not deployed overseas. If was had erupted between the Soviet Union and NATO I would have been in the thick of it. Life is not a risk free proposition. Also, the military does not have any more obnoxious personalities than other areas of life, but the military gives those there more opportunities for expression. You have to deal with that.

[@moxfyendal3789]

AS300/Junior in AFROTC here, if you have questions, reply and I'll get to your questions when I get the chance.

[@joshuawalker8585]

Yes more ROTC I needed that talk about air force topic

[@xinyingkong166]

Hey Sam, would you consider starting a podcast for these types of shows? Would love to be able to listen to it while commuting.

[@SamEckholm]

Maybe down the road! Hopefully you can still play this video and just blast it through your car speakers though haha

[@cars-berry7554]

Hey thank you for all the great information!! It brings me hope for my Air Force career. Here is a little bit of my story. I went to college and graduated with a bachelors in kinesiology. I took the officer test and didn't do that well. Then I enlisted in the Air Force. I joined at the end of 2018. So by the time I got to my base I was only there for a little while when covid hit. That definitely set a few things back with wanted to apply to OTS and that was okay. Sometimes you have to go with whatever life throws at you. I took the officer test again and passed! I'm taking the TBAS soon. I also just tested for Staff Sargent; hopefully that E to O pay will be nice when I do commission! You could also inform everyone about the Rated Preparatory program that is hosted I think twice a year. I am going to apply to that and to the next Officer board whenever that will be. If going OTS doesn't work I could always try ROTC. ^_^

[@fmni1]

This is something interesting if anyone is going to Army ROTC or just any ROTC and you are transferring from a CC. ROTC does not require you to take the SAT or ACT for you to be able to be eligible to get the scholarships or apply for the program. But it requires you to do Community college and transfer but if you do 2 years and transfer. You will be able to qualify for the full benefits. Even though it does say it's required, it's mostly targeting students that have graduated HS. It's pretty neat imo.

[@spencermakanui]

I’m a sophomore in highschool and i’m seriously considering Airforce ROTC, thanks for the informational vid!

[@louisthole5911]

same

[@PitCrewDan]

I do Navy ROTC at Northwestern and its a very rewarding yet challenging experience but I’m excited to become a naval officer

[@scottbowman6663]

Awesome intel Sam. Thanks for a clear explanation

[@carolinemiani1242]

Thank you so much for this video! So helpful!

[@joeyheil5982]

I was in navy rotc and I loved it

[@sueandpatrick]

Thank you, Sam! Great info!

[@DaHonuOhana]

Aloha Sam. Thanks for the informative video. It helped Naomi and I understand what Calista is signing up for. I hope everything is going well for you and your family. Tell them we said hi.

[@SamEckholm]

So great to hear from you!! Wish you guys all the best. Looking forward to the wedding!!

[@zander2437]

I got an NROTC scholarship and I will be starting school in the fall

[@marcuse7261]

Congratulations I’m looking into obtaining the scholarship as well. I’m class of 22 rn but do you have any tips?

[@zander2437]

@@marcuse7261 Get as good of grades possible, good ACT/SAT scores, be involved in sports and clubs, I did varsity cross country/track, National Honors Society, other volunteer stuff; stay focused, stay out of trouble

[@zander2437]

@@marcuse7261 I also took 4 AP classes, I would have taken more but got kind of lazy

[@marcuse7261]

@@zander2437 ok cool are u a marine option?

[@zander2437]

@@marcuse7261 No, just the navy option

[@kameronjohnson5717]

Great and well explained video!

[@jjhhpak9927]

Wow i am korean army officer. This video is outstanding for student. My country must follow this program and increase marketing budget.

[@Scorch1man]

I'm about to go into my sophomore year in high school, and I plan to hopefully do AFROTC when I get into college, I'm determined to pursue a pilot slot and I do not care how hard it is, I will try my best and work hard enough to get that pilot slot.

[@reignepineda6530]

Thank you for making these great videos.

[@flaps4038]

I just joined Civil Air Patrol, and I LOVE IT!!

[@sadsader100yearsago9]

Same

[@jayalexandria4017]

This video was very helpful, well organized, and explained accurately. I’m already in college! I didn’t know about the in-college scholarship or the nursing one! Thank you. I’m 25 and thought the cut off was 26(or slightly older) for some reason. Are these ROTC requirements same for all branches?

[@SamEckholm]

They should be!

[@stephencross458]

Hey! Great video! I’m currently at my home in Colorado and I’m considering the military. After getting some counseling and help from other people I know that were in the military, Air Force ROTC might be the way to go for me. First of all, I think the best thing is to talk to a recruiter and kinda give me some tips on how to do that. There is no greater honor and privilege than to serve our country! Now I know that rotc has some “boot camp” type training, but I’ve heard it’s somewhat easier, less weeks than actually bmt, and a little less stress, yet you still wanna be prepared. Is that true? I wanna be the best person I can be, to grow and learn, and to help others in the armed forces.

[@ninamccormack3520]

Speaking as someone who was in AFROTC with a technical scholarship, I would add that changing from technical to non-technical is impossible. It is not that there is a slight chance that you can change. You simply will not be allowed to because the Air Force is investing in you under the assumption that you will be a stem major. I requested to switch from mathematics to history and was denied, despite input and help from my cadre. The Air Force is primarily a stem-based branch and puts a lot of emphasis on stem majors. Keep this in close consideration as you choose what type of scholarship you want to apply for.

[@avestuart]

I joined AFROTC in the early '90s with long hair nearly down to my waist. I looked like I should have been in Soundgarden rather than the military. I had been flying airplanes by that point and already had my private pilot license and instrument rating so naturally I wanted to try for an Undergraduate Pilot Training slot in the Air Force. The Cadre allowed me to keep my hair, which I wore in a loooong ponytail, for as long as they could until I had to get into uniform. There was a recently discharged enlisted Navy sailor in the program, I remember him saying, "man, there's NO WAY i'd have cut all of that hair for THIS". I thought that was both funny and ominous. Alas, I wasn't going to get a UPT slot in the Air Force so I went Army and ended-up in the Warrant Officer Flight Training program. I still have my ponytail today, saved in a box somewhere :)

[@kenhahn6173]

This only addresses full time military commitment and does not address the Army or Air National Guard options. ANG benefits are dependent on what your state offers, but some states pay for your full tuition and fees, for a 6 year National Guard commitment. This means that if you complete basic and AIT, are in college for 4years, and you are in ROTC during this time, you are able to earn nearly $1400/month in compensation in addition to your tuition and fees paid. Put all of this together and the $1400/mo could pay room and board. This is college for free and if you maintain good grades, pick the right MOS for ANG, and graduate, you could be eligible for OCS and an officer commission in the National Guard for your state. This also allows for young people to determine if full time military service is right for them, and provides them a significant leg up over most other cadets. Look into the specifics for ANG for your state, as the state legislature and governor have control over the level of benefits to ANG members.

[@bisonaviation1217]

I Love Your Videos Sam.

[@roselove6720]

I’m in A.FJROTC at my high school it’s fun I enjoy it a lot 😊

[@tbuxt3992]

Got my type 7 scholarship a few weeks ago! (Idk how but I managed to get it for liberal arts)

[@Arcinsaw]

Awesome stuff!

[@itsalwaysrainingwhereistay]

Great video ❤

[@benjaelee]

How does ROTC work when you want to work in the medical field and need to go to another 4 years of schooling? Do you just do ROTC and instead of going to the military, you just go to medical or dental school?

[@SamEckholm]

That’s correct!

[@charlipez]

Damn this is a lot of stuff. I hope I stay on track so I can become a pilot!

[@ejones1788]

I am about to do jrotc and hopefully accomplish my goal of being special ops

[@ejones1788]

Or be pilot, it's one of those 2

[@elit77]

Very good video!

[@ww6609]

AFROTC is the way to become a USSF Officer as well at this time. Constantly changing though. There is also USMCROTC as well so you know. CU Boulder is where Colorado ROTC tend to meet.

[@tykeener]

Why didn’t YOU want to become a pilot? Just wondering, I still think your job is awesome and seems very fun.

[@SamEckholm]

Eh I figured there’s enough talented people out there serving as pilots and thought I could best serve in another job like public affairs

[@HyperzonYT]

@@SamEckholm How do I become an air force photographer? I love Aviation and Photography. I would love to take that route.

[@libbykershaw9327]

@@HyperzonYT a bit ago I was looking at their career website. And well looking at the website I noticed that being a photographer was considered an enlisted job, but I think there was a similar officer like job. So I would say to take a look at the Air Force website, and/or schedule a meeting with one of the recruiters.

[@HyperzonYT]

@@libbykershaw9327 alright, thanks.

[@adainpeardon4040]

@@SamEckholm I’m going into rotc and I’m 200 pounds ima have a heart attack

[@Eepareep]

this helps alot

[@thedakotahurley]

Great video man. I’m a prior-enlisted airman. I’ve been out for almost 6 years. Now I’m looking to go ROTC to become an officer - and hopefully a pilot. After all, you’re an officer first, right? I’m 27 now. Anything I should be aware of as far as how my enlisted performance affects me getting accepted into ROTC? I have an honorable discharge but have a couple LOCs for being late and miscellaneous 18-year-old-airman discrepancies.

[@joshuaandino]

Considering commissioning as an officer is competitive, I think what the military should do is allow those with college degrees and decide to join to graduate from boot camp as an e4 or e5 in the Army, Navy or Air Force (e3 for Marines)

[@koukiiii.]

I really inspired in your every video thank you

[@weenie0711]

Can you also make an video on how to get into the air force academy, I'm not sure if something you work up to or apply for.

[@SamEckholm]

Yah so really all the info you need is at academyadmissions.com

[@weenie0711]

It says you can't join to air force academy after 23 ! I am 18 now enlisting for services for 4 years and shipping in 2 months. I'm unsure if I'll be 23 or 24 after my 4 years is up. If so what is best way you think I should do to become officer eventually?

[@SamEckholm]

@@weenie0711 you can apply to the academy while enlisted and before your contract is up. It’s called the LEAD program.

[@tenaciousjoda8605]

@@weenie0711 Officer training school

[@tadeuszlufik]

@@weenie0711 OTS or ROTC if you use your GI Bill to go to school once youre done with your enlistment. Once youre in though, youll learn the ropes.